There will be paella — lots of it — at Jaleo this week. (Photo by The Q Speaks)
Gorge on paella, ponder the future of nationalism, celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rent and more in this roundup of the week’s most intriguing events.
MONDAY, JUNE 19
PAELLA, PLEASE: Coming right up! For the next two weeks, it’s paella for days (literally). The annual Paella Festival kicks off tonight with…well, paella. (And some other stuff. But mostly paella.) (Jaleo, 5 to 8:30 p.m.; $35)
DARK DAYS: Some safe assumptions can be made about “The Rise of Populism and Nationalism,” featuring Graeme Wood, Rosie Gray, and Jeffrey Goldberg from The Atlantic in conversation. 1. It will be about current events, not a history lesson. 2. The word “Trump” may be uttered once or twice. 3. It may not be entirely lighthearted 4. Everyone will learn something. (Sixth & I; 7 to 8 p.m.; $15)
BOW DOWN: For anyone who’s feeling a little too pleased with the pace and volume of their life’s accomplishments, A Salute to the 2017 Presidential Scholars will cure that ailment straight away. This year’s honorees from the National Young Arts Foundation will be celebrated with a “multidisciplinary” performance directed by Tony Yazbeck. They’re gonna go far, kid. (Kennedy Center; 8 to 10 p.m.; FREE)
TOP OF THE CLASS: Fans of the amorphous “Americana” genre of music know that Buddy Miller, Patty Griffin, and Jim Lauderdale are among its foremost figures. They’ll join forces for a benefit concert commemorating World Refugee Day. D.C.’s Magician of the Year Eric Henning will join them. (The Hamilton; 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.; $29.50)
REMINISCE: 2017 is shaping up to be a year for the books…but will it be on the level of 1967, which is bursting at the seams with notable political and cultural developments? Danny Goldberg, a former head of Atlantic Records, will offer his take during a discussion of his new book In Search of the Lost Chord. Goldberg will be in conversation with Sidney Blumenthal, who many will remember as an unexpected supporting character in *shudder* last year’s presidential debates. (Busboys and Poets; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; FREE)
More: Queer Girl Movie Night; Spotlight on Design: Michael Green; Kurt Newman at Politics and Prose
TUESDAY, JUNE 20
Roxane Gay will discuss her new book Hunger on Tuesday night. (Photo courtesy of D.C. Public Libraries)
WIT AND WISDOM: Roxane Gay is a remarkable writer with endless heaps of interesting thoughts to share. She’ll unload some of what’s in her brain with WAMU editorial director Alicia Montgomery during an event promoting Gay’s new book Hunger, a memoir that looks at America’s relationship to fat bodies. Gay was also in the news this week when Marvel canceled the Black Panther comic she had been writing with Ta-Nehisi Coates. Perhaps she’ll have something to say about that unfortunate news, too. (All Souls Church Unitarian; 6:30 to 9 p.m.; FREE)
SUNG THROUGH: It’s been far longer than 525,600 minutes since Rent debuted on Broadway. In fact, it’s been more than 10.5 million minutes — but that’s not catchy in quite the same way. Rent is turning 20 this year, and the national anniversary tour arrives in D.C. from Tuesday night until June 25. ‘Tis the season for “Seasons of Love.” (National Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $48-$103)
MUSIC OF THE NATION: Current radio hits, iconic American music and standards, courtesy of the United States Navy Band, plus a demonstration from the Ceremonial Guard and Naval Drill Team — anyone who’s been feeling less than prideful of the United States of America need only attend this concert to at least experience the stirrings of patriotism. (US Navy Memorial; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; FREE)
BEACH TRIP OF THE IMAGINATION: Going to the beach is fun. Painting the beach is… soothing in its own way, and an instructor at ArtJamz in Dupont will explain how. (ArtJamz; 7 to 9 p.m.; $27)
More: Naples Italian Dinner at RPM; Sherman Alexie at Politics and Prose; Jamie Bartlett at Politics and Prose; Film and Beer – A Night at Karlstejn
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21
Examine the current state of the Bill of Rights at the National Archives on Wednesday and Thursday. (Photo by Todd Taylor)
BELLE OF THE BALL: Nothing’s worse than getting home from a rowdy night and then realizing it’s almost time for the alarm. The nightclub Heist has a plan: Every Wednesday night beginning this week, it will host an installment of its Cinderella Summer Series, which features a $20 open bar and guarantees that guests will leave by the stroke of midnight. No word if pumpkins are involved. (Heist; 8 p.m. to midnight; FREE)
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Ah, the Bill of Rights — a document upon which everyone has agreed since its inception in the 18th century, and about which there have been no contentious disputes in the 200-plus years since. Right? Right. The National Archives is hosting “Building a More Perfect Union,” a two-day seminar to examine this entirely non-controversial document in detail. It begins with a keynote on civil rights from Tanya Chutkan, U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia. Speakers at Thursday’s events include Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who also lacks controversy or divisiveness in all facets. (National Archives; 7 to 9 p.m.; FREE)
BONJOUR, MADAMES ET MONSIEURS: Break out the baguettes (and then be rid of all traces of that lazy stereotype). Dupont Festival’s Fete de la Musique (translation: music festival) is back with a full lineup of concerts and activities for all ages, including the French game petanque, which involves rolling hollow steel balls while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. And the French think America’s activities are eccentric. (Dupont Festival; 3 to 8:30 p.m.; FREE)
CATCH THE GREATNESS: The New York Times recently named Hayao Miyazaki’s landmark animated film Spirited Away one of 25 cinematic classics of the 21st century so far. Never mind the arbitrary and subjective nature of such a ranking; the movie is eminently worth seeing, and it’s screening Wednesday night (and again Thursday morning) for that very purpose. (Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; $10.50)
More: The DC Brau Space Reaper Fresh & Fruity Cask Night; Annual Cena Bianca – White Dinner at i Ricchi Restaurant; J-Film: The Genealogy of Sake; Indian Daal Class; Kraut Workshop; Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at The Urban Winery; Bard in the Park: Much Ado about Nothing; Chris Whipple at Kramerbooks; Tour: The Art and History of the U.S. Botanic Garden; Souad Mekhennet at Politics and Prose
THURSDAY, JUNE 22
This artwork by Benny Rodriguez is among the pieces that will be on display during Queerview at the Bier Baron Tavern on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Camp Variety Cabaret)
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE: Enjoy a worldwide tour through the history of queer art, all from the comfort of a fine, liquor-selling establishment. According to the event description, performances will be “comedic, poignant, transformational and heartbreaking” — an admirable range. (Bier Baron Tavern; 7 to 9:30 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door)
A TITAN OF THE MEDIUM: Love the music of an iconic America movie franchise? Chances are good that John Williams had a hand in it. His credits include (deep breath) Jaws, the Star Wars series, Superman, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the Indiana Jones series, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, the first two Home Alone movies, and the first three Harry Potter films. Dude’s had a bit of a career, and the NSO Pops and The Choral Arts Society of Washington will offer an overview in concert this weekend. (Kennedy Center; 7 p.m.; $24-$99)
NEW SERIES: Politics and Prose is starting a new tradition in its downstairs cafe The Den. Each month, renowned book critic and scholar Bethanne Patrick will discuss the works of a pre-determined author over locally sourced dishes, craft beers, and New World wine. The program is called Uncorked, and it kicks off this week with a look at the writings of Richard Russo. What could be classier? (Politics and Prose; 8 p.m.; FREE)
More: David Weigel at Politics and Prose; Gov’t Taco Pop-Up at Alfie’s DC; Brews for Justice at Right Proper; Comedy Night with Power of Positive Drinking; Diner En Pearl; The Price for their Pound of Flesh at AFL-CIO; Artist Talk: Victor Ehikhamenor; Mixology Class; The Facebook Monologues; Vaudeville Game Night
