Did you get out and enjoy the beautiful weather over the weekend? If you aren’t worn out from indulging in all of the fall things, there’s a bevy of things to do around town this week, including several narrative storytelling events, a fun twist on a paint and sip, some high profile concerts, and much more.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
STAND UP: More than 20 chefs and mixologists—Elle, Fare Well, Pom Pom, and Via Umbria, among them—are taking part in the Chefs Take a Stand to End Domestic Violence. Organizers promise that the “attire is comfortable” and the “speeches are few” at this benefit for the National Network to End Domestic Violence at Union Market’s Dock 5.
SCARY STORIES: The Story Collider’s monthly event will take on a seasonally appropriate spooky tone for October. Still focused on science-inspired stories, the Halloween version will detail the “tricks and treats that science has to offer us.” (The Bier Baron Tavern and DC Comedy Loft, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $15 – $20)
TALK IT OUT: Heralded as “the monk who saves manuscripts from ISIS,” Father Columba Stewart will deliver the 2019 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities at the Warner Theater. Stewart has spent over a decade working alongside global religious leaders, government officials, and archivists to preserve a number of important religious manuscripts and will speak about those experiences as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ annual series. (Warner Theater, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: Elizabeth Moen with Crooks and Crows (DC9, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., $10), Trivia Night by District Trivia (Wunder Garten, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., FREE with registration), Movie night with The Way Home Campaign (The Miracle Theatre, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
SPIRIT: Suns Cinema will screen the documentary Soul Power as part of the annual Flash of the Spirit musical festival series. Detailing the legendary Zaire ‘74 concert series that featured performances from icons like James Brown, BB King, Bill Withers, and more, the documentary features an opportunity to experience this concert in an up-close and personal manner. (Suns Cinema, 8 p.m., $11.50)
FRENCH FASHION: If you’re cinematically inclined but aren’t feeling a concert film, the French embassy will host a showing of the 1945 film Paris Frills. The Jacques Becker film has been hailed as one of the “finest films about fashion,” the plot involves Parisian designer who falls in love with the fiancee of his best friend. Equal parts thrilling and tragic, it also offers a deep dive into the Parisian haute couture that’s become so famous around the world. (French Embassy, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m., FREE with registration)
COCKTAIL CONTEST: For the second year in a row, the Chocolate City Best Cocktail competition will focus on bartenders of color competing to be crowned the best of the best. Attendees will get the chance to see the action firsthand, while also getting plenty of opportunities to sample each crafty creation. (Reliable Tavern, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., $25)
SPOOKY, SCARY: While Monday’s Story Collider event focuses on science stories with a Halloween spin, Story District’s October tales will definitely be more spooky in nature. The seven-minute long stories will spin yarns about “memories, beings, or things that stay with you,” providing a seasonally appropriate theme for those looking for (potentially) scary stories. (Black Cat, 6:30 p.m., $20)
MORE:Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe (Hamilton Live, 7:30 p.m., $25 – $35), Underground Comedy at the Big Hunt (The Big Hunt, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., FREE with registration), Songbyrd Presents: Kelsey Waldon (Songbyrd, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., $12)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
BEGINNING: Artist and poet Cleo Wade will read selections from her book, “Where to Begin,” at Eaton. The new collection features ideas and mantras Wade has cataloged for when she felt overwhelmed or helpless—and how, despite those feelings, she still believes the ability to make positive changes by cultivating your own personal power. (Eaton, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $25)
SOUTHERN SWAGGER: Based out of Charleston, South Carolina, married folk duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst—aka Shovels & Rope—will headline 9:30 Club on Wednesday evening. The band has a dedicated cult following below the Mason Dixie line for their vibrant and energetic live shows. Their stylings are tailor-made for a venue like 9:30 Club, so be prepared for one hell of a performance. (9:30 Club, 7 p.m., $30)
SPIN IT: If folk music isn’t your bag, DJ Seinfeld (yes, you read that correctly) will perform at Flash. The titular DJ, otherwise-known-as Armand Jakobsson, is known for his skillful dancefloor hooks that have gotten him co-signs from outlets like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. (Flash, 8 p.m.-4 a.m., $8)
R AND SIP AND B: Offering a spin on the traditional paint and sip experience, Takoma Station Tavern’s “PaintJam” version will offer live soul music from Bearded Drummer Experience. Paints and materials needed to help you fully express your inner artist will be provided. (Takoma Station Tavern, 7:30 p.m.,-9:30 p.m., $35)
MORE: Madison Cunningham (DC9, 8 p.m., $12), Overtime (Embassy of Peru, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration), We Banjo 3 (The Hamilton Live, 7:30 p.m., $16.75)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
BLOOMIN’: Now that her critically acclaimed television show is done, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator Rachel Bloom is hitting the road for a series of live shows. Bloom will sing and perform numbers from the show (of which there are many) as well as performing original standup. (The Anthem, 8 p.m., $39.50 – $75)
BOOKISH: Famed author Salman Rushdie will visit Sixth & I on Thursday night to speak about his reimagining of Don Quixote. The book, titled “Quichotte,” tells the story of an author who creates a modern version of Don Quixote while going through a midlife crisis, all while aiming to satirize modern culture. A book signing will follow. (Sixth & I, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $22 – $50)
BUA-HAU-HAU: In honor of the Bauhaus centennial, the Hirshhorn Museum will host a conversation around the influential German design school and how its impact is still being felt in modern design. The discussion will be hosted by Debbie Millman of Design Matters podcast and will also feature Laura Muir (Harvard curator), Erica Warren (Art Institute of Chicago assistant curator), and Dong-Ping Wong (Food New York founding director). (Hirshhorn Museum, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: HER Idea: The Podcast Listening Party (iStrategyLabs, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration), NGA Night: Art History Mysteries (National Gallery of Art, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration), Throwback Thursdays – Movie Nights at BQ (Ballston Quarter, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., FREE)
