No matter what type of art you prefer—abstract or representational, landscapes or portraits—you should find something to like in the new exhibit “The American Evolution: A History Through Art,” opening Saturday at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. The show’s curators hope you’ll see how different periods and genres tie together to tell the story of the nation through art.

With nearly 200 objects, ranging from 18th-century oil paintings to modern-day sculpture, the exhibit illustrates one thing clearly: what a vast collection the Corcoran has—it owns almost all of the pieces on display. Many of the objects have been traveling for three years and are back home.

Thursday, February 28: What makes great streets in DC? Find out tonight at the National Building Museum (401 F St., NW; 202-272-2448) from four panelists who know what they’re talking about when it comes to developing a neighborhood for nightlife and more. Joe Englert, who has developed the H Street corridor in Northeast DC and owns more bars than anyone else in the city, will chat alongside a geography professor, an architect, and a transportation expert. There’s no better way to learn about development in the District. 6:30 PM; $20.

The wildly popular 12-piece band Pink Martini plays shows tonight through Saturday at the Kennedy Center. Never heard of them? Chances are no matter what your musical tastes are, you’ll find something to like in Pink Martini. The band mixes everything from chamber music to lounge-style tunes to samba in a ridiculously appealing and catchy mix. 7 PM tonight, 8 PM Friday and Saturday. $20-$85; purchase tickets here.

Did you know there’s an International Sword Swallower’s Day? No shame if you didn’t—this is the first year it’s taken place. Celebrate the momentous event at the quirky bar the Palace of Wonders on H Street, Northeast. Several sword swallowers will be doing what they do best (in case you’re unclear, that’s shoving really sharp, pointy metal objects down their throats)—and even better, they’re going to show you exactly how it’s done and why they do it. Admission to the performance and explanation is just $5, and the bar will offer drink specials all night. 9 PM.

Named after Napoleon’s wife, the new club Josephine (1008 Vermont Ave. NW; 202-347-8601) offers an exclusive grandeur befitting an emperor. Translation: Dress well and bring money.

If you’re not on the guest list, you’ll pay a hefty cover to mingle and drink with some of Washington’s prettiest people. Whether the price of admission and cocktails—most well into the double digits—is worth it depends on your attitude toward fashion, society, and consumption in a capitalist society: If you love to hate it or hate to love it, Josephine is for you.

I can almost hear Dan Fedoryka, his brother Alex, Joe Crosby, and Mike Ounallah, members of local band Scythian, collectively trying to catch their breath as they lounge on the steps of DC’s Carnegie Library, taking in one of this winter’s balmier days.

Still ragged from the previous night’s energetic show at Fadó, which had fans lining up outside to see them, the boys have only a short time to spare before they head to Baltimore to hit another venue. But this band seems to thrive on exhaustion.

Known for its impressive fiddling and enthusiastic shows, Scythian has just returned to DC from what the members call their “tundra tour,” in which they traveled by RV to cities such as Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Madison, Wisconsin. After Baltimore, the boys hit the road again on their “Dixie tour,” which will take them from North Carolina to Florida.

“You have to play as much as you can and develop a sound and a presence,” Ounallah says.

Who: Alison Cheyne, 20
Public -communication student, American University 

What She's Wearing:  A J.Crew bell-sleeved jacket with a colorful, striped silk lining ("When I wear this coat I usually don't button it because it swings open as I walk and sometimes the lining peeks out"), a polka-dot, silk blouse from Marshall's ("In the clearance section hidden between some Christmas sweaters and horrid grandma blouses"), high-waisted, black skinny pants from H&M, a black scarf from a street market in Florence while studying abroad in Italy last semester, and black suede pumps by Steven by Steve Madden.  The bag is a black and white patent tote by Tory Burch from Bloomingdale's in Chevy Chase.

How would you describe your style?  Any style quirks or signatures?  "I feel like my style is quirky, Euro-sophisticate.  There are days when I wake up and need black pants and ballet flats à la Audrey, some where I channel Italia with heavy leather boots and skinny jeans and multiple scarves, but other days I feel the need to pass on pants and wear one of my grandfathers cashmere sweaters, leggings, Minnetonka moccasins, and load up on bracelets.  My signature would be my necklaces and watch.  I think a good, solid watch is essential.  Mine is a two-tone Fendi tank style.  I love the two-tone because I can really have fun with the rest of my jewelry, which is why I always wear two or three necklaces that compliment eachother.  Each has a special meaning to me, which is always a conversation starter if I'm in a terribly awkward social situation."  

Favorite labels and shops? "My favorite labels would have to be J.Crew and Club Monaco for the basics.  Its so cliché, but DVF is right for every occasion.  There's always a few of her dresses I'm coveting.  H&M is great for business attire if you don't want to spend a lot.  Citizens of Humanity and Paige jeans always fit right, and I need to get my hands on the new William Rast styles.  I love the new Bloomingdales in Chevy Chase and Urban Chic and Wink in Georgetown.  I've known Wink to have a great selection of Calypso, Milly, and James Perse tees.  The Mustard Seed in Bethesda is really fun.  And you can't forget Loehmans, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, etc.  Clothes are always more exciting when you really feel like you found them."

Monday, February 25: Hockey ’n Heels at the Verizon Center
Always wanted to join in the fun of a die-hard hockey fans but never actually, you know, knew anything about the game? The Capitals are holding a ladies’ event tonight that could change all that. Hockey ’n Heels features lessons, prizes, a locker-room tour, and an on-ice demonstration that will have you speaking hockey talk in no time. 6:15 PM; tickets ($75) include a seat at the March 1 Capitals game.

Tuesday, February 26: Become a Guitar Hero at Rhino Bar
Ready to unleash your inner rock star?  Take the stage and show off your musical skills at Rhino Bar (3295 M St., NW; 202-333-3150) tonight. Every Tuesday, Rhino holds Guitar Hero competitions and karaoke. The DJs have an extensive catalog of karaoke music, but the main attraction is the video game Guitar Hero, with wannabe shredders lining up to play Metallica and more. If you’re already hooked on Guitar Hero, you’ll become hooked on spending Tuesday nights at Rhino Bar. Drink specials add to the fun. 10 PM to close.

Groovers, spinners, and shakers queued up this morning, huddling in comforters and down jackets outside the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Northeast DC for a chance to get on the Fox TV show So You Think You Can Dance.

“I’ve just been kind of running in place,” said Jen (who preferred her last name not be used) of the 30-degree weather.

Jen, 25—who flew in from the West Coast to audition and stay with her cousin in DC—is a cheerleader and a dance-team coach. She’ll improvise a jazz/contemporary routine for 15 seconds—the time allotted to each dancer in the initial round—in front of judges Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe. It’s her first time trying out for the show.

Jen befriended Katie Milano, a 25-year-old New Jersey native, while standing in line. Milano said she woke up at 2:30 AM to drive from New Jersey and began standing in line at 6:30 AM. Three hours later, Milano was still behind dozens of people.