Good grief, there is a lot going on this weekend in DC! And, it seems like THE weekend for concerts. But, that’s a good thing right? Here’s your Famous Weekend Picks, and I expect y’all to hit ‘em up!
Thursday
Fedde Le Grand – this Dutch DJ’s music has landed him on DJ Mag’s Top DJ in the World list (#14). Don’t miss him tonight at Lima.
Friday
Honor by August – hailing from the DC area, this band is often compared to U2, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon, and Bruce Springsteen. Don’t miss their doubleheader show at Iota. Bonus: they’re playing a second gig Saturday night. $12 tickets.
Scythian – this band, which used to pack Fado Irish Pub every Thursday night, will be back in town to headline their annual ugly sweater holiday party at the 9:30 Club. Locals Yamomanem and Second String Band open the late-night show.
Futurebirds – this Athens band, who has spent time on the road with Widespread Panic, Drive-By Truckers, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and rocked to rave reviews at Bonnaroo Music Festival and Austin City Limits will be performing with Grass Giraffes at the Rock ‘n Roll Hotel. Tickets at $15.
Francois K – this insanely seasoned DJ has spun disco at Studio 54 and the acclaimed Paradise Garage. For the past eight years, he’s headlined the Deep Space party in New York, but you can catch him tonight at U Street Music Hall. Free admission before 11pm.
Oh Land – this Scandanavian electro-pop rising star will be performing at the Black Cat. I hear she’s hot boys.
Deathfix – this local band featuring Brendan Canty of Fugazi, Devin Ocampo of Medications and singer-songwriter-producer Richard Morel, who’s best known for working with house music duo Deep Dish and co-founding Blowoff with Bob Mould, will be performing at Comet Ping Pong with local indie rock stalwarts the Jet Age.
Common – this sought-after actor, rapper and hottie will be hosting the Park at 14th’s fourth-anniversary party with DJ Big Tigger of WPGC and BET fame. Doors open at 5, and a listening party for Common’s forthcoming album, “The Dreamer/The Believer,” starts at 7.
Taxi Driver – if you’ve never seen Martin Scorsese’s iconic ‘70s film starring Robert De Niro and Jody Foster, here’s your chance. It’s a bit of drive to get to the Library of Congress Packard Campus but the movie is free and you could make a day or weekend with all that Culpeper, VA has to offer.
Saturday
Nutcracker Ballet – take a break out of your Saturday and heading to the Warner Theatre at 2:30pm or 7pm for this amazing performance by the Washington Ballet. You can also catch it on Sunday at 1pm.
Virginia Food and Wine Festival – one of the Commonwealth’s largest events of its kind, this annual festival will be held from noon-5pm at the Farm Bureau Center at Meadow Event Park (off the Kings Dominion Exit on 95). $12 ticket includes all food samples and wine tasting.
Historical Alexandria Candlelight Tours – featuring four historic Alexandria sights and live musical entertainment, hot apple cider, period dance performances, and classic Christmas decorations, this is a great event to take your loved one or family. Tours are from 6-9pm or go Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Queen Bee Holiday Trunk Show & Sale – this is your last chance to grab items from the Queen Bee’s collection, including up to 50% discounts on retail. Shop from 10am-5pm on Saturday or 12pm-5pm on Sunday.
The Healthy Hustle: Managing Your Mind and Your Money – join Musicares and the D.C. Chapter of The Recording Academy (more popularly known as The Grammys) for a professional development event geared toward musicians and other interested professionals. The event is free and open to the public and lunch will be provided by Merzi.
13th Annual Santa Stumble – don your best Santa-inspired outfit and head to Third Edition from 4-8pm to start the stumble. The group will then move to Rhino Bar before finishing up at the Guards. Don’t forget to bring a donation for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which provides assistance to families and survivors of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Tom Arnold – a recipient of the Peabody Award and the Golden Globe Award, this actor and comedian, best known for his role in True Lies (personal fave) and marriage to Roseanne Barr (had to go there) will be performing at the Arlington Drafthouse. Check him out at 7:30 or 9:55. Tickets are $25.
Alonzo Bodden – head to the DC Improv for a night with this comedian from “Last Comic Standing,” Comedy Central and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”
Sunday
Pork Barrel BBQ – so when the people at this new BBQ joint in Del Ray contacted me via Twitter, I almost passed out. BBQ, NC Cheerwine AND collard greens? Sounds divine. Although its open daily at 3pm, I’m choosing Sunday dinner as the time to go. Reminds me of home in NC!
Rock-n-Shop – this annual rock ‘n’ roll garage sale at the Black Cat sounds awesome. DJ Baby Alcatraz provides the tunes while you shop.
Mount Vernon Candlelight Tour – if you have never been to Mount Vernon, this is your chance. The annual holiday tour includes the first and second floors of the Mount Vernon estate and features characters from the Washingtons’ world guiding visitors through the home. Tour times are between 5pm-8:30pm and adult tickets are $20; youth (under 11) are $14.
If you have suggestions for future posts or events you want to see me at, please email details to [email protected].
