Things to do in the District, Maryland and Virginia Dec. 13-19

Rachel L. Swarns, the New York Times reporter will discuss her book “American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama.” 7 p.m., National Archives, William G. McGowan Theater, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW. 202-357-5000. www.archives.gov.
Author Rachel L. Swarns (Scott Robinson)

“Pullman Porter Blues,” Set in 1937 and with a soundtrack of new and traditional blues songs, this world premiere follows three generations of porters as they struggle to survive. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays, noon Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through Jan. 6, Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. www.arenastage.org.

Marcus Johnson, 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW (rear). 202-337-4141. www.bluesalley.com. $27.50.

“The Night Before Christmas,” Comedy ensues when a burglar is caught on Christmas Eve and claims to be an elf. Presented by Theater Alliance. 10 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, through Dec. 29, H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE. 202-544-0703. www.hstreetplayhouse.com. www.theateralliance.com. $15-$25.

Wizards, vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. 7 p.m., Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-628-3200. www.verizoncenter.com. $10-$580.

“Slay Ride,” Do or Die Mystery presents a dinner show in which someone is out to get Santa. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, through Dec. 29, Harp & Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda. 443-422-3810. www.doordiemystery.com. $47.50.

The Jewels, The 1960’s R&B girl group performs. 8 p.m., Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington. 301-203-6070. www.pgparks.com. $30, students and seniors $25.

“Va Va Voom!,” This adult-only circus features burlesque, comedy and alternative performance artists. Admission includes two drink tickets and finger foods. 10 p.m., Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mount Rainier. 301-699-1819. www.joesmovement.org. $30.

Todd Marcus, 7 and 9 p.m., Bohemian Caverns, 2003 11th St. NW. 202-299-0800. www.bohemiancaverns.com. $15 in advance, $20 at door.

Bobby Muncy, 8 and 10 p.m., Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. 202-234-0072. www.twinsjazz.com. $10.

Memphis Gold Holiday Blues, 8 and 10 p.m., Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW (rear). 202-337-4141. www.bluesalley.com. $18.

Pre-Kwanzaa, Melvin Deal’s African Heritage Dancers and Drummers and the Honorable BaBa C present a program of cultural heritage, music, dance and griot storytelling. 10:15 a.m. and noon, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301-277-1710. www.pgparks.com. $5.

“Jazzy Holiday Celebration,” Jazz vocalist Janine Gilbert Carter performs classic holiday tunes from Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald and more. 7 p.m., Blue Dolphin, 1166 Route 3, Gambrills. 410-721-9081. www.theashleighgroup.com. $10, reservations suggested.

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