THURSDAY, APRIL 16
POETRY: Andrea Gibson performs slam poetry at Sixth & I with Amber Tamblyn, who you may know as Tibby from Sisters of the Traveling Pants—or Emily from General Hospital, if that’s more your thing. Known for her blunt and witty truths, Gibson spins lines about gender, class, and sexuality, telling stories of love, bullying, war, and more. 7 PM, $20 to $25.
FILM: Film Fest DC begins today with the 29th Opening Night film Tango Glories. The protagonist, a psychiatrist named Ezequiel Kaufman, meets an elderly man, who expresses himself through the lyrics and titles of tango songs. The film has intrigue, music, romance, and—you guessed it—plenty of tango dancing. Q&A with the director and a dance to follow. Screening in Spanish with English subtitles. 7 PM, $45.
MUSIC: Mali-native Fatoumata Diawara performs at Arlington’s Artisphere. The singer/songwriter’s music blends contemporary folk with traditional African tunes, plus some serious guitar and drum arrangements. 8 PM, $24.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
DANCE: Brooklyn-based Gallim Dance company comes to Lansburgh Theatre. This deeply artistic and imaginative dance evokes the full breadth of the human expression. 8 PM, $30.
MUSIC: Listen to native Washingtonian Alice Smith sing tunes from her new album, She, at the Howard Theatre. Smith’s blend of rock, pop, and R&B—not to mention her voice—will keep you grooving all night long. 8 PM, $25 to $60.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
DRINK: The National Archives Foundation presents an after hours event called Spirited Republic. Guests get an open bar, food, music, and history—what more could you ask for? Tickets are moving quickly, so be sure to buy yours–or get on the waiting list–before they sell out. 8 PM, $50.
MUSIC: Check out the Hot Sardines, considered one of the best contemporary jazz bands around today, at Sixth & I. This lively music might just take you back to the roaring twenties. 8 PM, $25.
DANCE: Watch eight collegiate teams compete in Bhangra Blowout, the national intercollegiate South Asian dance competition at the Lisner Auditorium on George Washington’s campus. You don’t want to miss this colorful, exciting Punjabi dance. 7 PM, $25 to $55.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
MUSIC: The three-day Levine Jazzfest goes out with a bang with the Vijay Iyer Trio. The band features Stephan Crump on the bass, Marcus Gilmore on drums, and of course, Vijay Iyer on the piano. Hear the rhythmic and fluidly improvisational music at Sixth and I. 7 PM, $25.
COMEDY: You may have seen Judah Friedlander on 30 Rock, American Splendor, and of course, Sharknado 2. But have you seen him live? Check out the stand up comedian, known as “the World Champion,” at DC Improv. 8 PM, $17.
