Thursday, July 9
At the National Museum of American History, historian Monica Smith discusses the invention of the electric guitar, shares stories of the musicians involved in its development, and explains how it has become the instrument we still swoon over today. Second floor.
Invite 30 Facebook “friends” you’ve never met to the Black Cat’s B.A.R.F. (Be a Real Friend) Party. There’s no cover, and music is always a perfect conversation starter. 8 PM.
Friday, July 10
The Made in Hong Kong Film Festival kicks off today with a 7 PM showing of Sparrow, the comedic tale of a group of Cantonese pickpockets whose slick ways unravel when a beautiful stranger enters their midst. English subtitles will ensure you’re privy to the jokes, but that won’t matter—the achingly beautiful set design, evocative of a Hong Kong long since passed, may keep you from noticing the dialogue altogether. Freer Gallery’s Meyer Auditorium. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis an hour before the show. Limit of two tickets per person. Call 202-633-4880 for more information.
Saturday, July 11
Get an early start with a free tai chi class at Lincoln Park (E. Capitol St. between 11th and 13th sts., NE). Taught by Dr. David Walls-Kaufman, a Capitol Hill chiropractor, this exercise session starts at 8 AM. Call 202-544-6035 for more information.
Once you’ve finished revving up your muscles, head to the Ballston arts-and-crafts market (across from the Metro) to explore the wares of 70 local artists, artisans, and independent designers; 10 to 4, with a guest deejay spinning at 2. For more information, visit ballstonvasquare.org/artmarket.
Sunday, July 12
We’ve been looking forward to the arrival of the movie Medicine for Melancholy for a while now, and the excitement factor was upped exponentially once we found out it was free. Catch the 5 PM screening of the film—an honest, understated love story that springs from bicycles, one-night stands, and the reconciliation of hipster identity with African-American culture in San Francisco—at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Rasmusen Theater. There’s a discussion with the filmmaker—whose work was nominated for Best First Feature and Best Cinematography at the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards—immediately afterwards. Free, though seats are doled out on a first-come, first-served basis.
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