Since 2006, Dzanc Books has been publishing non-mainstream works such as Jeff Parker’s The Taste of Penny, a series of ten dark short stories in which the characters are always in peril, and Dave Housley’s Ryan Seacrest is Famous, a scathing but funny look at pop culture. Both authors are reading at Wonderland Ballroom Thursday at 7. Free.
Three young actresses get hooked on downers in Valley of the Dolls, a 1967 Mark Robson-directed film. Robson worked on Citizen Kane, but high-class cinema this ain’t. Besides being terribly unfaithful to the novel it’s based on, it was almost universally panned. But the movie has become a cult favorite in the so-bad-it’s-good category, so head to Atlas Performing Arts Center Thursday at 8 to see what all the fuss is about. Tickets are $6.
DC is usually host to rooftop pool parties, but now Maryland getting in on the action. Best of all—besides the free cover—the Top of the Tree Tropical Thursday Happy Hour at the Doubletree Hotel in Bethesda features free food.
Wear your best gopher costume—or maybe just your bathing suit—and go to the Capitol Skyline Hotel for its Dive-In Movie Thursday. In addition to showing Caddyshack, the event features pool golf, a costume contest, and movie trivia. Advance tickets are $10 and include a free drink. The fun starts at 7, and the flick starts at sunset.
Fort Reno has one of its better lineups this week, when the catchy, soulful band Poor But Sexy plays Thursday. As always, the show is free, and it runs from 7 to 9:30.
Temporium, a clothing store with pieces by local designers, is H Street Northeast’s latest volley at Columbia Heights in the war to become the hippest spot in DC. The store is having an opening reception at its temporary location, the R.L. Christian Library. From 6 to 10 on Friday, DJ Obeyah spins, and Saturday night (also 6 to 10) features live music from Will Rast and Alex Vans before DJ MikeBolo takes over. Free entry, and free cupcakes and drinks will be available.
Soul fans get dance nights, funk fans get dance nights, Michael Jackson fans get dance nights, even Ke$ha lovers can just stumble into any bar in Adams Morgan and dance, but where’s the love for punk kids? Well, Black Cat has you covered. Dye your hair green and pull out your Minor Threat patches . . . or, just show up Friday night to No Control. Best of all, the slam dance party is free, so you won’t have to borrow any money from your vegan co-op. It all gets started at 9:30.
Busboys and Poets is celebrating Allen Ginsberg’s poetry with “Howl” in the City, featuring readings and live music Friday at 8 and 10. Saturday at 8, a quartet is performing the piece. Click here for more information and tickets ($10).
Support a good cause Saturday afternoon at McFadden’s with a happy hour to support the Guatemalan Indigenous Women’s Empowerment Project. Mayans in Guatemala (women especially) continue to be marginalized by the government. The $5 cover buys you a wristband for drink specials, and proceeds go to FESIRGUA, a Guatemalan NGO dedicated to improving Mayans’ lives. Also, can we just say that if you stay through the night, none other than Vanilla Ice is appearing to celebrate the bar’s seventh anniversary. Specials include $5 Jägermeister drinks and $3 draft beers. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6.
Two cops investigating a crime in Hong Kong end up with more than they can handle once they realize one of criminals may be a ghost—and they’re its next target. Rule Number One is part of the Smithsonian’s Made in Hong Kong Film Festival. The movie is playing Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2 at the Freer Gallery. Both showings are free.
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