FRIDAY:
>> The Spontaneous Infinity festival is a three night showcase of experimental music that kicked off at the Velvet Lounge this past Saturday, and continues there this weekend. Friday night’s lineup features Elliott Sharp, whose impressive resume features collaborations with diverse luminaries such as Mike Watt, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Nels Cline, as well as his own solo work on SST Records and John Zorn’s experimental label, Tzadik. Joining Sharp are Blaise Siwula/David Wilson/Toshi Makihara (sax/sax/percussion), Jaimie Branch/March Riordan (trumpet/percussion duo from Chicago), Thus (sax/inventions duo from Baltimore), and Nate Scheible & Matt Wascovich (Cleveland, drums/guitar). $15, 8 p.m.
>> Whether you’re a huge Pavement fan, or you just won’t miss a chance to see the hands-down best drummer in rock and roll today, or maybe you’re really into the solo career of Stephen Malkmus and his merry band of Jicks, the 9:30 Club is your destination tonight. The slacker godfather will be joined by John Vanderslice. Tickets are sold out, but Craigslist has some options. $20, doors at 9 p.m.
>> Tim Conlon and crew will be celebrating the closing of Conlon’s graffiti art installation at the Arlington Arts Center with a display of live painting from 3 to 8 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Pink Line Project‘s Philippa Hughes will be moderating a panel discussion with Conlon, fellow artist Susan Smith-Pinelo and National Portrait Gallery curator Jobyl A. Boone on Graffiti Art and the Influence of Hip Hop Culture. The event continues from 8 to 11 p.m. with a DJ, Video, Fashion, and Swag party.
>> Local jazz mainstay Allyn Johnson, a member of Three Stars alums The Young Lions, brings another of his groups, Divine Order, to Twins Jazz for 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $15.
>> The Raveonettes‘ latest record of sweet harmonies layered on top of dark, Velvet Underground-influenced guitar wash has been garnering solid reviews. The duo will bring their moody and often haunting sound to the Black Cat, with NYC psychedelic revivalists Black Acid. $15, 9 p.m.
>> Head on over to the Washington Monument to catch the 10 a.m. opening ceremony of the 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aside from the expected kite-flying kiddies, this year’s festival also includes demonstrations by Chinese kite masters, exhibitions of authentic Chinese kites, kite making booths, and a handmade kite competition. Eight hundred free kites will be given to children at the event, so if you don’t have your own kite or child, you may want to think about snagging one.
>> At Meat Market Gallery, D.C. artist and Corcoran professor Lisa Blas’ work examines contemporary American cultural identity through 19th century artifacts. Meat Market will be holding an artist talk on at 2 p.m. The Meet Me at the Mason Dixon exhibition closes Sunday.
>> As we reported last week, the Eels‘ Mark Oliver Everett has cheekily invited President Bush to stop by the band’s show at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue this weekend. But you’re invited, too! And without the sarcastic irony. $25, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY:
>> Recently we told you all about local jazzer Will Rast. Here’s a perfect opportunity to see him live along with his latest project, Funk Ark, an 11-piece ensemble that plays old school 60s and 70s style funk. The band will perform at Bossa Bistro & Lounge, which we also recently profiled. 10 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> The Andalusians and perennial DCist fave Carol Bui perform a show benefitting Girls Rock! DC, a non-profit like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls and other like minded organizations in locations around the country that sponsors a week-long music camp for girls 8-18, in an effort to push girls from a young age to challenge the persistent myth that guitars, amps, and drums are better left to boys. $8, 8 p.m., Black Cat Backstage.
>> The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus run at the Verizon Center ends today. Performances are at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 -$95, and are available online.
Photo by Mr. KS
The listed events were chosen by the editors of DCist and brought to you by the 2009 Toyota Corolla.
