Happy Fourth of July week. (Photo courtesy of A Capitol Fourth)
A rare Independence Day on a Tuesday dominates this week’s events guide — but there’s plenty more to do, even on the comedown from July 4th.
MONDAY, JULY 3
UM, GO: Go-go is alive and well in the District. Check out some of the scene’s veteran acts — Rare Essence feat. Jas Funk, EU feat. Sugar Bear, Trouble Funk & DJ Dirty Rico — all in one place for an “Old School Jam,” just in time to ring in Independence Day. (Howard Theatre; 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.; $25)
I LOVE AMERICA, *winks*: If the phrase “semi-ironic hyper-patriotism” is smile-inducing, “MURRICA: Part Theme Party, Party Comedy Show, All American” will be a treat. It’s a comedy show with local acts adding a little color to the oft-repeated cliches of America’s birthday. Proceeds go to No One Left Behind, a nonprofit that helps resettle interpreters from Iraq and Afghanistan. (Bier Baron Tavern; 8 p.m.; $10 in advance, $13 at the door)
EXERCISE YOUR MIND: July 4 can be exhausting. Relax the night before with board games, an epic basement karaoke battle and — if you’re so inclined — a $14 “Grown Up Happy Meal” whose central component is the Quack ‘n’ Mac, complete with duck bacon. It’s a thing. (The Pinch; 7 to 11:59 p.m.; FREE)
More: White Party at W Hotel; Third of July Bash at the Whiskey Library; Roc the Block Party with Park
TUESDAY, JULY 4
A professional actor will give voice to Frederick Douglass’ July 4 musings on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Frederick Douglass National Historic Site)
RED, WHITE AND BLUE: Uncle Jesse is hosting this year’s A Capitol Fourth celebration outside the U.S. Capitol. If that can’t heal America, nothing can. Also appearing: The Beach Boys, Kellie Pickler, Dan Aykroyd, and Jim Belushi as the Blues Brothers and, as always, the National Symphony Orchestra. (U.S. Capitol West Lawn; 8 to 9:30 p.m.; FREE)
AN IMPORTANT PERSPECTIVE: Frederick Douglass may not be alive and well, but his writings and achievements remain vital. A professional actor will offer a timely reading of his “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” in front of his historic Anacostia home. The words are a valuable reminder of the progress that has and has not been made. (Frederick Douglass National Historic Site; 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; FREE)
WATCH THE FIREWORKS—DUH: It’s not Independence Day without the bangs and booms of fireworks over the National Mall. There are so many viewing points across the city that don’t involve tourists. Ditch the Capitol lawn for a school, a backyard, or even a boat.
For baseball, restaurants, a parade, and other Independence Day ideas, check out our full July 4 guide.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5
Check out The Hive at the National Building Museum all summer long, with nighttime hours beginning Wednesday. (Photo by Phil Roeder)
THROWBACK: How to feel fancy when you’re really, really not: Play croquet and other vintage games at the former home of President Woodrow Wilson while enjoying happy hour drinks. (Woodrow Wilson House; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; $15)
MUCKRAKE: Fantasize about what could when a presidential administration’s crimes are exposed with a screening of All the President’s Men. Taking notes on phone calls and searching for documents has never been more thrilling. (Storey Park; 7 to 10 p.m.; FREE)
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: The National Building Museum typically puts together an intriguing exhibit for the summer, and this year’s The Hive is no exception. Check out the collection of more than 2,700 artfully arranged paper tubes (it’s cooler than it sounds) during the first installment of this summer’s “Hive After Dark” events, featuring food from Hill Country’s Backyard Barbeque. (National Building Museum; 6 to 9 p.m.; $16)
More: The Summer of Sour at The Sovereign; Cheese Tasting at Glen’s Garden Market; Alexandra Fuller at Politics and Prose; Whisper of the Heart at Angelika Pop-Up; Rocket II Yoga; Yoga Mortis at Congressional Cemetery; Do the Right Thing at Lincoln Theatre; Virgin Material at Safari DC;
My Fellow Soldier at National Postal Museum
THURSDAY, JULY 6‘
Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s 110th birthday at Oyamel on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Oyamel)
BIRTHDAYS FOREVER: The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo would have turned 110 on Thursday; she died at 54 in 1947. Celebrate her life with special drinks, dishes and a Frida-themed decorated bar. Some lives are eternal. (Oyamel; 4 to 7 p.m.; FREE
ZOOM IN: The Cathedral’s natural beauty never gets old. But in case it has somehow, take a close-up tour of the magnificent structure’s depictions of women in statuary, needlepoint, and stained glass. As the Cathedral itself puts it, “Where else can you see Joan of Arc and Eleanor Roosevelt in one place?” (National Cathedral; 2 p.m.; $22)
THINK AGAIN: Rewind back to your high school days and take a close look at Jane Eyre with author John Pfordresher. His new book The Secret History of Jane Eyre reads between the lines to uncover secrets of author Charlotte Bronte’s troubled and complex personal life. (Politics and Prose; 7 to 8 p.m.; FREE)
BOLSTER DEMOCRACY WITH GIGGLES: Dying is easy, comedy is hard, and journalists are in trouble. Support the third by watching the second and avoiding thinking about the first. Proceeds from “Stand Up Comedy for a Free Press” go to Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. (Bier Baron Tavern; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; $12)
MASTER OF HER CRAFT: Jean Carne of Philadelphia has been recording soul music since 1969. She was the last person on earth to perform with D.C. legend Duke Ellington before he died in 1974. She sang lead vocals on Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic albums. She’s worth a trip to Georgetown. (Blues Alley; 8 p.m.; $25)
BONUS: Capital Fringe Festival is back. Check out our preview and stay tuned for reviews, features and more from this year’s lineup.
More: Watch Grease at Canal Park: Bindlestiff Family Circus at Folklife Festival
