Thursday, January 10
DANCE: Can’t wait ’til Friday to dance? DJ Harry Hotter has you covered—toss on a Starter
jacket and a backward hat and head over to
Patty Boom Boom, where he’ll be spinning ’90s hits spanning all genres until 2 AM. No cover. 9 PM.
ART: Alexandria’s
Torpedo Factory is keeping its doors open late tonight to show off Wintry Mix, which some of you
brighter crayons out there may have guessed features mixed-media pieces inspired by
this oh-so-miserable of seasons. Not miserable? The exhibit—they’ll be serving drinks
and light food, you’ll get to meet some of the artists, and you can usually sneak
into a couple other galleries, as well. Free. 6 to 9 PM.
Friday, January 11
ART: Showing off a picture on the spot wasn’t as always as easy as Instagram makes it;
you used to have to shake that thing the way Andre 3K taught you.
InstantDC celebrates all sorts of on-the-spot photography/development, from Polaroids in the
olden (and hipster) days to digital and cell phone cameras these days. Its latest
exhibition, “The Soul of the City,” will open with a party at Honfleur Gallery Friday.
Free. 6 PM.
SPY: If you’re a good parent, you should have already introduced your kids to James Bond—even
if they’re infants, they’ll soak up those life skills for later. If you haven’t, here’s
your chance. As part of its celebration of all things Bond-villain, the Spy Museum
is hosting an “Exquisitely Evil” family night—think trivia contests, code cracking, evil supervillain training, and free hot chocolate
and cookies. Can’t take over the world on an empty stomach. Tickets ($14) are available
online. 6 PM.
CONCERT: New York duo
the Knocks are part remixers, part cover artists, and part original electronic music composers.
What happens at a Knocks concert is you’ll recognize plenty of super popular songs,
only they’ll sound way better and dancier, so check them out at 9:30 Club if you wanna
move your feet. Tickets ($15) are available online. 10 PM.
Saturday, January 12
LEARN: It’s once again time for DC9’s
Nerd Nite—which means, for conversation’s sake, you should brush up on the latest news: Peter
Parker dies in
Amazing Spider-Man, we filmed a giant squid, Curiosity Rover found a “flower” on Mars, etc. But also
leave some space in that noggin to learn something new: Three experts will talk about
the crazy process sex organs go through in utero, underrated architects of the 20th
century, and the discovery of the Higgs Boson. Better take it easy on the beers. Tickets
($12) are available online. 6 PM.
JAZZ: Usually you’ve gotta pay a bunch of money or attend some sort of historic event like
the Fourth of July to check out the
National Symphony Orchestra. This time, though, they’re heading to where you are: bars or music venues that will have
them. A trio from the NSO will play classical and jazz works for an hour and a half
at a free concert at Twins Jazz on U Street. 8 and 10 PM.
COMEDY: The
DC Arts Center is hosting another arts showcase, a fancy term for “comedy show + band.” This month’s
performers include Damo Hicks, Shahryar Rizvi, Emily Ruskowski, Brandon Wardell, and
local rockers YellowTieGuy. Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door. 9:30 PM.
DANCE²: Lost in all our Dougie-ing, pop-lock-and-dropping, and awkward back-and-forth wobbling
(that’s my move), we somehow lost the ability to square dance. Have a down-home good
time with the
Folklore Society of Greater Washington and musician Jennifer Steckler, who will have you do-si-doing like you never forgot.
Bring snacks, drinks, or baked goods to share with everyone—this is a throwback to
when people were nice, remember? $5. 8:30 PM.
Sunday, January 13
WINE: Because a 5K is just too long, Crystal City is hosting its annual
1K wine walk. Get a (very) little exercise and try 20 different wines while you stumble the grueling
0.6 mile track. Things end with a dance party once everyone’s ready to cool down from
their tough race. Tickets ($40) are available online. 1 to 4 PM.
FASHION: Much like Rent-a-Swag in
Parks and Rec, some real-life Tom Haverford started
Rent the Runway—and with the inauguration just a week away, you’re gonna need a dress to wear. Head over
to the pop-up shop at LivingSocial’s 918 F Street space for a consultation with a
personal stylist, a tote bag, a glass of Champagne, and 20 percent off your rental
order. You’ll find dresses from more than 150 designers, so you’re sure to find one
hot enough to help you sneak into Barack’s parties. $8 through LivingSocial. 10 AM
to 6 PM.
ANNIVERSARY: National Geographic is turning 125 and is celebrating with cake and presents (for you). Its museum will be handing out free Georgetown Cupcakes and will be framing photos of you in its distinctive yellow cover style. All of the museum’s exhibits will also be open. All day.
Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com,
or find him on Twitter @jason_koebler.
