FRIDAY:
>> The Howard Homecoming events could make an entire Weekend Picks feature by themselves, but don’t forget to consider some of the less publicized goings on we’re recommending as a way to enjoy the fun without the insane crowds.
>> Tickets are still available for the amazingly cheap (only $10!) Catalyst Theatre Company production of Kafka’s The Trial. Check out our review over here, and get your tickets — did we mention they’re only $10? — over here or at (800) 494-TIXS.
SATURDAY:
>> Crownsville sounds like a suitable place to have a Renaissance Festival, and this weekend is the last for Maryland’s version. The event takes place in a mock 16th-century English village built just outside outside Annapolis, complete with jousting, folks in Tudor costume, crafts, music, and Renaissance-y food like turkey legs. As for the fajitas, maybe somebody ate them in 16th-century Mexico. The event is great fun, but if you want to engage in combat, do it elsewhere — no weapons allowed. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, admission is $18 for adults and $12 for kids under 15.
>> If you missed out on tickets to see Stars at the 9:30 Club, who blew us away at the Black Cat in early 2006, head over to the latter venue to catch the solid local line-up at Middle Distance Runner‘s record release party, with The Dance Party *** and Hello Tokyo ***. $10, 9 p.m.
>> The graduates of a recent six-week stretch of burlesque classes taught by Kitty Victorian, dubbed “Burlesque University”, perform their “final exam” tonight at Palace of Wonders. The crowd is sure to be filled with friends of the performers, which should make the evening even more raucous than normal. $10, 10 p.m.
SUNDAY:
>> If you prefer your musicianship without any instruments, DC9 is the place for you on Sunday when they host DC Air Guitar. Prospective rockers can sign up or just watch the event, which will hopefully have some ridiculous costumes and rock faces. $5, 9 pm.
>> >> KuKu is a Nigerian-American who sings soul over acoustic guitar strumming, while Chris Ntaka is a South African who toured with Lucky Dube, and leads a band called Mahala that plays ‘70s style, bouncy South African jive. Check out a double bill with these D.C.-based Africans for free at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
Andrew Wiseman contributed. Photo of the Maryland Renaissance Festival by elf26.
