Women in Music Performance
Trans Visibility Community Festival
Organized by local nonprofits Casa Ruby, DC Area Transmasculine Society and Deaf Dawn, this free, all-ages event is a first-of-its kind D.C. festival that explicitly advocates for the trans community. It debuts in NoMa on Saturday with two open mics, a raffle, a film screening and trans artists showcasing their work. Spaces NoMa, 1140 3rd St. NE; Sat. 1-5 p.m., free.
The Women Directors Film Festival: Visionaries, Then and Now
The Smithsonian has beefed up its slate of film screenings over the last year, and on Saturday the American Art Museum will host an all-day festival showcasing works from female directors. Some of the featured movies include the remastered 1991 film “Daughters of the Dust,” above, by Julie Dash, 1989’s “Surname Viet Given Name Nam” by Trinh T. Minh-ha and Tiffany Chung’s 2012 work “The Great Simplicity Thousands of Years Before and After.” The event will also have post-film discussions with media scholars and other experts. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW; Sat., noon-9 p.m., free.
I’m With Her with Verona Quartet
A jam session at a bluegrass festival in 2014 led to singers and multi-instrumentalists Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan joining forces as I’m With Her. The Americana trio didn’t release an album until last year’s “See You Around,” which blends the group’s distinct voices and perspectives. For this show during the Kennedy Center’s Direct Current festival, string ensemble Verona Quartet will join the band. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW; Sun., 8 p.m., $29-$49.
Muse
On “Simulation Theory,” Muse embraces the past to comment on the present. Everything from the album’s cover art — designed by the artist behind Netflix’s “Stranger Things” art — to the synth-heavy songs take cues from ’80s pop culture. Though more upbeat compared to previous albums, the band still hits on such topics as the 2016 U.S. presidential election and Brexit. Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW; Tue., 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$98.89.
‘Grand Hotel’
Set in 1920s Berlin, “Grand Hotel” follows the eclectic staff and clientele of a high-class hotel. It’s where debutantes co-exist among blue-collar workers and hopeful starlets looking for their big break. The creative team behind Signature’s popular musical “A Little Night Music” bring the roaring ‘20s back to life in this show with a lively score. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave.; Tue. through May 19, $40-$109.
Patty Griffin
“River,” off of Patty Griffin’s new self-titled album, finds the veteran folk artist reflecting on her perseverance after she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. The life-threatening news informed the writing of her latest effort, which is one of the most introspective works that Griffin — who beat the disease and is back on the road — has put out in her lengthy career. 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; Wed., 7 p.m., $40.