We’re almost done with September, a month that feels like it has nearly come and gone in an instant. There’s a no shortage of things to do around town this week including: A talk from Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness, great pre-playoff baseball, an indie rock concert that’s bound to delight, and much much more.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
ON MY OWN: Chicago’s own Whitney will perform at the 9:30 Club Monday evening, bringing their unique style of music to that famed stage. Fronted by singer and drummer Julien Ehrlich and lead guitarist Max Kakacek, the two write and create dense and intricate arrangements that make frequent use of piano and trumpet to create a deep sonic canvas; bolstered by rich vocals and songwriting, they’re a singular talent. (9:30 Club, 7 p.m., $30)
THE RACE TO OCTOBER: Close to locking down wildcard position in the playoffs, the Nationals will host the Philadelphia Phillies in a series that begins tonight.The Phillies are too far back in the standings to be eligible for playoff contention in any way, so they’re playing to just to finish out the year. But that doesn’t mean they won’t put up a fight just to make it a little more difficult for the Nats. (Nationals Park, 7:05 p.m., Ticket costs vary)
SPIES LIKE US: If you’ve ever wondered what life inside the CIA or FBI might be like, you’ll want to be sure to check out the live taping of Unredacted at Bier Baron Tavern. Former CIA officer Emily Brandwin has started a podcast about her time inside one of the government’s most secretive agencies. Monday’s taping will feature guest Josh Campbell of CNN fame, a former FBI agent who has just written a book on Trump’s war against the FBI. (Bier Baron Tavern, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $20)
MORE: DC Run Crew “HIIT and RUN” September Sessions (The Collection at Chevy Chase, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration), Appeasement: Chamberlain, Hitler, Churchill, and the Road to War (National Churchill Library and Center, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., FREE with registration), Importer Takeover with Tess Bryant (Dio Wine Bar, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., $10)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
GET YOU: R&B singer Daniel Caeser will headline Echostage on Tuesday night, where he’ll bring his soulful sensibilities and stylings in support of his sophomore album. One of the genre’s most exciting new artists, he’s drawn comparisons to Frank Ocean and has collaborated with the likes of John Mayer, Brandy, Pharrell, and more. (Echostage, 8 p.m., $42.50)
BLUE, FIFTY-TWO: With fall weather finally arriving, it’s time to get out there and catch some football, D.C.-style. A group of our elected officials will be joined by former NFL player to face off against the U.S. Capitol Police in this year’s Congressional Football Game. Proceeds from the event will go to three different D.C.-area nonprofits, including the Capitol Police Memorial Fund, Our Military Kids, and A Advantage 4 Kids. (Hotchkiss Field, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., $10)
DIPLOMAT’S SON: The Films at Founders series returns for the 2019 season with a screening of the film The Diplomat. It details the story of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who worked (often behind the scenes) on behalf of the United States over a 50 year period that spanned from Vietnam to Afghanistan. (The School of International Service, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., FREE with registration)
CONNECTION: In celebration of her new book Everything Inside, author Edwidge Danticat will be on hand to talk about her new collection of stories. Set in Miami, Port-au-Prince, and beyond, the book imagine stories about community, family, and love—while also detailing what brings together, separates us, or both. (Library of Congress, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $25.95)
MORE:Love Fame Tragedy (Rock and Roll Hotel, 8 p.m., $15), She Lied – Carolyn Bryant and the Murder of Emmett Till (George Washington University, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., $10),
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
UPTOWN, FILL YOU UP: Forget shopping until you drop, what about eating until you drop? That’s the name of the game at the Taste of Uptown event, where foodies will get the chance to sample food from a number of restaurants Uptown including Red Derby, Little Coco’s, Taqueria Distrito Federal, and many, many more. The walking food tour is only in its second year, but has more food and bev options than you can shake at fork at—so come hungry and thirsty. (14th & Kennedy NW, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., $5 – $40)
GREAT WIDE OPEN: It always seems there’s a trivia event for every single topic imaginable— and that’s most certainly the case with this National Parks Trivia Night that will be at Penn Social on Wednesday evening. If you know more about Yosemite Park than Yosemite Sam, this event (hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association) will be your chance to show off your knowledge. (Penn Social, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration)
COMEDIANS IN SHOPS GETTING COFFEE: High Frequency Humor will present their Comedy in Coffee Shops series at A Baked Joint, offering up some of the best local talent to help you laugh away your mid-week blues. Focused on bringing “humor to hard topics,” six different comics will be on hand to accompany a late night caffeine buzz, should you decide to indulge that late. (A Baked Joint, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $8)
RETURN: If you’ve ever wondered about the tools designers use to make understanding maps and information easier, the Return of the Maps event (cue up the Mark Morrison) will discuss the tools used in data visualizations, mapmaking, and location-based experiences. Part of DC Design week, speakers include representatives from Mapbox and the Washington Post. (Mapbox, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., $15)
MORE: They Came for Freedom (The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., $5), DC Street Art & Run (DRC Running Room, 7 a.m.- 8 a.m., FREE with registration), Pop-Up Shop Block Party (Cherry Blossom Creative, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., FREE with registration)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
MARKED: Any bourbon lover in D.C. will want to make sure they make a trek out to Alexandria’s Virtue Feed & Grain for an evening with Maker’s Mark. The iconic distiller will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how their beloved spirit is crafted, while providing specialty food and cocktails. (Virtue Feed & Grain, 6:30 p.m- 9:30 p.m., $100)
JVN: Queer Eye’s very own Jonathan Van Ness will visit the District on Thursday to promote his book, Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love. The book promises a deep dive into the personal life of the vibrant and energetic Netflix cast member, podcast host, and gymnast-in-training. The event will include a copy of the book—but seating is first come, first served, so make sure you’re there early. (Sixth & I, 6:30 p.m., $45)
LET ME GO HOME: The Art Museum of the Americas will present its new gallery show: Visual Memory, Home and Place starting Thursday. Curated by Olga Ulloa Herrera and Adriana Ospina, the exhibit looks at how artists reflect on and ponder global human migration, settlement, and the “spaces we occupy” in a variety of media. The exhibit opens its six-month showing with a reception on Thursday. (Art Museum of the Americas, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: HeArt & Sole: An evening of divine tastings and fundraising (1201 15th ST NW, 6 p.m.- 10 p.m., $65), Dillon Nathaniel (Soundcheck, 10 p.m., $15), Flash x Nü Androids presents: Purple Disco Machine (Flash, 8 p.m., $20)
