[Concerts]

Sunday, July 2, 2006

More happenings

around town that still had tickets available

at press time:

[Concerts]

30 SECONDS TO MARS -- Today, doors at 7 p.m. The post-grunge group is more famous for its renaissance frontman Jared Leto than for its jams. The Leto brothers seek to change that with their first tour. (Shannon plays drums.) 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. $15. 202-265-0930.

BOUKMAN EKSPERYANS -- Today at 7:30 p.m. The Haitian band, which has long been blending the traditional music of its homeland with rock, reggae and contemporary Caribbean rhythms, is also known for its social activism. Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. $15. 703-255-1566.

AIMEE MANN -- Today at 7:30 p.m. The singer-songwriter tours in support of "The Forgotten Arm," a new concept album about a drug-addicted boxer's return from the Vietnam War. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $45. 703-549-7500 or 703-573-7328.

A FAREWELL TO CAPITAL CITY RECORDS -- See Can't Miss, this page.

DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY MEN -- Thursday at 8 p.m. Friday at 7:30 p.m. A member of the Blasters and the Knitters, Alvin has made an impact on both roots rock and punk rock with his collaborations with Los Angeles punk band X, even filling in on guitar for the group in the late '80s. Thursday: Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis, 410-268-4545; Friday: Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, 703-549-7500 or 703-573-7328. Each $25.

JAZZ AT THE ARC -- Thursday at 8 p.m. A summer jazz concert kicks off with a performance by Baltimore's jazz-funk-soul group Fertile Ground. Future performances include Vinx and Temika Moore. Town Hall Education Arts & Recreation Campus, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. $20. 202-889-5901.

PONCHO SANCHEZ -- Thursday-July 9 at 8 and 10 p.m. The songs of the Afro-Cuban jazz traditionalist follow the path set by legends such as Machito, Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie. Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $40. 202-337-4141.

JULIE ROBERTS -- Friday at 7 and 10 p.m. The rising star's accessible sound is more nuanced than many of her pop-country peers. Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis. $29.50. 410-268-4545.

LIFETIME -- Friday, doors at 8 p.m. The '90s New Jersey hardcore band, which disbanded in 1997, is back after reuniting late last year. With the Bronx and the Loved Ones. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. $15. 202-265-0930.

PM DAWN -- Friday at 9:30 p.m. Yup, the smooth-soul/hip-hop duo is still around. We were as surprised as you. But we have to admit, there's something intriguing about its "Summer of Bliss, 2006" tour. PMDawn.net indicates that the band "will be performing classics hits ('Set Adrift,' 'I'd Die Without You') along with the new hits." New hits? Did we miss something? Iota Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $15. 703-522-8340.

THE RAKES -- Friday at 9:30 p.m. London's new next-big-thing. (You can see them now, or pay twice as much when they play the 9:30 club next year.) Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. 202-667-7960.

BRAND NEW HEAVIES FEATURING N'DEA DAVENPORT -- Saturday, doors at 7:30 p.m. The soul-funk group's new album, "Get Used to It," is the London quartet's first since American singer Davenport rejoined the group. (She split in the mid-'90s to pursue a solo career.) With Van Hunt. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. $28. 202-265-0930.

THE BLASTERS -- Saturday at 9 p.m. The roots-rock favorites play a special swing night at the Spanish Ballroom. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. $18. 301-634-2222.

[Exhibits]

DECOMPOSITIONS -- Opens Thursday. Reception July 9, 2-4 p.m. Through Aug. 7. Photographs by District area artist Pamela Zilly seek to capture the beauty of the effects of time and the elements on man-made structures. Torpedo Factory Art Center, The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Free. 703-838-4565.

NON SANS EMOI -- Opens Friday. Through Aug. 19. An exhibit curated by Xavier Courouble sees French artist Axelle Rioult using multiple art forms, including video and photography, to create a psychological self-portrait. Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. Free. 202-315-1305.

SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE OF YOUNG ARTISTS -- Through July 15. Features 83 works by artists ages 13 to 18 who sought to answer the question, "What does global citizenship look like?" Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Free. 202-289-1908.

CURATOR'S OFFICE (RULES) --Through July 29. Brooklyn-based artists Michael Cataldi and Pranay Reddy have constructed a whimsical architectural oddity out of refuse from the gallery building and surrounding 14th Street construction projects. Their improvised building is set up as a reinterpretation of urban interior spaces. (Back when we built couch forts, we had no idea it was art.) Curator's Office, 1515 14th St. NW. Free. 202-387-1008.

BENJAMIN ABRAMOWITZ, WILLIAM CHRISTENBERRY AND DON DONAGHY -- Through Aug. 19. Three separate shows collect mid-20th century works on paper by Abramowitz, 35mm Kodachromes by Christenberry and photographs by Donaghy. Hemphill Fine Arts, 1515 14th St. NW. Free. 202-234-5601.

GUTE AUSSICHTEN: YOUNG GERMAN PHOTOGRAPHERS -- Through Aug. 31. Works created in the last year by winners of the German competition for graduate photography students. Goethe-Institut, 812 Seventh St. NW. Free. 202-289-1200.

[Fourth of July]

THE REVOLUTIONARY MAP -- The Metro has a reputation for lagging behind -- even its modernist stations convey a throwback futurism. Well, just in time for the nation's birthday bash, the Metro has jumped into the iPod age by making detailed rail maps available for download that can be put on your Nano, Photo or Video. Granted, these images won't plan your trip for you, but the file sizes are small, and knowing you don't have to fight your way through a crowded train to see a map is priceless. For the free download and easy-to-follow instructions, check out http://www.wmata.com/ipodMap .

FREEDOMFEST INDEPENDENCE EVE BASH -- Monday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. For a late night Monday hangout, Hiball Events is taking over the Clarendon Ballroom for an evening of DJs, bands and drinks that will surely appeal to the singles crowd. Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $10. 703-469-2244.

THE MIDTOWN LIBERTY BAR TOUR --Monday, 5-10 p.m. For those who like to use their day off to recover, this party starts on Monday, when Lindy Promotions hosts a downtown pub-hopper to benefit Bread for the City. Bars include the Black Rooster Pub, Porter's, Recessions, Sign of the Whale, the Front Page and more. Register at Mackey's, 1823 L St. NW. $8-$13. 301-652-7712.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION -- Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For those who want to give a nod to the historic events behind the holiday, the National Archives is celebrating the 230th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with patriotic music, a dramatic reading and family activities. National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free. 202-501-5000.

A CAPITOL FOURTH -- Tuesday, 2:30-9:30 p.m. The area's premiere Fourth of July celebration needs no introduction. Entertainers, music and fireworks have long been a part of the event, but this year it seems the powers that be are trying to add some extra oomph to the proceedings. With Jason Alexander, Stevie Wonder, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Vanessa Williams (not to mention Elmo) in attendance, it's possible that the National Mall hasn't had this kind of star power since Britney Spears and Aerosmith kicked off the NFL season a few years back. The main events air on PBS between 8 and 9:30 p.m. West Lawn of the United States Capitol. Free. 202-485-9880.

FREAKS UNITED 2006 -- Tuesday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m. For a truly alternative way to spend your day off, check out Nation, which hosts an extensive lineup of Goth, punk and industrial bands, local crafts, horror films, food and drink specials, and a great view of the fireworks. As the nightclub is closing its doors later this summer to make way for the new stadium, this is a great opportunity to see off the venue and commemorate its always colorful events. Nation, 1015 Half St. SE. $22-$30. 202-397-7328.

[Literature]

LAURA LIPPMAN -- Thursday at 7 p.m. Marylander and Baltimore Sun journalist Laura Lippman signs and discusses "No Good Deeds," the author's latest installment in the Tess Monaghan mystery series. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-364-1919.

OMAR TYREE -- Friday at 12:30, 5 and 7 p.m. The best-selling street fiction novelist and Howard University graduate who penned "Flyy Girl" signs and discusses his 14th novel, "What They Want," which follows the life of model Terrance Mitchell. 12:30 p.m.: Borders, 18th and L streets NW, 202-466-4999; 5 p.m.: Union Station, B. Dalton Books, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, 202-289-1750; 7 p.m.: Karibu Books, The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington, 703-415-1118. All free.

KATHERYN RUSSELL-BROWN -- Friday at 7 p.m. The law professor and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations at the University of Florida signs and discusses "Protecting Our Own: Race, Crime and African Americans." Borders, 8518 Fenton St., Silver Spring. Free. 301-585-0550.

DAVID TAYLOR -- Saturday at 3 p.m. The writer signs and discusses "Ginseng, the Divine Root: The Curious History of the Plant that Captivated the World," which is chock-full of folklore, history and science. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. Free. 202-387-7638.

SHARON WEINBERGER -- Saturday at 6 p.m. The veteran science and defense journalist writes about the Pentagon's costly pursuit of isomer bombs in "Imaginary Weapons: A Journey Through the Pentagon's Scientific Underworld." Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-364-1919.

[Miscellaneous]

POSITIVE FORCE 21ST ANNIVERSARY -- See Can't Miss, previous page.

ART NIGHT -- Thursday, 5:30-8 p.m. The evening includes a jazz performance by Bobby Parker on the plaza, a discussion of artist Jim Lambie's transformation of the lobby by Associate Curator Anne Ellegood and a screening of the 1957 film "The Beginning of the End," about a swarm of huge, man-eating grasshoppers headed for Chicago. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free. 202-633-1000.

[Movies]

Films open Friday and are in general release unless otherwise noted. Opening dates subject to change. Checkhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/moviesor Friday's Weekend section for details and complete movie listings.

LOWER CITY -- This racy Brazilian drama and 2005 Cannes Film Festival winner follows the love triangle of petty hustlers and best friends (Lazaro Ramos and Wagner Moura), who both seek the attention of a beautiful young prostitute (Alice Braga). At Landmark's E Street Cinema.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST -- Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) returns in Jerry Bruckheimer's swashbuckling sequel. Sparrow must repay a blood debt to avoid eternal damnation and is joined by Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), who are forced to put their wedding plans on hold.

A SCANNER DARKLY -- Richard Linklater's adaptation of the Philip K. Dick novel about the dangers of excessive drug use and the government's abuse of its omnipotent power uses the same rotoscoping animation technology as in "Waking Life." With Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Woody Harrelson and Robert Downey Jr.

STRANGERS WITH CANDY -- See Can't Miss, previous page.

WASSUP ROCKERS -- A departure from negative stereotypical portrayals of Latino teenage boys, Larry Clark's ("Kids") sixth feature film bases its story on the real lives of skateboarding teens from South Central Los Angeles who embrace punk-rock culture instead of hip-hop. At Landmark's E Street Cinema.

[On Stage]

NEW PLAYS (UN)PLUGGED -- See Can't Miss, previous page.

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED) -- Opens Wednesday. Through July 28. The Reduced Shakespeare Company presents 600 years of history in 6,000 seconds (don't bother breaking out the calculator, it's about an hour and a half). The play includes everything from who really discovered America to how many Democrats it takes to screw in a light bulb. Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $40-$45. 202-467-4600.

CHRISTIAN FINNEGAN -- Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday at 8 and 10:30 p.m. July 9 at 8 p.m. You know the comedian, writer and actor from his stints on VH1's hit series "Best Week Ever" and as the only white roommate in the "Mad Real World" sketch on "The Dave Chappelle Show." Catch Finnegan's stand-up before he breezes out of town to his next gig. With Doug Powell. DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. $15-$17.

202-296-7008.

MO'NIQUE -- See Can't Miss, previous page.

THE FACULTY ROOM -- Through July 9. A new version of Bridget Carpenter's comic drama about the darker side of high school life, told from the teachers' points of view. Directed by Howard Shalwitz. Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW. $30-$48. 202-393-3939.

SPAMALOT -- Through July 9. The Broadway hit, a musical rip-off of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," puts some comic twists on the medieval King Arthur tale. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $46.25-$91.25. 202-628-6161.

TWO-HEADED -- Through July 9. Gregg Henry directs Julie Jensen's production about two Mormon frontierswomen in the 19th century who grapple with their family's involvement with the 1857 Mountain Meadow Massacre in southern Utah, the practice of polygamy and their own intense decades-long friendship. Clark Street Playhouse, 601 S. Clark St., Arlington. $22-$30. 703-418-4808.

[Sports]

NATIONALS -- Today at 1:05 p.m. against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Monday and Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at 1:05 p.m. against the Florida Marlins. Friday-Saturday at 7:05 p.m. and July 9 at 1:05 p.m. against the San Diego Padres. RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. $7-$45. 202-397-7328.

MYSTICS -- Friday at 7 p.m. against the Sacramento Monarchs. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. $8-$79. 202-397-7328.

STILL LOOKING? For more area happenings, look in Friday's Weekend section or go online athttp://www.washingtonpost.com/cityguide.