TUESDAY, JAN. 16
PROFS AND PAINE: Thomas Paine was one of the most significant political writer of his time, penning books like “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man.” But was he a hero or a villain? Matthew Dziennik, associate professor of British imperial history at the United States Naval Academy will explore this question in Monday’s Profs and Pints talk. (Penn Social; 6 p.m.; $14.31)
RESTORING THE DREAM: The commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. continues on Tuesday. Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition leads a discussion on advancing racial equity in energy, environment, and transportation. (Virtual; 11 a.m.; FREE)
FRANKLIN FOER: Tuesday Talks are back! This week, journalist and author Franklin Foer will discuss his most recent book: “The Last Politician: Inside the Biden White House and the Struggle for America’s Future.” (Cleveland Park Library; 7 p.m.; FREE)
MORE:One of the Good Guys author Araminta Hall in conversation with Melissa Scholes Young (Solid State Books; 7 p.m.; FREE), The Del McCoury Band (Wolf Trap; 8 p.m.; $63), Spacked Out screening (Suns Cinema; 7 p.m.; $12), America’s Parking Revolution (Brookings Institution or Virtual; 4 p.m.; FREE), Lindsay Lou & Griffin William Sherry (Pearl Street Warehouse; 8 p.m.; $20)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE: 2024 marks 60 years since the Beatles’ first U.S. tour, and The Birchmere is celebrating! An all-star band will perform the band’s greatest hits for one night only. (Birchmere; 7:30 p.m.; $64)
WEBB WEDNESDAY: “Beyond the Light” is back at Artechouse, and will host discussions with scientists every Wednesday. This week, James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Optics Lead Lee Feinberg will talk about the engineering and technology behind the telescope. (Artechouse DC; 5 p.m.; FREE)
MORE:Minimal Disturbance: Jack Wright & Ron Stabinsky / John Hoegberg & Mickey Lusk / Ivan Liptak & Sarah Hughes (Rhizome DC; 7 p.m.; $10+), The Charlatans (Fillmore Silver Spring; 8 p.m.; $39.50+) Nell Greenfieldboyce (Politics and Prose at The Wharf; 7 p.m; FREE)
SPONSORED THIS MUCH I KNOW: Theater J brings you an award-winning, mind-bending mystery, This Much I Know by Jonathan Spector. The play spins our axis of belief and understanding. Follow three characters on their pursuit of happiness and the science of choice as they become entangled with self-discovery, memory, and how to move forward. (On-stage Jan. 31-Feb. 25. Ticket prices vary.)
THURSDAY, JAN. 18
MORNING AFTER GRACE: Anacostia Arts Center’s first play of the year premieres this Thursday! Morning After Grace, a production of the Valley Place Arts Collective, is a comedy that follows three baby boomers as they deal with love, loss, sex, aging, and more. (Anacostia Arts Center; 7:30 p.m.; $20)
MICHELE NORRIS: Over a decade ago, journalist Michele Norris asked people to share their thoughts on race in only six words as part of The Race Card Project. Over half a million people answered the call. Norris has compiled some of these stories in her new book Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity. Norris will discuss her work and the book on Thursday with Laura Coates, CNN’s chief legal analyst. (Sixth & I and Virtual; 7 p.m.; $18 and $12)
MOUNT VERNON’S DYNASTY: Learn about reviving historic beers with Favio Garcia, founder and director of brewing operations at Dynasty Brewing Company. Dynasty has curated beers for Mount Vernon over the past two years, and now Washingtonians can get a taste. Each ticket includes a featured beer and a seat. (ChurchKey; 6 p.m.; $10)
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Jan. 24 is Tu Bishvat, or “Jewish Arbor Day.” In advance of the holiday, the Capital Jewish Museum will host a panel discussion on environmental justice locally, featuring ANC Commissioner Rhonda Hamilton, professor Janet Phoenix, and ecofeminist Brenda Lee Richardson. The panel will be followed by dinner inspired by foods traditionally served on Tu Bishvat. (Capital Jewish Museum; 6 p.m.; $36)
POLITICAL TRIVIA: Want to face off against other policy wonks? The New Republic and Capital City Showcase are hosting a political trivia night. Register to indicate interest. (Blackfinn DC; 6:30 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: The Benefits of Journalism (Virtual; 2:30 p.m.; FREE), Wandering Bird, Fanfaire, and Adele Marie (Songbyrd; 8 p.m.; $13), Trivia Under the Stars (Wunder Garten; 7 p.m.; $15), After Thought (Washington Printmakers Gallery; various times, FREE), Urban Kites (Union Stage; 8 p.m.; $20),Riding Giants film screening (Gateway Arts Center; 7 p.m.; FREE), Vintage Espionage (1310 Kitchen & Bar; 6 p.m.; $85)
