It’s not a competition! Well, some of these events are. Enter a Harry Potter costume contest, cheer on local kid musicians, vote for your favorite improv theater group, or immerse yourself in Indian, Japanese, and Spanish culture. And before we close out Women’s History Month, let’s not forget the ladies. Celebrate emerging women artists and entrepreneurs or check out a musical tribute to the “First Lady of Song.”
FRIDAY, MARCH 24
MUSIC AND COLOR: Technically Holi was last week, but it’s not too late to celebrate the Hindu spring festival. As a reminder, this is the one with all the beautiful colored powder. Bar management probably won’t let you toss any of that around, but you can dance the winter blues away with Red Baraat Festival of Colors. The Brooklyn-based bhangra-funk fusion band will get you on your feet. Come find out why NPR called Red Baraat “One of the best party bands around.” Ganavya and Shilpa Ray will also perform. Can’t make it tonight? There’s a second show Saturday featuring DJ Ayes Cold and The Kominas, but fair warning, seated tickets are sold out and it’s now standing room only. (The Hamilton, 8:00 p.m. $20-25)
WOMEN AND ART: March is Women’s History Month, and while all the inspirational tweets and Instagram posts are great, why not get out and do something? Celebrate and honor women at the fifth annual SheROCKS, an event highlighting the contributions of emerging women artists and entrepreneurs. It’s a two-day “fempreneur extravaganza” featuring a pamper party, power brunch mixer, TED Talks-style event, and main stage event with performances by women artists. (Embassy Suites Washington Convention Center and Private Locations, 10 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. $13-30)
FIRST LADY OF SONG: Ella Fitzgerald would have been 100 years old next month. The NSO Pops is honoring her birthday—and a few other songbirds from her era—with Sophisticated Ladies: 100 Years of Ella & Company. In a two-night engagement, Sy Smith, Capathia Jenkins, and Montego Glover will sing all your favorite Ella classics including “Summertime,” “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” and more. They’ll also pay tribute to Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington. (The Kennedy Center, 8:00-10:00 p.m. $24-104)
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(Photo by Victoria Pickering)
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
PERCUSSION & PAPER CRAFTS: Cherry blossom season has arrived, bringing with it the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival and Smithsonian American Art Museum present an afternoon celebration of Japanese culture. There will be taiko drumming, Japanese music and dance performances, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and crafts. Who among us can say no to crafts? Make a 3D paper diorama called a “tatebanko,” and don’t forget to say “arigatou” for the supplies. (Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery, 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. FREE)
BATTLE OF THE BAND KIDS: Remember how amazing you were at playing “Hot Cross Buns” on the recorder in fourth grade? Sit back and listen to music performed by kids (and they’re teachers) who actually know what they’re doing. DC Youth Orchestra presents SpringFest 2017, a day of music and friendly competition. Audience members can vote for their favorite ensemble by text or phone. Please don’t abuse your access to the snow day phone chain. (Eastern High School, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. FREE)
DRINK ALL THE BEERS: Capitol Hill gets a lot of attention, but the D.C. area is home to some pretty fantastic breweries. You can sample beers from 25 of them at D.C. Hopfest 2017. Raise a toast to the hoppiest brews in the land! (Hellbender Brewing Company, 7:00-10:00 p.m. $53.74)
DANCE PARTY: Show dem how you wine at Reggae Fest vs. Soca. Dance to music by Bimshire, Maya, Maga, and more at this Epic League Entertainment party. (The Howard Theatre, 10:30 p.m. $20-25)
BLACK TIE & TAPAS: What do you do with your black tie attire in between Inauguration and wedding season? It looks much better on you than your hanger, so you might as well get some use out of it. Bust out the cummerbund and get fancy with an evening of flamenco, film, and sangria. Immerse yourself in Spanish culture, dance the night away, then restore your energy with a dessert buffet of traditional treats. (Former Residence of the Ambassador of Spain, 7:00-11:45 p.m. $88-120)
IMPROV SMACKDOWN: Hit him with a chair! Wait, no—this isn’t that kind of event. In Washington Improv Theater’s 11th Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament, audiences decide which team will advance to another round of cobbled together scenes and bizarre circumstances. Yes, and? (Source, 5:00 p.m. $12-15)
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Photo by Kevin Harber)
SUNDAY, MARCH 26
SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN: As in many industries, we sure could use more women in theater. See what audiences are missing out on at The Future Is Female Festival. You’ll hear readings of 10-minute plays written by five local female playwrights on what a women-led future means to them. The readings and productions are also directed by women. A post-show discussion and mimosas will follow. (The Keegan Theatre, 11:00 a.m. $10)
BRUJA BRUNCH PARTY: Femme Fatale DC the second ladies-only Bruja Brunch Party. The event will include an opening ritual dedicated to Oshun, a performance by the fierce drummers of Batalá Washington, tarot card readings, Reiki healing, and more. (The Howard Theatre, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $15)
IMPROV BRUNCH: We’ve all improvised breakfast at one point or another, from eating cold pizza to adding an over-easy egg to leftovers because that’s all it takes to turn meatloaf into morning fare. This Sunday, leave the cooking to the chefs and the improv to the amateurs. Common Ground is making its monthly “open mic night” an open mic brunch. Are you new to improv, trying out a new approach, or just looking for some entertainment with your eggs? This could be for you. (The Pinch, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. FREE)
POTTERCON DC: Accio beer! Put on your dress robes, polish your wand, and practice your spells. Harry Potter nerds fans are gathering in Silver Spring for PotterCon, a 21+ party that will feature trivia, a live sorting hat ceremony, a costume contest, day-drinking, and all of your childhood dreams coming true—well, not all of them. You’re still too old to go to Hogwarts (sorry). (The Fillmore Silver Spring, 2:00- 8:00 p.m. $15.50)
BOOM, BABY: Radio personality and actress Regina Cañas, co-host of the Salvadoran television show “Grandiosas,” performs in the one-woman comedy Baby Boom en el Paraíso. Written by Ana Istarú and directed by Roberto Salomón, the Spanish-language production explores how pregnancy affects a woman’s mind, body, and relationships. (GALA Theatre, 7:00 p.m. $30)
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