MONDAY, JULY 24
MUSIC Songwriter and political activist Billy Bragg incorporates themes of protest into his punk-folk music, all while keeping extremely current on political events and causes. In addition, he collaborated with the band Wilco to put unrecorded Woody Guthrie lyrics to music in the late 1990s. His concerts feature a number of the songs he’s recorded over the years as well as his highly-informed commentary on political events; don’t be surprised to hear his thoughts on the latest Trump goings-on between songs when he performs on Monday at the Birchmere. $59.50, 7:30 PM.
TUESDAY, JULY 25
BOOKS Author Mitch Albom is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his memoir-turned-TV-movie Tuesdays with Morrie on (coincidentally) Tuesday at Sixth & I. The book documents Albom’s weekly visits with his college professor Morris “Morrie” Schwartz, who had been diagnosed with ALS, and the book’s new 20th anniversary edition includes a new afterword from Albom, reflecting on the impact the book has had since its publication. He will be in conversation with Nightline anchor Ted Koppel. $12, 7 PM.
FILM Songbyrd is hosting a screening of the 1990 Steven Seagal film Marked for Death as part of the monthly “Can I Kick It?” Kung Fu series presented by Shaolin Jazz. In addition to the action film, DJ 2-Tone Jones will mix a soundtrack of hip-hop and cinema soundbites. Free, 7 PM.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26
DISCUSSION The AAUW (American Association of University Women) is hosting an EmpoWer Professional Networking Event for professional women at the organization’s DC headquarters on L Street NW. The event will provide a choice of two professional development workshops, “Salary Negotiation 101” and “Navigating Difficult Conversations,” plus networking over hors d’oeuvres. $20, 6 PM.
LECTURE/FOOD Food historian Leni Sorensen will present a program entitled “Dining in Early Federal Washington: Making Meals—and History” on Wednesday night at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, in conjunction with Smithsonian Associates. Sorensen will discuss three figures who helped shape the food fashions of Federal-era Washington: a hostess, a cookbook writer, and an emancipated black caterer. A food tasting will follow the lecture. $50, 6:45 PM.