Our Picks

Can't Miss

1.LORETTA LYNN

[CONCERT] Lynn has been one of country music's premier voices for five decades, and her classic songs still pack a potent punch. If on this tour she ignores a request or two, or needs to stay seated for much of the show, she has earned the right. You don't get many chances to see musicians of this caliber. Act accordingly. With the Lynns and Justin Jones.

Saturday, doors at 6 p.m. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566. $55.

2.WASHINGTON JEWISH

FILM FESTIVAL

[MOVIES] This 19th annual event kicks off Thursday with a screening of the Australian film "Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger" and a party at the D.C. Jewish Community Center's Goldman Theater. That venue and six others will go on to show feature and documentary films from 10 countries, including such anticipated foreign titles as "Let's Dance!," "Lemon Tree," "One Day You'll Understand" and "Two Lives Plus One." For a complete schedule, visit http://www.wjff.org.

Opens Thursday. Through Dec. 14. Venues in Washington, Bethesda and Silver Spring. 202-777-3231. $6-$20.

3.JEAN GRAE

[CONCERT] Fans of the versatile MC, who has been doing her thing since the late '90s, got a shock earlier this year when it appeared that she was announcing her retirement on her MySpace page. Well, that seems to have carried as much weight as other recent hip-hop retirements. It's a good thing, too; the underground scene is much stronger with an active Jean Grae. With Mr. Len and Mark De Clive-Lowe.

Saturday at 9 p.m. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. 202-667-7960. $15-$18.

4.WAR CHILD

[MOVIE] Emmanuel Jal grew up a child soldier in Sudan, fled to the United States and has since channeled the agonies of his war-torn upbringing into acclaimed hip-hop music. Now an independent D.C. film production company is releasing a documentary on his life and his mission to keep the world's eyes on the conflicts and inequities in Africa. It's scheduled to run for only one week, so see it while