Monday, January 5
FOOD: Welcome back to real life, everyone. The holidays seemed longer this year, didn’t they? Mike Isabella’s very popular Industry Takeover Night at Graffiato is coming to an end, but not without one last blowout party featuring chefs from around DC, including some of Isabella’s other restaurants. This time we get Elliot Drew from G, Jonah Kim from Yona, George Pagonis from Kapnos, and several others. You pay $10 at the door and eat free late night snacks and enjoy some very fancy specialty cocktails stirred up just for the occasion. $10. 10 PM.
Tuesday, January 6
MUSIC: Jammin’ Java hosts its annual Mid-Atlantic Battle of the Bands, in which dozens of bands will compete for recording studio time, cash, and recognition. Tuesday is the first night of the prelims, meaning you’re going to see some bands who probably need a bit more seasoning, but you also might find a diamond in the rough before anyone else does. $10. 6:30 PM.
Wednesday, January 7
CONCERT: The National Symphony Orchestra breaks out of the Kennedy Center for a performance at Union Market’s Dock 5. It gives you the excuse to hit the market on a day when it’s unlikely to be super-crowded (especially after a very busy holiday season), and you’ll get to see the NSO mix things up with rock-and-roll and pop favorites. Free. 7 PM.
Thursday, January 8
MUSIC: Justin Trawick’s 9 Songwriter series is back for the new year at 9:30 Club. If you’ve never checked it out, here’s the deal: Nine local singers and songwriters—this time including Margot MacDonald, the Sweater Set, and Jason Masi, among others—will perform back to back for a few minutes each. It’s a great way to figure out who’s who around here, because most everyone worth knowing plays it at some point. Tickets ($15) are available online. 7 PM.
Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter at @jason_koebler.
