DCist’s highly subjective and hardly comprehensive guide to the most interesting movies playing around town in the coming week. The Amazing Mr. Bickford and Does Humor Belong in Music? Frank Zappa and Congress are no strangers. It was over 20 years ago that the musician testified before a Senate subcommittee largely representing the interests of their wives and their little killjoy club, the Tipper Gore-led Parents’ Music Resource Center. Thankfully, at least one member of…

>> Tonight’s a big night for music, beginning with a celebration of one of the great musicians of the 20th century, Frank Zappa. His son, Dweezil, leads a group of Zappa-alums for this tribute, which takes place at Warner Theater. 7:30 p.m., $50/$75 + Ticketmaster fees. >> Tonight, the musical flavor of New Orleans comes to the Wonderland Ballroom tonight as Yamomanem takes the stage. Call 202-232-5263 for cover information. 9 p.m. >> Also tonight,…

Well, we’ve definitely reached the doldrums of August, so things have slowed down quite a bit in Jazz Land. Nonetheless, there’s still some interesting stuff to check out this week. >> Tonight, catch the Afro Bop Alliance, a Latin jazz ensemble based out of Annapolis, as they pay a visit to the Millennium Stage. The free show begins at 6 p.m. >> Also tonight, 17-year old Elijah Balbed takes the stage at Twins Jazz with…

Joe Lally should need no introduction. As one half of one of the most rock-solid and inventive rhythm sections in rock and roll, he spent the better part of two decades playing the part of unshakeable anchor for Fugazi’s storms of dueling guitars. His fluid, rolling bass lines have been often imitated, and, in one case, appropriated for the unlikely purpose of rallying fans at sporting events. With his former band in the midst…

If you’re in the mood for something a little unusual tonight, you’re in luck. In celebration of the opening weekend of their new visual music exhibit, the Hirshhorn museum will be open from 9:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. The exhibit explores “the many forms of visual music, an interdisciplinary, broad-based art movement that explored the relationship of abstraction, color, and music.” Their online exhibit has more photos and information about the paintings, film, and installation…