Photo by andertho

ART: We’re told tonight’s preview of Washington Project for the Arts Annual Art Auction still has room. RSVP info is here. Get a preview of the available art, hear curator talks, and see Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator of American University’s Katzen Art Museum, receive the Alice Denney Award for Contemporary Art. Free, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MUSIC: Tokyo Police Club is sold out, but tickets are still available for both Ben Kweller at the 9:30 Club (with The Watson Twins and Jones St. Station, $20, 7 p.m.) and …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead at the Rock and Roll Hotel (with the Funeral Party and Midnight Masses, $18 at the door, 8 p.m.).

JAZZ: A hot set of local musicians will be performing tonight at Twins Jazz, in the form of the Duende Quartet. In 2007, Duende was one of six jazz quartets chosen to tour internationally on behalf of the State Department. The group consists of ace pianist Harry Appleman, bassist Josh Schwartzman, and hand percussionists Sam Turner and Mark Merella. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

LECTURE: Curious about opera, but don’t know where to begin? The S. Dillon Ripley Center is hosting a discussion on Opera: The Basics from 6:45 to 9 p.m. with musicologist Patrick O’Donnell. He’ll be examining “the ingredients of a good opera: passion, humor, villainy, love, and, of course, costumes … using excerpts from popular operas in local production this season.” $40 for non-members.

MOVIE: The AFI Silver is celebrating the birthday of The Man in Black with a special screening of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison. 7 p.m.