Photo by Navin Sarma.FRIDAY
IN IT TOGETHER FEST: The inaugural In It Together Fest—a celebration of DIY music, art, and culture is taking place throughout the city this weekend. There’s a lot going on—including an art show aimed at inspiring prison reform in America, and a drone brunch—but if there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss is the all-day music and lecture showcase at St. Stephen’s Church in Columbia Heights. Let this be your guide. (Full disclosure: I am one of the festival’s organizers)
LECTURE: Celebrate the legacy of famed artist Nam June Paik, as electronic musician and sound artist Stephen Vitiello joins the Smithsonian’s associate curator of film and media arts, Michael Mansfield, for a conversation about the influence of his work. Free, starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum.
TRIO OF TRIOS: The Creative Music in D.C. series at Union Arts continues on Friday with a trio of trios. The bill features local ensemble Trio OOO alongside the Organix Trio and Garrett/Scheible/Tucker. 8 p.m. $4 suggested donation. — Sriram Gopal (Ed. note: Also part of In It Together Fest)
SATURDAY
GELATO BISCUIT SANDWICHES: D.C.’s first biscuit baker, will be taking up residence at the Dolcezza Gelato Factory (550 Penn Street NE) this weekend. Stop in to sample biscuits in gravy, biscuits and jam, fried chicken on a biscuit, and a biscuit breakfast sandwich made with Benton’s bacon, a fried egg, cheddar, and maple aioli. There will also be sweet tea and lemonade to complete the Southern-style dining experience. Mason Dixie Biscuit will be serving both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Alicia Mazzara
DOG DAYS: Now that we’re officially in the dog days of summer, celebrate with the Midcity Dog Days Sidewalk Festival. Founded by Home Rule, the 15th annual sidewalk sale features tons of food specials from 14th Street restaurants, vendors, music, and more. Takes place Saturday and Sunday. More info here.
MEET MARKET: And if you’re looking for even more outdoor markets, the monthly Meet Market is happening on Saturday, with dozens of local vendors and live music from Black Hills, Olivia Mancini, and DJ Ayescold. Starts at 11 a.m. at 1514 15th Street NW. More info here.
FILM: The AFI Silver winds up its Burt Lancaster series with two more appearances by his daughter, Joanna Lancaster, and a 35mm screening of his finest late-career performance, Atlantic City. Director Louis Malle’s 1980 film takes place at the legendary resort in serious decline. Lancaster stars as an aging gangster who falls for young neighbor Susan Sarandon. The script by playwright John Guare, who was dating Sarandon at the time, earned one of the film’s five Oscar nominations. But the movie came up empty on Oscar night, with Lancaster losing to Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond. Joanna Lancaster will also appear at Saturday’s screening of Cattle Annie and Little Britches. Both films will be projected in glorious 35mm. Screens Saturday at 3 p.m. at the AFI Silver. — Pat Padua.
SUNDAY
BABY BRY BRY: Don’t be off-put by local indie-rockers Baby Bry Bry & The Apologists’ name, as I originally was. They’re brand of noisy lo-fi indie-pop is the terrific complement to a hazy summer Sunday afternoon. Good thing you can experience that live as they play the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. Free, starts at 6 p.m.
FILM: “Documentary . . . it’s when somebody makes a film on a certain subject with the intention of revealing. It is the kind of film I hate.” So says avant-garde filmmaker and Anthology Film Archives’ founder Jonas Mekas, the subject of Chris Teerink and Sarah Payton’s rare documentary portrait. But Mekas is one of the avant-garde’s most noted film diarists, and as the Gallery notes, “It’s clear … as he rambles around the Anthology’s treasures, holds court with colleagues, and ponders the work that has been his calling, the recording of Mekas’ life is a labor of love for the filmmakers and their subject alike.” Screens Sunday at 4 p.m. at the National Gallery of Art’s West Building Lecture Hall. Free. — Pat Padua
JAZZ: We make no secret of the fact that Akua Allrich is one of our favorite local jazz musicians, not only for her talents, but for the sheer joy she brings to every performance. Allrich will lead her band at Blues Alley on Sunday to preview songs from her forthcoming album. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $22 plus minimum and surcharge. — Sriram Gopal
