FRIDAY:
>> The Commodores and Evelyn “Champagne” King were major players in the funk and dance scenes of the 1970s and early 1980s, respectively. Both will be performing at the Ronald Reagan Building‘s Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Free, 7 p.m.
>> The Black Cat celebrates its 15th anniversary with a reunion show from Dischord punks Grey Matter, who feature Black Cat owner Dante Ferrando on drums. With the Shirks and Domino Team. $10, 9 p.m.
>> Don’t miss our film picks of the week, including the DC Shorts film festival, running through Sept. 18.
SATURDAY:
>> The Kennedy Center’s 24th Annual Open House Arts Festival runs Saturday, September 13 from noon to 11 p.m., and is free all day long. Check out our preview.
>> Most of the galleries along 14th Street NW open their new fall shows tonight. Check the Arts Agenda for a detailed rundown on where to go, when.
>> If his set last weekend at the Toronto Virgin Festival was any indication, Paul Weller hasn’t lost a step, he’s gained a few. The Modfather will probably bust out a few gems from The Jam tonight at the 9:30 Club, but it’s the solo nuggets like “The Changingman”, “Out of the Sinking” and “Come On/Let’s Go” that are worth the $40 price of admission. Weller rarely tours the U.S., so don’t miss this chance to see him at what qualifies as an intimate gig for him. 8 p.m. doors, with The Rifles.
>> Washington National Opera hosts a free performance of of Verdi’s classic opera, La Traviata, at 7 p.m. at National Park. Read here for more details.
>> Phasefest, an annual Queer music and arts festival, continues throughout the day at Phase 1 Lounge. Check the schedule for the full line-up. $15.
>> Three Stars alum Zo! is turning the big 3-0 with a jam session at Liv. Scheduled to appear are his band, The ELs, and some yet to be named special guests (one of whom might be this guy). $10, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY:
>> The Bloomingdale Farmers Market and Big Bear Cafe are celebrating their first anniversary together with a big BBQ and outdoor concert by Les Petits Chanteurs, a boys choir from Haiti and a local collective of drummers performing Uruguayan Candomble music. Starting around noon, snag one of 600 free slow smoked BBQ pork sandwiches and enjoy the market and live performances. Stick around for a second round of BBQ and more entertainment at the Big Bear starting at 6 p.m. First and R Streets NW.
>> The Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival kicks off with Laugh for God’s Sake: Humor in Jewish Literature, in which some of D.C.’s finest actors will be performing dramatic interpretations of works by Shalom Auslander, Faye Moskowitz, Nathan Englander and others. $20. The festival runs until Sept. 24, so be sure to check Reader, Meet Author on Monday for more events.
>> Philadelphia based jazz organist Trudy Pitts will be performing as part of the Millennium Stage series this Sunday. This, however, will be a special performance in the concert hall as Pitts will be performing on the Kennedy Center’s Filene Organ. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Austin’s Brothers and Sisters bring their blend of alternative country, sunshine pop, southern rock and folk to DC9, with DCist faves the Beanstalk Library (***), Sam Champion, and Sera Cahoone. $10, 7:30 p.m.
Photo by Pixilista
