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Nightlife Agenda

Highlights include a tribute to Chuck Brown, Dogfish Head beers and the State Department's final show.

Photo: File photo

 
 
Beat the heat
Splash in a waterfall, savor an ice-cream sandwich and find more ways to really chill out this summer.
New on the scene
Want to find the latest hotspots? Check out these photos of the restaurants and bars that have opened just this year.

Going Out Gurus

GOG BLOG

‘Paranorman,’ ‘Sparkle’ and other new movies

A couple new family-friendly options hit theaters this week, thanks to the spooky, funny “ParaNorman” and “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” Also on the big screen: Whitney Houston’s final role, in “Sparkle.”

Continue Reading »

 

Other Guru Features:

 

Events for Today August

  • Fri 17
  • Sat 18
  • Sun 19
  • Mon 20
  • Tues 21
  • Wed 22
  • Thurs 23

Today's Editors' Picks

  • Brews, Bikes and Golf - Bar/Club Event
    New Belgium takes over all over the Country Club's taps at a special happy hour. Start practicing your putting: A limited-edition Fat Tire cruiser bike is up for grabs during a special hole-in-one challenge.
    H Street Country Club | Washington, DC
  • Lorelei - Music Event
    A mere 17 years after its distorted debut, the D.C. indie rock band returns with a cleaner, more considered sound. With Deathfix and SUn Wolf.
    Black Cat | Washington, DC
  • Bier Baron Midsummer Night Barley Wine Festival - Bar/Club Event
    When the Bier Baron took over the landmark Brickskeller beer bar, they inherited the previous owners' large stash of rare and aged bottles. They're cracking them open -- including multiple bottles of Anchor's Old Foghorn, dating back to 1991 -- at a special tasting party.
    Bier Baron | Washington, DC
  • Chocolate City Anniversary Party - Bar/Club Event
    The Brookland-based brewery marks its first year in business at Penn Social, a cavernous new bar that's home to 40 taps and numerous games, including Skee-ball, shuffleboard and giant Jenga. The anniversary party features four Chocolate City beers for $5 each, including the El Segundo Saison. DJ Benny C provides dance tunes all night.
    Penn Social | Washington, DC
  • Fire Without Matches - Miscellaneous Event
    In this program, kids can learn different ways our ancestors were able to make a spark. Best for ages 6 to 12.
    Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD
  • Rocky Mountain Hops - Bar/Club Event
    Sample beers from Colorado's Avery, Boulder, Breckenridge, New Belgium and Oskar Blues breweries -- including some very rare selections -- and pair them with a barbecue of Colorado lamb.
    Black Squirrel | Washington, DC
  • Evolution and 3 Stars Crab Feast - Bar/Club Event
    Evolution Brewing Company is bringing bushels of blue crabs and six draft beers from Salisbury to Adams Morgan for a special Beer Week crab feast. D.C.'s 3 Stars Brewing Company offers two beers of its own. The $45 ticket covers unlimited drafts and crabs.
    Smoke and Barrel | Washington, DC
  • DC Brau Embers of the Deceased Tapping Party - Bar/Club Event
    DC Brau has been busy collaborating with brewers far and near in the past year, and the trailblazing District brewery is set to unveil three new beers during D.C. Beer Week. On Friday, ChurchKey hosts the first kegs of Embers of the Deceased, a hoppy smoked-wheat ale called a graetzer, which was popular in Prussia until the early part of the 20th century. It's brewed with Bluejacket Brewery, which will open in Southeast Washington next year. Sixteen DC Brau beers will be on tap and cask all night.
    Birch & Barley and ChurchKey | Washington, DC
  • Inform/Re-form - Exhibit
    This exhibit explores the adage "what is old is new again" by presenting a collection of women artists who create new forms and artwork by using old form and materials. Materials are re-purposed, appropriated, borrowed and given new life by Laurie Brown, Catherine Kleeman, Virginia Spiegel, Jacqui Crocetta and Veronica Szalus.
    The Mansion at Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
  • Academy 2012 - Exhibit
    The last day of school signals the beginning of the summer exhibition season for area art school grads, many of whom are putting their work in front of the public for the first time. For a more curated showcase, check out Conner Contemporary's annual "Academy" showcase, which rounds up the best of the MFA and BFA classes of 2012 from across the Baltimore-Washington region.
    Connersmith | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Sat, August 18

  • Comedy Night - Miscellaneous Event
    Bust a gut, not your wallet, is the tagline of this over-18 comedy night. Sit back and support D.C.-area comics like Yaser Al-Keliddar, Chelsea Shorte, Mike Larrick, Ralph Cooper and others. Doors open at 8:30.
    The State Theatre | Falls Church, VA
  • Chuck Brown Day Concert - Music Event
    The late Chuck Brown’s annual birthday concerts at the 9:30 Club were epic. The hours-long shows featured Brown, of course, but also a cavalcade of go-go stars performing to pay homage to the Godfather. This Saturday’s concert should blow the roof off the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in a similar fashion. In addition to Brown’s longtime backing band, the Original Soul Searchers, the bill includes a who’s who of go-go groups: Trouble Funk, Hot Cold Sweat, E.U., Backyard Band, Junkyard Bard and Suttle Thoughts. Brown’s daughter KK is among the hosts.
    Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Washington, DC
  • Sour Saturday - Bar/Club Event
    Aged, funky, sour beers are not for everyone, but if you like tongue-curling ales, you need to be at Smoke and Barrel next weekend. There will be 20 American, Belgian and German sour ales on draft all day, including six from Michigan's Jolly Pumpkin brewery that have been aging in the cellar of sister bar Meridian Pint.
    Smoke and Barrel | Washington, DC
  • DC Brau Fight Club Beer Tapping Party - Bar/Club Event
    DC Brau has been busy collaborating with brewers far and near in the past year, and the trailblazing District brewery will three new beers in three days during D.C. Beer Week. The most anticipated (for me) is Fight Club Anti-Gravity Lager, a collaboration with Devils Backbone Brewing. DC Brau brewer Jeff Hancock and DBBC brewer Jason Oliver were regulars at Fight Club, the underground skate park off Blagden Alley. In honor of the much-loved (and now-closed) skater hangout, they've created a Fight Club beer. The tapping party at Breadsoda will feature skate videos, skate-rat-friendly tunes and the first kegs of the 7.2 percent alcohol lager.
    Breadsoda | Washington, DC
  • Coney Island Comes to D.C. - Bar/Club Event
    Jeremy Cohen, the founder of Coney Island and He'brew beers, takes over the Jack Rose rooftop with 15 beers on tap ($6 per pint all day), live performers and carney games. Look out for rare aged ales, including the 2006 He'brew Jubilation and the 2010 Rejewvenator. (A full tap list is below.)
    Jack Rose Dining Saloon | Washington, DC
  • A Victorian Tea - Miscellaneous Event
    Children and their favorite stuffed animal or doll are invited to a tea complete with a story called "Language of the Fans."
    Weems-Botts Museum | Dumfries, VA
  • Messages from Outsiderdom - Exhibit
    A group exhibition devoted to outsider art.
    Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Center | Washington, DC
  • Inform/Re-form - Exhibit
    This exhibit explores the adage "what is old is new again" by presenting a collection of women artists who create new forms and artwork by using old form and materials. Materials are re-purposed, appropriated, borrowed and given new life by Laurie Brown, Catherine Kleeman, Virginia Spiegel, Jacqui Crocetta and Veronica Szalus.
    The Mansion at Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
  • Academy 2012 - Exhibit
    The last day of school signals the beginning of the summer exhibition season for area art school grads, many of whom are putting their work in front of the public for the first time. For a more curated showcase, check out Conner Contemporary's annual "Academy" showcase, which rounds up the best of the MFA and BFA classes of 2012 from across the Baltimore-Washington region.
    Connersmith | Washington, DC
  • 2012 Summer Restaurant Week - Food Event
    From August 13-19, enjoy fixed price lunches and dinners at dozens of local restaurants.
    Various locations | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Sun, August 19

  • Alexandria Cambodian Community Day Festival - Miscellaneous Event
    If the exotic beauty and rich cultural traditions of Cambodia fascinate but you're unlikely to venture half way around the world anytime soon, you can sample the classical dances, folk games, arts and food at Alexandria's Cambodian Community Day. Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
    Ben Brenman Park | Alexandria, VA
  • Dom Flemons and Boo Hanks - Music Event
    The 83-year-old is a little-known legend when it comes to Southern Appalachian country-blues.
    The Hamilton | Washington, DC
  • DC Brau and Stillwater Decompression Lunch - Bar/Club Event
    DC Brau has been busy collaborating with brewers far and near in the past year, and the trailblazing District brewery unveils three new beers during D.C. Beer Week. On Sunday afternoon, DC Brau re-teams with Brian Strumke of Baltimore's Stillwater Artisanal Ales for Middle Name Danger, a one-time-only saison that Brau co-founder Brandon Skall says is dry-hopped with "an experimental nameless hop" and brewed with yeast from Belgium.
    Pizzeria Paradiso | Washington, DC
  • Christian Scott - Music Event
    Jazz trumpeter Chrisian Scott is as likely as anyone to become the new face of the genre. He’s talented and charismatic enough to make non-jazz fans take notice but with enough respect within the genre to reach its upper echelons.
    Bohemian Caverns | Washington, DC
  • 2012 Summer Restaurant Week - Food Event
    From August 13-19, enjoy fixed price lunches and dinners at dozens of local restaurants.
    Various locations | Washington, DC
  • Alan Jackson, Craig Campbell - Music Event
    At the Filene Center.
    Wolf Trap - Filene Center | Vienna, VA
  • Southern Maryland Blue Crabs - Sports Events
    Vs. the Sugar Land Skeeters. Faith & Family Night #2. Pinch's Birthday Party. Crab Feast in the Picnic Area. Education Awareness Pinch Fund Game.
    Regency Furniture Stadium | Waldorf, MD
  • Constant - Exhibit
    Ellen Hill exhibit of mixed media paintings on wood panels closes
    Montpelier Arts Center | Laurel, MD
  • Frederick Keys - Sports Events
    Vs. the Winston-Salem Dash. Keyote's Birthday Party: The team's mascot and his other mascot friends will celebrate. Sunday Funday and Meet the Team: Fans can play catch on the field and get autographs from players.
    Harry Grove Stadium | Frederick, MD
  • Mystics - Sports Events
    Vs. the Chicago Sky
    Verizon Center | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Mon, August 20

  • Here's Looking at You, Bogart - Miscellaneous Event
    Need a way to make those hazy Mondays seem a little cooler? Try National Theatre's free series of Humphrey Bogart films, every Monday through August 20 at 6:30 p.m. It kicks off, naturally, with "Casablanca." If you learn a few things from Bogart, not only will you feel cool in mid-summer, but maybe you'll be able to act cool, too. Maybe.
    National Theatre | Washington, DC
  • Passenger Happy Hour for Charity - Bar/Club Event
    Every Monday night, the Passenger welcomes a different charity to its bar. The charity gets to spread the word about its mission and takes home 10 percent of all food and drink sales between 5 and 8 p.m. This week’s beneficiary is the Ray of Hope Walk, which seeks to raise awareness about violence against women.
    The Passenger | Washington, DC
  • Alexandria Restaurant Week - Food Event
    Chef Cathal Armstrong’s Society Fair is taking part in this year's promotion in which Alexandria restaurants offer $35 fixed price three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two.
    Various locations | Alexandria, VA
  • Frederick Keys - Sports Events
    Vs. the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Kids Eat Free: Children age 12 and younger receive a free hot dog, chips and a soda.
    Harry Grove Stadium | Frederick, MD
  • Summer Hummer - Performing Arts
    Washington's theater community heads to Signature for "Summer Hummer," a variety show whose proceeds go to helping theater professionals with personal emergencies. Don't bring the kids to this one, folks. It's a bawdy vaudeville-type show with, well, minimal clothing. The revue will include dozens of Washington's biggest actors.
    Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
  • Education Under Fire - Miscellaneous Event
    A screening of the documentary film examining Iran's ban of higher education for the Baha'I community, followed by human rights discussion led by Dr. Haideh Sabet. Vegan buffet available for $13
    New Deal Cafe | Greenbelt, MD
  • Dave Hill - Miscellaneous Event
    The comedian and "This American Life" contributor will discuss his book "Tasteful Nudes:a&and Other Misguided Attempts at Personal Growth and Validation"
    Capitol Lounge | Washington, DC
  • James Srodes - Book Event
    Will discuss his book "On DuPont Circle: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and the Progressives Who Shaped Our World"
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
  • Lucky Dub - Music Event
    At the Millennium Stage.
    Millennium Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
  • The Caine Mutiny - Miscellaneous Event
    At the Helen Hayes Gallery.
    National Theatre | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Tues, August 21

  • Alexandria Restaurant Week - Food Event
    Chef Cathal Armstrong’s Society Fair is taking part in this year's promotion in which Alexandria restaurants offer $35 fixed price three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two.
    Various locations | Alexandria, VA
  • Train, Matt Kearney, Andy Grammer - Music Event
    At the Filene Center.
    Wolf Trap - Filene Center | Vienna, VA
  • Frederick Keys - Sports Events
    Vs. the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Guaranteed Win: If the Keys lose, fans can reuse their ticket for another Monday-Thursday regular season game later in the season.
    Harry Grove Stadium | Frederick, MD
  • Mutts Gone Nuts - Performing Arts
    The circus-style dog show takes the stage.
    Rockville Town Square | Rockville, MD
  • Aberdeen IronBirds - Sports Events
    Vs. the Lowell Spinners
    Ripken Stadium | Aberdeen, MD
  • Jimmy and the Blue Dogs - Miscellaneous Event
    Swing dance
    The Carlyle Club | Alexandria, VA
  • Kati Marton - Miscellaneous Event
    Will discuss her book "Paris: A Love Story."
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
  • Orrin Star - Music Event
    At the Millennium Stage.
    Millennium Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
  • Nationals - Sports Events
    Vs. the Atlanta Braves
    Nationals Park | Washington, DC
  • Eight By Ten - Exhibit
    Paintings on 8x10 inch canvases by Patricia Phillips Bowden
    Montpelier Arts Center | Laurel, MD

Highlighted Events: Wed, August 22

  • Outdoor Movies on the Square - Miscellaneous Event
    Rockville's summer outdoor film series screens family-friendly flicks.
    Rockville Town Square | Rockville, MD
  • Live Music at Bistrot Lepic - Music Event
    Show up between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to get 50 percent off all wines by the glass. Just as the specials end, the show begins.
    Bistrot Lepic | Washington, DC
  • Live Music at Bayou - Music Event
    Friday and Saturday late nights are given over to zydeco and R&B, but Wednesday through Saturday, starting around 6:30 p.m., the sounds of brass ring through the second-floor lounge.
    Bayou | Washington, DC
  • Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson - Performing Arts
    The former president is a rock star in this musical.
    Studio Theatre | Washington, DC
  • Alexandria Restaurant Week - Food Event
    Chef Cathal Armstrong’s Society Fair is taking part in this year's promotion in which Alexandria restaurants offer $35 fixed price three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two.
    Various locations | Alexandria, VA
  • Shovels and Rope - Music Event
    Rowdy and rambunctious. With Jason Myles Goss.
    The Hamilton | Washington, DC
  • Moonshine Society - Music Event
    Part of Capitol Riverfront lunchtime concerts, the band plays blues.
    The Fairgrounds | Washington, DC
  • Mad Science - Performing Arts
    The interactive show teaches children about science.
    Downtown Silver Spring | Silver Spring, MD
  • John Henry England - Performing Arts
    The guitarist performs original and traditional children's songs.
    Washingtonian Center | Gaithersburg, MD
  • DJ Dabe Murphy - Miscellaneous Event
    Swing dance
    Nick's Nightclub | Alexandria, VA

Highlighted Events: Thurs, August 23

  • Not-So-Modern Jazz Quartet - Music Event
    With tongue firmly planted in cheek, this band has its roots in jazz groups that have been playing in bars around Arlington and Falls Church since the 1970s. The group has made St. Elmo's its home since 1998.
    St. Elmo's Coffee Pub | Alexandria, VA
  • Comcast Outdoor Film Festival - Miscellaneous Event
    Adjust your GPS units accordingly: the Comcast Outdoor Film Festival, held for years at Strathmore in North Bethesda, is moving yet again: This year, the movie series will be held at Rockville's Mid-Pike Plaza. Concession sales benefit NIH Children's Charities. Local bands perform before the films begin.
    Mid-Pike Plaza | Rockville, MD
  • Live Music at Bayou - Music Event
    Friday and Saturday late nights are given over to zydeco and R&B, but Wednesday through Saturday, starting around 6:30 p.m., the sounds of brass ring through the second-floor lounge.
    Bayou | Washington, DC
  • Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson - Performing Arts
    The former president is a rock star in this musical.
    Studio Theatre | Washington, DC
  • Alexandria Restaurant Week - Food Event
    Chef Cathal Armstrong’s Society Fair is taking part in this year's promotion in which Alexandria restaurants offer $35 fixed price three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two.
    Various locations | Alexandria, VA
  • Blues dance - Miscellaneous Event
    Lesson at 8:15. At the Ballroom Annex.
    Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
  • Frederick Keys - Sports Events
    Vs. the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Thirsty Thursday: Fans can buy a special ticket that will include food and beer in the Mattress Warehouse Club. German Heritage Night: The team celebrates all things German.
    Harry Grove Stadium | Frederick, MD
  • Beyond the Vote: Post-Suffrage Strategies to Gain Access to Power - Miscellaneous Event
    A talk about women and power to mark Women's Equality Day.
    National Archives and Records Administration | Washington, DC
  • Fireside Stories: With Fire in His Young Eye - Miscellaneous Event
    Historian Drew Gruber discusses the memoir of Decimus et Ultimus Barziza, a member of the 4th Texas Infantry who was at the Battle of Second Manassas.
    Ben Lomond Historic Site | Manassas, VA
  • Celtic Aire - Music Event
    Part of the U.S. Air Force Band
    U.S. Capitol | Washington, DC
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