DC Shorts Laughs will include a screening of So Good to See You, a film about an artsy couple who are driving to a dinner party when an overheard phone call threatens to change their lives.
Laugh, eat, and dance your way through the first weekend of summer.
FRIDAY, JUNE 23
DO DO DO DO DODODO: Steven Reineke conducts the NSO Pops and The Choral Arts Society of Washington in The Music of John Williams. The tribute to the most Oscar-nominated man alive will take audience members through the halls of Hogwarts, into the deep, and to a galaxy far, far away. As a tribute to Star Wars’ 40th anniversary, the second act will focus on music from the series. You can also catch the concert Saturday night. (The Kennedy Center, 8 p.m. $24 – $99)
PRINCE: Think you know Prince? It’s been 30 years since the dearly departed artist’s wildly successful album Purple Rain hit radios and record stores. The 30th anniversary release will include never-before-heard songs that have been locked in the vault by the princely perfectionist for decades. You can hear the songs that didn’t make the cut, listen to the remastered album, and see two full concert films at Songbyrd’s listening party. There will be giveaways, drink specials, and more. (Songbyrd Cafe, 7 p.m. FREE)
FUNNY FILMS: Tough week? Laugh it off with live comedy and a selection of picks from DC Shorts Film Festivals past. DC Shorts LAUGHS presents a line-up of local comedians coupled with funny shorts, such as Beat Around The Bush, a Canadian film about a 75-year-old widow who decides she’s long overdue for her first orgasm, and Enfant Terrible, a 15-minute-long comedy about two museum employees who accidentally trash a contemporary art piece and scramble to recreate it before anyone finds out. There will be two showcases on both Friday and Saturday nights, each with different films and faces. Buy a single ticket or stick around for the double-header. (GALA Hispanic Theatre, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $20-30)
DIRTY JOKES: Eva Brontosaurus returns to the stage Friday, reviving the trio’s brand of raunchy musical comedy after a brief hiatus. The group satirizes popular culture and current events through a show that blends burlesque, comedy, and musical theater. The act with ’80s glam style and Weird Al humor will poke fun at the presidential tweet news of the day. (The Bier Baron Tavern, 9 p.m. $12)
DJ SET: Are you sick of hearing “Despacito” yet? At the Comin’ Down Soul Dance Party, DJ Baby Alcatraz will stick to spinning classic soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and R&B. Get your dance on and those catchy pop hits out of your head. (9:30 Club, 9 p.m. $10)
More: Columbia Heights movie night, deejaying the internet, 48 Hour Film Project, Brooks Wheelan, 108 Sun Salutations
Taqueria del Barrio enters the drag brunch scene this Saturday with tacos, churro french toast, and more. (Photo by Elvert Barnes)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
TACOS: Petworth’s Taqueria del Barrio is trying its hand at drag brunch. Desiree Dik will host the taco spot’s first-ever drag desayuno featuring performances by Bombalicious Eklaver and Jasmine Tea. Churro French toast, chilaquiles, 14 types of tacos, and $6 mimosas? Siiii, reina! Call to reserve a table, and don’t forget to tip the performers. (Taqueria del Barrio, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Price varies)
BALLOON BATTLE: Our nation’s capital does many things well, and one of our citywide talents is taking silly events seriously. You can’t be a kid again, but you can act like one at the DC Water Balloon Fight. Come solo or organize a team to take on strangers and the heat in this massive water balloon fight. Proceeds benefit GW Alternative Breaks’ fall service trip to Baltimore, where students will focus on homelessness and hunger. Register here. (The Mall, 1-4 p.m. $5-15)
PUFF, PUFF PASS: See what local bud-based businesses have to offer at CannaCopia. Browse through the vendors, dance (sway?) to live music, sip on $5 drinks, grab some seeds to take home, enjoy free samples, get your fill of infused ramen, and dip treats into the pot chocolate fountain. (2220 Adams Place, NE, 2-9 p.m. $20-25)
ROOF PARTY: It’s officially summer. Why even bother with events that aren’t on a roof? Kidding (though seriously, we love a good plein air party). Art Soiree begins its 2017 summer series this Saturday with the Rooftop Art Fusion Kick-off. Infuse your evening with art at this event featuring video art projections and live performances ranging from music to dance to circus arts. (Rooftop at The Liaison Capitol Hill, 8-11:30 p.m. $10-20)
R&B: Three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter Jill Scott performs at the National Harbor this Saturday and Sunday. From her debut platinum album Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 to Woman, Scott will sing the hits that have had her topping the charts since 2000.
(The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 8 p.m. $165.74-417.20)
THE BAND: Just need some place where you can lay your head? Sorry, can’t help you there. But if you love The Band, stop by Gypsy Sally’s for a tribute concert performed by The The Band Band (not a typo). You’ll hear classics such as “The Weight,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and more. The 16th & T Band will open. (Gypsy Sally’s, 9 p.m. $20-22)
More: America Now: JFK 100, Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival, SOJA w/ Dirty Heads, The Green, RDGLDGRN, The 4th annual Kennedy Street Festival, Art Festival at Linganore Winecellars, June 24th Petworth Jazz Project Presents: Colonies
Photo by Kevin Harber
SUNDAY, JUNE 25
BATTLE OF THE BBQ: Temperatures are heating up and so is the competition for guru of the grill. The 25th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle is this Saturday and Sunday, filling Pennsylvania Avenue with the smells of BBQ and the sounds of summer (and also chewing). Come for the grub, stay for the spectacle as grill masters face off in multiple cooking contests, gluttonous competitors chow down at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, and celebrity chefs show you how it’s done. There will be live music and free samples, in addition to the expected fare. Proceeds from the award-winning event will benefit USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore. Show your support for the troops; have some beer and brisket. (Pennsylvania Avenue, between 3rd and 7th Streets, NW, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. $12-145)
RENT: As summer begins, celebrate seasons of love with the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour. Set in New York City during the AIDS crisis, the Tony Award-winning rock musical follows a group of friends over the course of a year as they fall in and out of love, deal with life and death, create art, and argue with their landlord. There’s no day like today to see this popular musical, which closes Sunday night. Read our review. (The National Theatre, 1 & 6:30 p.m. $48-108)
NOT COOL: Baltimore punk outfit Post Pink prides itself on being bad, but in a good way. Try to envision what your 16-year-old self would’ve thought was cool. That’s the sort of aesthetic they’re going for. But even as this foursome channels bubble gum stuck under desks, cigarettes smoked behind the gym, and shoplifted lip gloss, their music is nothing to be embarrassed of. Bat Fangs and Faunas will also perform. (Black Cat, 7:30 p.m. $10)
JASON MOLINA TRIBUTE: After Jason Molina died in 2013, members of his band reunited to create Songs: Molina – A Memorial Electric Co. Now, the guys are back together again for a special tour celebrating a recently-released book about Molina’s life and music. Erin Osmon, author of Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost, will join the band for an evening of readings, storytelling, and song. D.C. is the last stop on the tour. (Rock & Roll Hotel, 8 p.m. $15)
More: OverEasy Tea Dance, NOH8 photo shoot, NKOTB with Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men
