The Hill is alive with the sound of music this weekend—On Friday, DJ Vice will be spinning tunes at Eden, and on Saturday dancers will perform to the melodies that inspired Chris Martin's paintings. Photograph of Martin (left) by Chris Leaman; Photograph of DJ Vice (right) courtesy of the artist's Web site.
Thursday, July 28
MUSIC: Indie-pop bands Craft Spells and Black Hills are dropping by the Black Cat for a night of summery, mellow new-wave sounds. You can sample their tracks by clicking on the links above. Tickets ($10) can be purchased at the event Web site. Doors open at 8:30 PM.
FILM: There are only three nights left of Bethesda’s Outdoor Movie Series, and tonight’s can’t-miss flick is The King’s Speech. The Oscar-winning film is based on the true story of King George VI’s friendship with Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Starring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush. Free; 9 PM.
ART: Long View Gallery is hosting a cocktail reception for its latest exhibit “Refresh,” a collection of new work by gallery favorites. Featured artists include Mike Weber, Scott Brooks, Tony Savoie, Anne Marchand, and more. Attendees will enjoy live music and summer refreshments. Free; 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
CHILDREN’S THEATER: Gypsies and music and dance, oh my! Strathmore’s kid-friendly production of Barynya brings Russian fairytales and musical traditions to life. The Backyard Theater stage is outside under a tent, so you may want to pack a few blankets or low beach chairs. Tickets ($8, Free for ages 2 and under) can be purchased at the door. 9:30 and 11:30 AM.
Friday, July 29
BENEFIT: Join Gene Baur, author and founder of Farm Sanctuary, for Tranquil Space’s Benefit for the Animals. The evening will include vegan treats by Sticky Fingers and Cafe Green, along with presentations from the Washington Humane Society, Farm Sanctuary, and Pigs Animal Sanctuary. Plus, Baur will be signing copies of his book Farm Sanctuary. All proceeds will benefit the attending organizations. Tickets ($10 suggested donations) can be purchased at the door. 7 to 9 PM.
DANCE PARTY: Internationally renowned DJ Vice will be spinning the hottest tracks at Eden’s eight-hour dance party. He’s worked with artists like Lady Gaga, Timbaland, Mariah Carey, and Pharrell. $4 Red Bulls will be available all night long. Cover charge $20; 10 PM.
ART: It’s your last chance to catch Touchstone Gallery’s “Art Deco-O” exhibit, featuring a complete deck of cards crafted by 54 of DC’s artists. The collection boasts a wide array of artistic genres and was made into a deck of fully functioning cards.
Saturday, July 30
FESTIVAL: Health nuts won’t want to miss the Total Body Health Fair and Festival along F Street. Acrobatic acts, dance groups, cooking demonstrations, and health seminars are just a few of the activities planned for today’s festival. A moonbounce and face painting will be available for the kids. And don’t forget to enter the raffle for prizes like a Caribbean cruise, cameras, spa treatments, and more. Free; Noon to 6 PM.
FASHION: We’ve been keeping a watchful eye on the home-grown men’s label Hugh & Crye for some time now. And this Saturday, you can get to know Pranav Vora and the rest of boys behind the brand at an open house in their airy Georgetown studio. Stop by between 11 AM and 6 PM for drinks, conversation, and an exclusive sale—Just save us a Lavendario, okay? 3212 O St., NW #5. RSVP to service@hughandcrye.com.
GAMES: Unleash your inner-kid at the Sheraton National Hotel’s “Recess” extravaganza, the area’s largest game night for adults. Attendees can choose from more than 70 games including Nintendo Wii, Twister, Jenga, Battleship, Scrabble, and Hungry Hippo, to name a few. Complimentary ice cream will be available, but if you’re looking for something with a bit more punch, drinks can be purchased from a cash bar. Tickets ($5) can be purchased at the event Web site. 9 PM to 1:30 AM.
MURDER MYSTERY: Flex your sleuthing skills during the Murder at the Museum of American History Scavenger Hunt. Someone, or something, has been killing museum staffers involved in a top-secret discovery, and it’s up to you to find the culprit. Tickets ($24.50) can be purchased at the event Web site. For adults only; 4 PM.
DANCE: Groove to the same tunes that inspired Chris Martin’s larger-than-life paintings during Corcoran’s Break It Down Like James Brown performance. Three of Martin’s paintings will serve as backdrops for the dance troupe On Beat. Audience members will even have a chance to learn some of the group’s breakdancing moves. And be sure to check out our full-screen slideshow of the artist’s process. Free; 1 to 3 PM.
TENNIS: The Legg Mason Tennis Classic starts today at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park through August 7. Watch aces Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Gael Monfils. Tickets ($10 to $75) can be purchased at the event Web site. 10 AM.
Sunday, July 31
BLOCK PARTY: You’ve heard of the Cherry Blossom Festival, but what about the Cherry Block Party? Stop by downtown Silver Spring for Harajuku Day, featuring an afternoon of traditional Japanese art and street culture, complete with dance performances, martial art demonstrations, fashion, interactive gaming, anime comics, and more. Free; 11 AM to 5 PM.
THEATER: The Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University is coming to a close. You can still catch Ages of the Moon, a tale of love, friendship, and rivalry. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Sam Shepard, the story follows the tumultuous reunion of two old friends. Tickets ($30 to $52) can be purchased at the event Web site. 6 PM.
MUSIC: Oops, she did it again—the queen of pop, Britney Spears, is bringing her Femme Fatale tour to the Verizon Center. Nicki Minaj will be making an appearance, along with opening acts Jesse and the Toy Boys and Nervo. Tickets (starting at $29.50) can be purchased at the event Web site. Doors open at 6 PM, Concert 7 PM.
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