FRIDAY: >> The 18th Street Lounge’s regular Wednesday night reggae stars SEE-I are at the Rock and Roll Hotel to celebrate the holidays with some friends who are sure to get you dancing too — DJ Mat the Alien and remix artists Fort Knox Five. Tickets for the Happy FKX-XMas are $10. >> Rufus Wainwright begins a two-night stint at the 9:30 Club tonight with his sister, Lucy Wainwright Roche. Tickets are still available for…

As you might imagine, there’s not a whole lot going on in the art world this week, and unlike the last holiday, even the Smithsonians close on Christmas Day. Nevertheless, we found a few exhibits for you to poke around this weekend. And if you’re one of those last minute gift buyers and can’t bear to wage war at the mall, don’t forget our guide to art museum memberships for something a little more unique…

FRIDAY: >>Great quadruple bill comes to the Rock and Roll Hotel: Three Stars alums Jukebox the Ghost (pictured right) and tour diarists These United States join DCist fave Ra Ra Riot and Sam Champion. All that for the low, low price of $10 before, $12 at the door. Show 9 p.m. >> The Black Cat once again hosts Cryfest, everyone’s favorite dance party that pits The Smiths vs. The Cure, brought to you by DJs…

Most of this week looks sleepy as far as classical music goes. However, by the end of the week, there will be three events, all of which are high on our December list and all happening simultaneously. How to choose? SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY: >> Wagnerian tenor Ben Heppner is scheduled to give a recital on Sunday afternoon (December 2, 5:30 p.m.) at Baltimore’s Shriver Hall. It will be Heppner’s first appearance in Baltimore and his…

My mother and I used to think we were so clever sneaking out of the house after the post-pumpkin pie haze to spend our tryptophan relaxing time at the movie theater, while our extended family lay sprawled on the couches in front of the boob tube … until a few years later when the entire world caught on and every theater had lines around the block on Turkey Day. Lucky for you, we’re in Washington,…

DCist’s highly subjective and hardly comprehensive guide to the most interesting movies playing around town in the coming week. Indie: Lake of Fire Michael Moore may have grabbed all the press where high profile documentaries are concerned, but it’s Tony Kaye’s Lake of Fire that is being quietly talked about as the most powerful documentary of the year. Which is remarkable considering its subject is one of the most talked about and analyzed issues on…

Written by DCist Contributor Kate Mereand The scenes are always striking: women at night, mostly alone, and then buildings, mostly in daylight. Such is Edward Hopper’s art, finding voyeuristic fancy in two main types of subjects: ladies and places. The similarities he finds between the two are centered on the clear, stark contrast he favors in his style when painting most anything. You’ll recognize his work from the iconic painting, Nighthawks (pictured above-right). While that…

After the whirlwind of April arts events, May looks to be a little quieter, perhaps even serene at times. Though if you’re looking for a party, we’ve got the info for this week’s Artomatic events, which is only just past its halfway point. >> Ever dream of being one of those madly rich people with original Van Goghs or Kandinskys in your climate controlled, wood paneled library (in the east wing)? Bring your envious eyes…

It’s about to get real sloooow in the arts world as summer moves heavily upon us. You could throw down a grand on a trip to the Louvre, but everyone knows you can only love Paris in the springtime. Luckily for us, our nation’s capital provides us with more museums than you can shake a Mona Lisa at. Not only will museums around town be open all summer (unlike many private galleries), but they’re…

If you haven’t made your way down to Gallery Place today, you’re missing quite the celebration. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery opened their doors today after a six year renovation. Dancers, puppet-masters, Andy Warhol impersonators and live bands are ushering in the new era for the former Patent Office Building. Oh, and the free ice cream is nice, too. After the ribbon cutting ceremony this morning, residents and tourists…