Photo by Kevin H.

TALK: D.C.’s favorite crime writer, George Pelecanos, will be at Politics and Prose tonight at 7 p.m. to read from and sign copies of his brand new novel, The Way Home. Sure to to be packed, to get there early. 7 p.m.

JAZZ: The Kennedy Center kicks off its 14th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival tonight. For the next three nights, the Center will play host to world class performers, and tonight will feature Esperanza Spalding, whom we profiled earlier today. Tickets are sold out, but it’s worth contacting the Kennedy Center’s box office for last minute cancellations. 7 p.m. There will also be a free Millennium Stage performance from the Mimi Jones Band at 6 p.m.

DJ: Check out “Ninja Beat,” an exhibit of anime visuals combined with hip-hop music, downstairs at Cafe Saint Ex. Free, 10 p.m.

ART: Tonight’s Second Thursday Art Night at the Torpedo Factory is all about dogs. The pet friendly event will feature activities for pets and pet adoption. Also opening FRESH: An Exhibition Of Urban Contemporary Art with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. and gallery talk at 7 p.m.

MUSIC: Fresh from a stint opening up for The Gaslight Anthem, Good Old War are at the Rock and Roll Hotel . With Straylight Run and Lovedrug. 8:30, $12.