THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
TALK: For those of you who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, the television commercials that aired during that time are probably more memorable than your second grade teacher. Playbackthetape’s After These Messages at the Petworth Citizen & Reading Room commemorates and discusses this special period in advertising. Free, 8 PM.
THEATER: Heidi Martin performs her one-woman tribute to Abbey Lincoln–the revered jazz singer, civil rights advocate, and actress–at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Martin will recite poetry, songs, and monologues to celebrate Lincoln’s legacy. $25, 8 PM.
BOOKS: Former first daughter and human rights advocate Chelsea Clinton will be at Politics & Prose talking about her new book, It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going! Through the book, Clinton hopes to inspire readers to make a difference in the world. $18.99 for book and ticket, 7 PM.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
MUSIC: Keeping with this week’s theme of attracting insane amounts of people into the city, this weekend is the Landmark Music Festival. If just thinking about the crowd gives you stress hives, head over to the the Hamilton for the “Official Landmark Festival Pre-show” instead. Between the London Souls’ bluesy rock and Son Little’s seamless fusion of hip hop, blues, and soul, there’s plenty of music to groove to–and with a tolerable crowd. $17 to $20, 8 PM.
DRINK: DC cidery and pintxos bar ANXO opens its first location in Truxton Circle near the end of year. In the meantime, they’re setting up shop at Colony Club for Drinking with Basquatch. Attendees will get a taste of what ANXO will be serving up when it opens, including ciders from North America, England, France, and Spain, as well as a selection of pintxos–a traditional Basque appetizer. Free, 6 PM.
PARTY: The DC Public Library celebrates Banned Books Week with a month-long art exhibit and fundraiser. UNCENSORED: Information Antics runs through October 22 and includes photos, videos, and installations that rail against censorship in the name of creative expression. At Friday’s UNCENSORED Opening Night, mixologists will serve up cocktails inspired by their favorite banned books. $50, 6:30 PM.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
ART: Art All Night: Nuit Blanche DC is an all night contemporary art festival. Art exhibits, street performances, DJs, and musicians will scatter across indoor and outdoor venues in Dupont Circle, Shaw, North Capitol, H Street, and Congress Heights throughout the evening. Free, 7 PM.
CRAFTS: Washington City Paper’s Crafty Bastards returns to Union Market this weekend. The outdoor festival celebrates all things indie, with more than 100 independent vendors who will be selling handmade arts, crafts, and furniture. $5, 10 AM to 5 PM.
SHOP: Goodwill of Greater Washington is offering fashionistas an easy way to shop at all four of its locations in one day. In partnership with Modage and DC Goodwill Fashionista, the store will drive fashion-lovers around in a limo bus and take them to its DC, Alexandria, Dale City, and Herndon Goodwill locations as part of the Fall Goodwill Shopping Tour. $45, 9 AM.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
FILM: As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Anacostia Community Museum presents Loreta Velazquez, Secret Soldier of the American Civil War. This PBS docudrama tells the story of Cuban-born Velazquez, who served in the Civil War by disguising herself as a man. Tracey McIntire and Audrey Scanlan-Teller from the Civil War Trust will conduct a Q&A after the film. Free, 2 PM.
MUSIC: Alt-rock trail blazers the Jesus and Mary Chain play the 9:30 Club. Even during their eight year hiatus, the band’s fuzzy, distorted yet energetic sound garnered fans–including the likes of Scarlett Johansson, who joined them onstage for a song at Coachella 2007. 7 PM, $35.
