Photo by staceyviera

FRIDAY:

>> See a remarkable film, Burma VJ, by the Democratic Voice of Burma, a group of journalists who risked being tortured or worse by capturing footage in 2007 during the uprisings against the military junta that is still in control of the country. The film begins today at the E Street Cinema, with a special appearance at the 7:35 p.m. screenings from Dr. Sein Win, President of the Burmese government in exile in attendance, and Jeremy Woodrum of the U.S. Campaign for Burma, who will be in attendance both Friday and Saturday; tickets $10/evening.

>> Stop by Source for just a few minutes tonight or for a few hours tomorrow to see the Washington Improv Theater’s IMPROV-A-PALOOZA, a marathon improv show with new material every 10 or 15 minutes for the bargain price of $10; tonight starting at 8 p.m and tomorrow for an incredible span of 2 p.m. – 12 a.m (still only $10 for the day.)

>> As part of the Asia Trash! Series, The Freer + Sackler Gallery is screening All About Women (it’s like a Beijing Sex and the City) tonight at 7 p.m. and Sunday and 2 p.m., both for free, but a ticket is required.

>> Also tonight, The Washington Film Institute is hosting an Iran Film Night where there will be two films shown (Esthereal and The Crime), two music performances by Roya Bahrami, and a vigil from 9:30 -10 p.m. at the Carnegie Institute (16th and P NW); tickets are $12 at the door.

>> Hear Guitarist M.Ward, who has played with the likes of Jenny Lewis and Zooey Deschanel, at the 9:30 Club with Chain and the Gang; tickets $25, 8 p.m.

>> It’s the last Friday of the month, which means it’s “Black Light Special” time. DJ Underdog will be spinning a strictly vinyl set of Afrobeat and Afro Soul at Selam. $1, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY:

>> This weekend is the tenth annual Dog Days of Summer, the U Street area’s massive block sale (plus 14th Street NW between U and P) held on Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include a garage sale from Studio Theater, a free yoga class at Boundless Yoga on Sunday at 2:30, a ceviche tasting and gazpacho contest at Saint Ex on Saturday from 12-5 p.m., a class on tricks of turntablism taught at the Source theater by World Beats & Life Inc. on Sunday, and many more discounts among the area’s plentiful restaurants, galleries and boutiques.

>> Or head to Reston for the Asian Festival, where India is this year’s highlighted country. At the festival, you’ll find a beer garden, food from over 30 vendors, and live performances on three stages ranging from comedy skits, fusion music and dance, and an Asian Idol contest. The festival is free at the Lake Newport Tennis Facility (11452 Baron Cameron Ave.) on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

>> The National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Ave. SW) has a new exhibit titled Artful Animals, which includes around 125 pieces that range from rock art to contemporary painting where animals are used as symbols. Free, museum hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

>> Connor Contemporary Art opens Academy 2009 from 4- 8 p.m. See work from regional art programs and hear a panel discussion co-hosted by Washington Project for the Arts at 4 p.m. titled, No Artist Left Behind series: The Top 10 Things Every Artist Should Know. Also stay for a reception at 6 p.m., and see which artist will claim the prize from the PULSE Contemporary Art Fair for exhibition space at PULSE Miami 2009.

>> Merriweather Post Pavilion hosts Progressive Nation 2009, a prog rock extravaganza where you’ll four bands play from 4:30 p.m. onward for $45 under the pavilion and $30 on the lawn. The bands include: Dream Theater, Zappa Plays Zappa, Queensryche, Big Elf and Scale the Summit.

>> Run, don’t walk (duh) to the annual Run for Cover night at the Black Cat. This year’s installment will find various permutations of D.C. artists joining forces to create a number of cover bands whose names leave little to the imagination: Blonde on Blonde, Five Imaginary Boys, Guided by Vices, Cherry Bombz and GG Top. As usual, proceeds will benefit a good cause–this year, it’s Fort Reno. $10, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY:

>> With 19 gold and platinum albums, the soulful pop sound artist Daryl Hall & John Oates bring their Up Close and Personal tour to Wolf Trap on Sunday at 8 p.m.; tickets are $42 for seats, $25 lawn.

>> This weekend is Bethesda’s restaurant week. Think about trying out a $12-15 two-course lunche or a $25-30 three-course dinner. All participating restaurants are between Woodmont Ave. between Elm St. and Bethesda Ave.