Monday, June 9: Death Cab for Cutie
Six albums later, singer Ben Gibbard and his band remain as dark and moody as ever—and that’s a good thing (for the band’s listeners, at least). Currently touring in support of their album Narrow Stairs, the Seattle quartet stops by the Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pwy., Columbia;  410-715-5550) for a show at 7:30. Tickets are $25-$40.
 
Tuesday, June 10: Scott McClellan at Politics and Prose
McClellan’s account of his time as White House press secretary, recounted in What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception, has been causing waves for its critical look at both President George W. Bush and his administration. McClellan will be at Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Ave., 202-364-1919) to read and discuss his memoir. 7 PM.

Wednesday, June 11: The Breeders
“Just want a girl as cool as Kim Deal” sings the Dandy Warhols’ frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor in a song from the band’s 1997 album. We couldn’t agree more with Taylor-Taylor. Luckily, we won’t have to settle for a facsimile: Deal herself—alongside the rest of her band, the Breeders—plays the 9:30 Club (815 V St., NW; 202-265-0930). Tickets are $25. The show starts at 7:30 with opening band the Montana Boys.

Thursday, June 12: Drafthouse Comedy Challenge
The semi-finals of this local comedy competition held at the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; 703-486-2345) kick off tonight, with four local comedians duking it out for laughs onstage. The following Thursday, four more will compete before two are chosen for the final on June 20. Tickets are $10. 8:30 PM.

Friday, June 13: Divas Outdoors: Film Under the Stars
Celebrate the start of Pride Weekend in the city with a screening of the 1964 film Strait-Jacket at the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave., NW; 202-686-5807). The film stars gay idol Joan Crawford as an ax-wielding madwoman. Fierce! There will be a picnic spread and a Joan Crawford look-alike contest. Doors open at 6 and the movie starts at sunset. Tickets are $15 and $10 for children. To reserve a spot call 202-686-5807.

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