Debra McDonald winning the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence. Photo by FotoBriceno.

BREAKUPS: Sing along to Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber, Alanis Morissette, Adele, and more. The monthly sing-along by A People’s Choir DC is back with “Breakup Songs Vol. II.” DC9 Nightclub (1940 9th Street NW) 7:30 p.m. Free

SHORTS: Spelling, trade, the sun, and the moon are just some of the subjects featured in the eight short films that will be screened as part of Mother Tongue Film Festival. Each will be in a different language, but all will have English subtitles. A discussion with filmmaker Steven Paul Judd will follow the screening. Bloombars
(3222 11th Street NW) 7 p.m. Free

PHOTOGRAPHY: Enter the world of award-winning National Geographic photographer John Stanmeyer and hear his “enlightening and surprising insights into the issues we face today.” National Geographic Live (1600 M Street NW) 7:30 p.m. $25