Thursday, January 24: Performance Week at Meat Market Gallery continues as local and national performance artists host nightly performances in an unoccupied building put together by art organizations such as the Pink Line, Civilian Art Projects, Goethe-Institut, and more. It’s a double-header tonight at 6, with performance artists Benjamin Jurgensen and the Yay! Team. 1840 14th St., NW; 202-328-6328. Free.
Need some sartorial advice? Head to the Vintage to Vogue Clinic & Fashion Show this evening at 7 at Heineman Myers Contemporary Art (4728 Hampden La., Bethesda). A $35 entrance fee gets you advice on the best ways wear vintage clothes and where to look for great finds. Plus—there will be a fashion show of vintage attire that will be on sale later in the evening. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to info@heinemanmyers.com.
Friday, January 25: Start your weekend with some crazy dancing—you won’t be able to help yourself when you listen to the Afrofunk sounds of Chopteeth Orchestra at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. Best of all, the performance is free. 6 PM; 2700 F St., NW.
If bluesy, alternative jam rock is more your style, head to Falls Church to catch the North Mississippi Allstars play the State Theatre (220 N. Washington St.). 9 PM; $25. Purchase tickets here.
Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein will host an “American Conversation” with former First Lady Barbara Bush today at 4. Head to the National Archives (Seventh St. and Constitution Ave., NW ) to hear the formidable former First Lady chat about her time in the White House and what she’s up to these days. Free, but seating is first come, first served.
Saturday, January 26: File this under the “hear them while they’re still unknown” file: Jukebox the Ghost hosts its CD release party tonight at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., NW). The band’s sound is like Ben Folds Five crossed with Queen—upbeat, incredibly melodic and catchy piano-driven music that will have you singing along before you know it. Jukebox the Ghost also puts on a fantastic live show—you’ll leave humming and grinning. 9 PM; $10. Tickets available here.
Surely by now you’ve heard that Colbert Report host Stephen Colbert snuck into the National Portrait Gallery and hung his portrait by the bathrooms on the second floor, just outside the “America’s Presidents” exhibit. The museum has good-naturedly allowed the painting to hang for the next six weeks, so see it while you can. Bonus: You can stop by afterward at the lovely Kogod Courtyard Cafe for a beer. The museum is open daily from 11:30 to 7.
Yeehaw! The world’s best bull riders are headed to town—and you can see them do their thing this weekend at the Professional Bull Riders Fairfax Invitational. The fun starts tonight at 7:30 at the Patriot Center (4500 Patriot Cir.). Purchase tickets ($15-$65) here.
Sunday, January 27: If you’re feeling artsy, there’s no better place to head to than the National Gallery of Art (Fourth St. and Constitution Ave., NW). This weekend in the East Building, the museum hosts a tribute to the International Festival of Films on Art, an annual event in Montreal showcasing films on fine art, architecture, music, dance, and more. The National Gallery program presents award-winning examples from the 2007 festival. Free screenings start at 4 (also Saturday the 26th at 2).
Forget the Super Bowl—it’s time for Fantasy Foot Ball this weekend. Shoe lovers gather at the Four Seasons Hotel (2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) for the opportunity to buy shoes from local boutiques and designers including Gigi Favella and Rachelle Celine, sip martinis, and get swag. Tickets ($50 in advance, $75 at the door) available here. 2 to 5 PM.
Want more nightlife and entertainment? Head back to the After Hours blog, check out our calendar of events, or find a spot to drink with our Happy Hour Finder.
