Photo by cesareperdomo.MUSIC: Alma Tropicália is a D.C. group whose music embodies the 1960s Brazilian tropicália movement. They perform tonight during the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage’s (2700 F Street NW) Happy Hour series. Drink specials run from 5:30-8 p.m., the band plays at 6 p.m. Free.
MOVIES: Crystal Screen’s (1850 Bell Street, Arlington) outdoor film fest nears the end of its countdown of movies with numbers in their titles, with (500) Days of Summer tonight. Sundown. Free.
>> Redline’s (707 G Street NW) Movie and Martini Nights continue with Cat on a Hot Tin Roof paired with two specialty cocktails: The Dixie Stars and Brick House. 7 p.m. Free.
MEMORIAL: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (West Basin Drive SW and Independence Avenue SW) officially opens today. Stop by until 10 p.m., or hold out for the dedication events this coming week, including a “Residents Day” event (that’s no longer limited to D.C. residents) on Tuesday and the official dedication on Sunday, August 28th. In the meantime, check out our sneak peek.
Coming up this week…
TUESDAY: Ballet West performs classical ballet pieces by Balanchine, Kylian and D.C. choreographer Susan Shields at Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA) Tuesday. Come earlier in the day (10:30 a.m.-noon) to join the troupe in a ballet Master Class ($15 to participate, $7 to observe). 8:30 p.m. $4 lawn seats, $40 pavilion.
WEDNESDAY: Grab your ukulele and help make a new Guinness world record for the “Largest Ukulele Ensemble” (previously set in 2009 with 851 uke players) at Strathmore’s (5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda) UkeFest 2011 Wednesday. Following the record-breaking attempt, stay for a concert featuring Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Gerald Ross, Sweater Set, and many more ukulele players. Pre-show strum 6-7 p.m. Uke player registration for world record attempt 7 p.m., followed by the attempt at 7:30 p.m. Free.
THURSDAY: Handi-Hour at the Renwick Gallery (1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) will feature crafts and craft beers. Come for brews selected by Greg Engert of Churchkey, live music from Zia Hassan and His Fancy Band, a craft table where you can make marble magnets and fabric buttons, a Sit ‘n’ Knit corner, and a scavenger hunt through the permanent collection. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $15 (cash only at the door) includes admission and 2 drinks.
FRIDAY: Comedian Tom Green is back at DC Improv (1140 Connecticut Avenue NW) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. $25.
SATURDAY: Head to Columbia Heights Day (Harriet Tubman Elementary Field, 11th and Kenyon Street NW) for live music, the King & Queen of Columbia Heights pageant, a dog parade, food trucks, a petting zoo and more. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
