FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18
DRAWING WORKSHOP: On Friday, the Smithsonian’s Arts + Industries Building is hosting an event with local illustrator Carlos Carmonamedina — best known for his postcard project DC is my City. Eventgoers can expect a drawing workshop with an exercise in appreciating the beauty of the world around us. (Arts & Industries Building; 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; FREE)
CHAMBER MUSIC: Start your weekend with live music. This Friday, the 9th Street Quartet will be performing their “signature blend of old and new as [they] present beloved favorites with classics of the future,” according to organizers. The group’s goal is to make classical music more accessible, so this event is perfect for those new to the genre and for longtime fans. (St. George’s Episcopal Church; 6:30 p.m.; $20)
COMET PING PONG: Head to Comet Ping Pong on Friday for live music, pizza, and wings. This weekend, the Chevy Chase spot is hosting a three-band line-up of live music. Expect to hear Spud Cannon (“vignettes of rock and roll”), Lightmare (“six-person soul punk”), and Cinema Hearts (“An ex-pageant queen makes power pop”). (Comet Ping Pong; 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.; $13)
MORE: Middleburg’s Winter Weekend Sale (Middleburg, Virginia; 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Prices Vary); Gangstagrass (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. door, 8:00 p.m. show; $25+); Fridays at the Saloon presented by Kinda Live Comedy (Saloon on U; 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; FREE); Loft Late Night Bobby Thompson Trio (The Hamilton Live; 10:30 p.m.; FREE)
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19
DRAG BRUNCH: Start your Saturday at Haus of Stone’s drag brunch at All Set Restaurant & Bar. The event features performers Queen Citrine, Logan Stone, Vagenesis & Venus Valhalla. The show will begin around noon, and the brunch menu (think: crab cake Benedicts, lobster rolls, and more) is available until 3:00 p.m. (All set Restaurant & Bar; 11:45 a.m. doors; $10 entry per person)
DANCE SHOWCASE: In January, movement artists from across the region entered the NACHMO January Challenge, where choreographers were tasked with creating a new dance in less than a month. Starting this Saturday, the results of the challenge will be performed live at Glade Dance Collective: NACHMO DC 2022 Showcase. A second show with more performers follows on Sunday. (Atlas Performing Arts Center; 7:00 p.m.; $10 – $40)
COMEDY SHOW: On Saturday, head to an apartment (really) on Harvard Street for a comedy night featuring comics from across the region. Attendees will receive the exact apartment address after registration, and are asked to be respectful of neighbors. Expect snacks and drinks with BYOB encouraged. (1320 Harvard Street; 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; $5)
MORE: Loft Late Night Practically Einstein (The Hamilton Live; 10:30 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20
DUCKLINGS: On Sunday, bring your fledgling theater-lovers to a musical about family and what makes a home. Make Way For Ducklings (based on the book by Robert McCloskey) follows a family of ducks in Boston who is finding a place to call their own. This world premiere musical runs through March 27. (Adventure Theatre; 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. showings; $25)
MUSEUM TOUR: On Sunday, tune in to a live-streamed tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture. Led by Robert Kelleman (of the non-profit Washington, DC History & Culture), the tour used to be in-person but remains virtual due to coronavirus precautions. (Virtual; 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; FREE with donation encouraged)
JAZZ BAND: End your weekend listening to the Conservatory Classic Jazz Band. This Sunday, the seven-piece group is performing at Normandie Farm Restaurant in Potomac, Maryland. The show will be in Margery’s Lounge and attendees can expect a light menu and fine wine and spirits. (Normandie Farm Restaurant; 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; $10 cover)
TAP DANCE: On Sunday, Chloe Arnold — the District-born and Emmy-nominated dancer-choreographer — is bringing their Syncopated Ladies to Lincoln Theater. The group has worked with Beyoncé and performed on So You Think You Can Dance, and their show combines tap-dance with genres like hip-hop and pop. (Lincoln Theater; 8:00 p.m.; $30+)
DRAG & STAND UP: Relax before the week starts at DC Comedy Loft in Dupont Circle. MIC CHECK with Gray West combines comedy and drag performance, and takes place on one Sunday every month. If you can’t catch the show this month, the next one is on March 20. (DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern; 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:00 p.m. show; $15)
MORE: Belly Laughs (Tarbender’s Lounge; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; $25); Officina’s Drag Brunch (Officina; 2:00 p.m.; $55); Ellington and Gershwin (Music Center at Strathmore; 3:00 p.m.; $35); Dumpstaphunk (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show; $30+)
