Monday, May 1
NEW PLAYS: The Anacostia Playhouse is back with New Voices, New Works, its annual series showcasing new, unproduced plays. Viewers are in for a real treat with this year’s theme, “love will make you do right/make you do wrong,” which each of the 10-minute staged play readings will be based on. (Anacostia; May 1-8; Pay what you can)
COMEDY SHUFFLE: Enjoy a night full of laughter at The Comedy Shuffle. All comics are welcomed to hop on stage and try out their new material, although there’s just one twist. A seasoned comic can interrupt at any time if they think the joke isn’t landing. (The Comedy Loft; Monday; FREE)
MORE: Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival (through May 31; FREE), Free Open Rehearsal (3 p.m.; FREE), Jen Sincero: You are a Badass 2023 (Sixth & I and virtual; 7 p.m.; $24)
Tuesday, May 2
DRAWING COURSE: Interested in diving into your next masterpiece but need some help on technique? The Hill Center has you covered with a Basic Drawing Techniques: Drawing From an Image course. This four-part course will be led by a local artist and art teacher. Students will receive guidance and drawing techniques to help put the finishing touches on their work. (The Hill Center; 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.; $132)
SKETCH COMEDY: Head over to DC Improv for a spring event with Bad Medicine After Dark. This sketch comedy show introduces new characters, videos, music, and most importantly high-energy. (DC Improv; 7:30 p.m.; $17)
TRIVIA NIGHT: Put your music and pop culture knowledge to the test at NSO at The Anthem Trivia Night, which features questions from the emcees but also clues from the orchestra itself. Bring your thinking cap and get the chance to win prizes. (The Anthem; 7:30 p.m.; $30)
MORE: BigBabyGucci- Homesick Tour (Songbyrd; 7 p.m.; $18 -$100), Paint Party (Shaw’s Tavern; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.; $35), Tuesday Comedy on U Street (The District Sports Bar; 8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $0- $15), Medicare for All Trivia Night (The Midlands Beer Garden; 7 p.m.; FREE), West African Drumming (Joe Byrd Hall; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; FREE)
SPONSORED CRAFT SHOW: The 2023 Smithsonian Craft Show is bringing 120 artists from across the country to the National Building Museum from May 3-7. This not-to-miss event will showcase one-of-a-kind pieces representing all facets of contemporary craft and design. Celebrating the American Spirit, the Show includes an outstanding selection of Native American & Indigenous artists exhibiting hand-crafted work.
Wednesday, May 3
DRAG PHOTOGRAPHY: Head to Ron David Studio near Union Market for the opening reception of “Survive, Glamorously: Images of Drag in the District.” The photography show from queer art and movement collective haus of bambi and photographer Farrah Skeiky will be up in the design studio through May 13. (Ron David Studio, 6 p.m.; FREE)
LAUNCH PARTY: Grab a friend and enjoy a drink for a cause with at Lost Generation Brewing. The new venue will debut a new beer, Tiger Spirit, at a launch party. The beer is a collaboration with Bluejacket Brewery and will support Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate, 100% of the proceeds from Tiger Spirit that evening will go to Chef’s Stopping AAPI Hate. (Lost Generation Brewing; Wednesday; FREE)
FREE CONCERT: Make your way over to Songbyrd to enjoy a concert series with Mars Arts D.C. featuring The Inner Temples. This live musical performance uses a fusion of synthesizers, drum machines, and live instruments. (Songbyrd; 7 p.m.-11 p.m; FREE)
R&B YOGA: Looking for a way to get more active and enjoy some soothing sounds? R&B Yoga Playground has you covered with a class that is aimed to improve body mobility. Guided by Sydnea and her dynamic R&B playlists, this class encourages people to come as they are and enjoy a weekly wellness routine. (Eaton; 6 p.m.; $25)
SPONSORED ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY: Join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Sunday, May 7, at Strathmore at 3 p.m. when Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo presents three Masterworks for D.C. audiences. The performance includes the world premiére of Dr. Michael – Thomas Foumai’s Living Pono with harpist Charles Overton. Grammy-award winning Violinist James Ehnes will join the full orchestra for Korngold’s Concerto for Violin in D major. Baltimore organist Daniel Aune will join ASO musicians to bring Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Organ to life as the season ends in epic fashion! Tickets at Strathmore.org. DCist readers get 30% off using code CLEF at checkout.
MORE: Eating for Energy: Vegetable Fried Quinoa and Brown Rice (John Eager Howard Community Center; 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.; FREE), Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures (National Museum of African American History and Culture; 4:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m.; FREE), Wellness Wednesday (Milian Park; 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; FREE), Arlington Dinner Club (District Taco; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; FREE)
Thursday, May 4
BLUEGRASS: Grab a banjo-loving friend and head to Bluegrass Night with The Gravel Road Band. All ages are welcome to this night full of live music in Silver Spring. (Quarry House Tavern; 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; FREE)
YAPPY HOUR: Visit metrobar with your canine friends to enjoy a special Yappy Hour with District Dogs. In addition to all the human treats the bar always has, it will be fully stocked with Doggie Beer, puppuccinos, treats, toys, belly rubs, and more. (Metrobar; 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.; FREE)
RAHEEM DEVAUGHN: Head to Birchmere and check out American R&B and soul singer/songwriter Raheem DeVaughn. Enjoy a night filled with live music from the three-time Grammy nominated artist. (Birchmere; 7:30 p.m.; $131)
MORE: Meditation & Music Medicine Soundbath (Eaton; 7 p.m.; $30 – $50), Everything Nice Presents: BOOM BOOM ROOM at Saint-Ex (Café Saint- Ex; 10 p.m.- 2 a.m.; FREE admission), Handmade Pasta Workshop (The Hill Center; 6 p.m-8 p.m.; $69), No One Is Coming To Save Us (DCTV; 6:30 p.m.; FREE), Trivia Night Thursdays (metrobar; 7 p.m -9 p.m.; FREE)
