Join local pop-folk duo the Sweater Set for a mix of cabaret-style performances with magician David London as Solly’s U St. Tavern hosts Sideshow on Thursday from 7:30 to 10. Jane Roser of the boutique Betsy Johnson will be giving away clothing accessories to those who come early, and we hear there may be cupcakes. Tickets cost $5, and guests must be 21 and older.
Between the fixed job security, remarkable pension and health plans, and inflated salaries, life is rough for government employees. To help make these downtrodden nine-to-fivers feel appreciated, One Lounge is offering two-for-one cocktails Friday from 5 to 7:30 for anyone who can show proof of employment with the government.
U Street’s favorite DJ, Will Eastman, is teaming up with hipsters’ favorite beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, to present US Royalty at the Mansion at Strathmore on Friday from 8 to midnight. The standing-only show features special guest visual artist Kelly Towles and $2 16-ounce PBRs from 8 to 9. Tickets cost $12 at the door but only $10 for those who purchase them in advance here.
The Flaming Lips meet Apollo Sunshine when Silver Spring quartet Ravenous takes the stage at the Red and the Black on Friday at 9. Tickets ($8) include performances by Fox Japan and Caustic Casanova.
Sway to the ancient sounds of EN.D.E. as the Swedish ensemble performs a free concert at the historic Arts Club of Washington (2017 I St., NW) Friday at noon. The duo will perform a range of music from the 18th century on recorders, guitars, and archlutes. For information, call 202-331-7282.
Grab your family, head to the Mall, and rediscover electricity on Saturday as the Smithsonian presents the annual Kite Festival from 10 to 4. Representatives from various kite organizations will set up displays, host demonstrations, and help enthusiasts construct their own kites.
Calling all Kanye West haters: The Historical Society of Washington (801 K St., NW) is showing a free screening of Copyright Criminals, a documentary exploring the history and influence of musical sampling on Saturday at 2. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion about intellectual property rights and sampling.
Escape the madness of Adams Morgan by heading to Big Bear Cafe in DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood on Sunday at 7. Check out Brooklyn indie rock outfit the Beets as they play with Eternal Summers and Beach Fossils. Come early and sip on a frothy heart-shaped cappuccino—you won’t regret it.
William Wallace—distinguished professor of art history at Washington University, not Mel Gibson’s character in Braveheart—discusses his recent book, Michelangelo: The Artist, the Man and His Times in a free lecture at the National Gallery of Art on Sunday at 2.
Swim with the fishes as Adams Morgan’s the Reef hosts Swag Sunday at 9. DJ Mic Sharp and Paul Tennessee will be spinning live music. There’s no dress code and—best of all—no cover.
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