The Torpedo Factory brings you a thought-provoking night of art. From 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, browse the Target Gallery, where Alexandria’s Sexual Assault Response and Awareness Program will be displaying t-shirts from their Clothesline Project. The shirts were painted by women and feature messages about domestic violence. At 7, artists from the organization SPARK will perform spoken-word pieces inspired by the exhibition. The Torpedo Factory will also unveil its White Dress Installation—artwork that explores what white dresses mean in different cultures. Get more details here. Free.
Dance it up at the Black Cat’s Backstage Friday night for DJ Lil’e’s 80s Alt-Pop Dance Night. Break out the leg warmers and side ponytail at 9:30 PM. Tickets are only $7. Go here for more information.
Some of the area’s funniest ladies are joining forces for She-Ha 2, a stand-up comedy night at DC Improv. Headlining is Erin Jackson, whom we’ve profiled before. Other comedians include Molly Martinez and Elahe Izadi. Catch all the girl power Friday at 8 PM. Call 202-296-7008 for $10 tickets. Check out the event flier here.
The Textile Museum is getting into the cherry-blossom spirit with a Japanese-themed Hapi Hapi Hour Friday night. For $10, you get to hang out in lantern-lit gardens, enjoy music by the Four Horsemen and DJ Robin Bell, go on gallery tours, and have a drink on the house with the purchase of your ticket (two drinks if you are a Textile Museum member). There’ll be a cash bar, plus sushi and sake for sale through FoodArts. Buy your tickets in advanced online for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Mandu, or call 202-667-0441 ext. 64 to register over the phone. The event starts at 6 PM.
Feeling poetic? Watch poets duke it out at the 11th Hour Poetry Slam at Busboys and Poets. The Friday night event will feature Robert Carroll, a Los Angeles-based wordsmith who just published the book Amazing Change: The Wisdom that Illness, Death and Dying Provide. Tickets will be sold at the door beginning at 10:30 PM for $5; the poetry starts at 11.
Immediately after the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade on Saturday, head to 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, for even more festivities. The 50th annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Festival starts at 11 AM and features Japanese food, beer, sake, music, anime, taiko drums, samurai swordsmen, karate, judo, and sudoku galore. More details here.
If you’re seeking refuge from all the cherry-blossom-parade goers, you might find it at K Street Lounge’s Day Party. What the heck’s a Day Party? Drinks, DJs, and bottle service, like at any club—except this fiesta starts at 3 PM. Go here for more info.
For anyone who misses Josh Colon’s wailing sessions now that the Real World wrapped up, we’ve got two words for you: Wicked Liquid. They’ll be playing at the Rock ‘N Roll Hotel at 9:30 on Saturday night. Doors open at 8:30, but get there early to catch a good look at Josh’s pompadour. Sharing the stage will be Fuzzy G, Pants Velour, and the Canon Logic. $10.
Steve Starks and Nacey—part of the Nouveau Riche DJ team—have a new EP out. To celebrate, DJs Tittsworth and Eastman are letting them throw a bash at U Street Music Hall Saturday night. Tickets are $10 and the event has one rule: You have to wear something awesome.
DC Pocketgays brings you something to do on Sunday (after church, perhaps?). They’re having their monthly Sunday School party at Local 16, featuring music by DJs TMY and Cold Case. There will also be drinks, prizes, and “pocket-size surprises.” Pace yourself—this event starts at 3 and you probably have work on Monday. Go here for information.
Subscribe to Washingtonian
Follow Washingtonian on Twitter
More>> After Hours Blog | Arts & Events | Happy Hour Finder | Calendar of Events
