THURSDAY, JULY 30
MUSIC: Local band BRNDA takes the stage at Black Cat’s Backstage, giving concert-goers a taste of their eccentric pop-rock sounds. They released their sophomore album through Babe City Records and have songs titled “Go Bi” and “Friends (Make A New),” so this will surely make for a promising night of silly antics and feel-good fun. $10, 7:30 PM.
ART: This might be one of the few times when walking down a dark alley at night sounds like a good idea. DC’s Leica camera store partners with coffee shop La Colombe to host a DIY one-night-only show in Blagden Alley, showcasing the photography of over 15 DC photographers. Local ice cream company Milk Cult provides treats; cocktails will also be available. Free, 8 PM.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
LUNCH: If you’re looking for an excuse to tell your boss that you’re taking a long lunch, look no further. A Creative DC pairs up with Maketto to host their second monthly networking event for local entrepreneurs, creatives, and everything in-between. Grab some steamed pork buns and kick off the weekend here. Free, 11 AM to 2:30 PM.
MUSIC: English songbird Laura Marling takes the stage at the 9:30 Club, cooing listeners with her gentle melodies and confident verses. Earlier this year, the 25-year-old released her fifth album, Short Movie, to critical acclaim. $30, 8 PM.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
MUSIC: Haven’t gotten your monthly fill of beat-boxing or traditional Irish singing? Snag tickets to “Hip-Hop Meets the Music of Ireland“ at the Atlas Performing Arts Center and get both at the same time. Featuring DC’s own Grammy-nominated artist Christylez Bacon and Sean-nós performer Shannon Dunne, the concert explores the connections between hip-hop, go-go, and traditional Irish music. Expect anything from djembe drums to congas–with some fancy footwork in between. $25, 8 PM.
RUN: The Midnight on Mars III run takes place along the bustling H Street corridor. Hosted by the District Running Collective, in an effort to encourage both experienced and new runners alike, the run allows participants to split into different groups and leave the starting line at different times. The race begins and ends at Gallery O on H Street; giveaways, live music, and drinks await at the finish line. Registration begins at 12 PM. The race starts at 9 PM. $40.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
MUSEUMS: In 2004, a man digging through the crates of a local flea market discovered the work of artist Mingering Mike. The pieces, which include album art and song lyrics, provide a rare glimpse into DC’s black musicians of the 1960’s and ’70s. The exhibition of this collection, acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, closes on Sunday, when Mike’s creations return to the vaults once more. Free, 11:30 AM to 7 PM.
EXHIBITIONS: Care to finish the weekend in a meditative environment? Head on over to the National Arboretum’s “Third National Juried Bonsai Pot” exhibition, where you can witness the work of the premier bonsai ceramic artists of the country and admire the fine art of bonsai–including one tree that reportedly survived the bombing of Hiroshima. This show also closes on Sunday. Free, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
