Photo by Eric Greaux
FRIDAY
NOISE: If you haven’t heard it yet, Pissed Jeans’ new album, Honeys, is loud, angry, and altogether great. Besides, someone has to repair the musical reputation of Allentown, Pa., and what better sound is there from an old steel city than explosive guitars and thrashing vocals? Pissed Jeans play tonight at the Black Cat (1811 14th Street NW); tickets $15.
MUSEUM PARTY: National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Avenue SW) is throwing the Francophonie Closing Night Party this Friday, an African Soiree. The evening will include performances by singer-songwriter Kaïssa, a fashion show of African-fusion designs, and dancing. 8:00 p.m.-midnight. $35-$125.
TALK SHOW: The talk show and podcast You, Me, Them, Everybody takes over the Wonderland Ballroom (1101 Kenyon Street NW) for another evening of comedy and music. Tonights guest’s include National Journal reporter and legitimately funny person Elahe Izadi, the comedian Haywood Turnipseed Jr., and Sam McCormally of Ugly Purple Sweater. Begins 7:30 p.m.; tip the house band and your waiter.
BASEBALL: The Nationals won their first six home games of the year, but they’re facing their toughest opponent yet this weekend in the Atlanta Braves, who could legitimately contend for the National League East title. Ross Detweiler gets the start for the Nats tonight. At Nationals Park 1500 South Capitol Street SE; tickets available here. Begins 7:05 p.m., assuming the umpires can get there on time.
SATURDAY:
SHELLFISH: Hank’s Oyster Bar is throwing its 6th Annual Oyster Fest at its Dupont Circle location (1624 Q Street NW) this Saturday. Indulge in all-you-can-eat oysters prepared in a variety of ways (on the half-shell, fried, barbecued) along with popcorn shrimp, Old Bay-seasoned fries, and onion rings. Wash it all down with all the beer you can quaff, featuring brews by Elysian Brewery, 21st Amendment, Laguintas, and Flying Dog. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $80.
ORIGAMI: The National Cherry Blossom Festival winds down this weekend with some of the usual events—the parade, street fairs, tourists clogging Metro. Try something different this year with an event featuring the artist Iona Rozeal Brown, who will be leading visitors in creating an origami sculpture at Yards Park (New Jersey Avenue and M Street SE). From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNK AND METAL: Damaged City Fest is an annual festival that highlights some of the best hardcore and metal bands in the DMV area, but they also bring in fantastic shredders and growlers from all over the country and occasionally from overseas. Previous years have included performances from the likes of Darkest Hour and Screaming Females. For this, the second show at St. Stephen’s Church (1525 Newton Street NW), there’s a marathon of acts including Negative Approach, Culo, Double Negative, No Tolerance, Black SS, Night Birds, Coke Bust, Hounds of Hate, Peacebreakers, Violent Reaction, Prisoner Abuse, Hysterics, Intent, Adjustment to Society, Thick Skin and special guests. Tickets $25, begins 1:30 p.m. (Valerie Paschall)
SUNDAY
FOOD & DRINK: Celebrate the Thai New Year event at Wat Thai Temple’s (13440 Layhill Road, Silver Spring MD) anunal event this Sunday. Along with some amazing Thai food, there will also be Thai music, dance, and Thai merchandise to buy. Check out our past coverage for an idea of what deliciousness to expect. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
IS THIS MUSIC?: What is Schematic? Apparently, it’s still under construction. While the website will have you believe that more than anything else, Schematic is a music community that allows for the creation of art, it’s also the work of Dave Elkins of emo band Mae, who apparently has a live band backing him on this tour. All shall be revealed at U Street Music Hall (1115A U Street NW). Asker opens. $15, 7 p.m.
GOODBYE, LEAF-PEEPERS: The National Cherry Blossom Festival ends today. The Yoshino cherry trees along the National Mall and Tidal Basin peaked earlier this week, but if you’re still interested in milling about the tourists while looking at the trees before the shed their pink petals, here’s your last chance.
