MUSIC: A strong night of local hip-hop at the Velvet Lounge. Slated to appear are Dr. Beckett, The Package, Peace Justice (a.k.a. DJ Eurok) and DJ Provoke. Presented free by Upset the Setup and Catalyst Skateboards, 9 p.m.

MOVIE: Gillo Pontecorvo’s classic The Battle of Algiers is a must-see for anyone interested in foreign policy and, more specifically, the lessons of imperialism. Shot in a stark, black and white documentary style, the film dramatizes Algeria’s war of independence against the French in the 1950s, and provides chilling insight into the mindset of freedom fighters willing to go any length to achieve their aims. Part of the Goethe Institut‘s Revolution is in the Streets: 1968 Film Series, 6:30 p.m., $6 for non-members, $4 for members.

JAZZ: Over at Bohemian Caverns, Three Stars alum Will Rast leads his 11-piece band, Funk Ark, through two sets. Tickets are $10, 8 and 10 p.m. sets.

READING: Mark Sarvas, founder of the popular literary blog The Elegant Variation, makes an appearance at Olsson’s in Dupont Circle to discuss his debut novel, Harry Revised, the story of Harry Rent, a widower who tries to reinvent himself after his wife’s death. 7 p.m.

MUSIC: Tickets are still available to catch L.A.’s seminal punk band, X, who are back at the 9:30 Club, with the Detroit Cobras. $25, 7:30 p.m.

Photo by payal.jhaveri