Photo by volcanojw

MUSIC: Husband-and-wife duo Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, a.k.a. Mates of State, are at the Black Cat tonight doing their damnedest to melt your minds with insane male/female vocal harmonies, just like they have been for the past decade. Brother Reade opens. $15, 8 p.m.

LECTURE: The Freer Gallery hosts a Smithsonian Resident Associate discussion with James McPherson in the Meyer Auditorium. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Princeton history professor will discuss and sign copies of his most recent book, Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief General admission tickets are $28; call 202-633-3030 to check availability.

MUSIC: Emanuele Arciuli gives a piano recital tonight at the National Museum of the American Indian. The program consists entirely of music by Native American composers, including the world premiere of a new work by Navajo composer Raven Chacon. Tickets: $20. 7:30 p.m.

FOOD & DRINK: It’s time again for the Capital Food Fight, benefiting DC Central Kitchen. Tickets have sold out for the big event, which this year features chef Barton Seaver defending his title against challengers Stephen Lewandowski, David Deshaies, Tony Conte and Peter Smith. Limited options available on Craigslist, or just hang around outside the Ronald Reagan Building and beg for leftovers. 6 p.m.

THEATER: Warehouse has brought back their monthly night of in-progress, experimental, and new dance and performance art, called Dinner Party. 8 p.m., $5.