Events we’re looking forward to in Washington and beyond.
By Mary Eileen Barber
Blues bands battle on stage, famous hair on display, Virginia wine tasting and an improv comedy show for a good cause, plus an author meet-and-greet in Arlington top our list this week.
Jazz Hands
“DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands”
Sat., Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
American Legion Post 268
11225 Fern St., Wheaton, MD 20902
301-322-4808; $13 in advance, $15 at the door
Fast Eddie & the Slowpokes, Unruly Blues Band, and Lady Rose Blues Band are just a few of the groups that’ll be battling it out with soulfully revved up guitars and harmonicas, contending for a spot at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.
“Twin Spirits #1” by Hong Chun Zhang. Charcoal on paper 2000 Diptych, each scroll. Collection of the artist © Hong Chun Zhang. (Photo courtesy Smithsonian)
Family Friendly
“Portrait Story Days: Famous Hair”
Sun., Oct. 14, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Education Center, 1st Floor, Room E151
Smithsonian Institution National Portrait Gallery
9th and F streets NW
202-633-1000; Free, ages 5 and up with adult
The National Portrait Gallery steps up the notion of “portraiture” with artist Zhang Chun Hong’s hair depictions, part of the related exhibition, “Portraiture Now: Asian American Portraits of Encounter” (closing day). Afterward, make your own art piece.
Book Worms
Mon., Oct. 15, 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
One More Page Books
2200 N. Westmoreland St. #101, Arlington, VA 22213
703-300-9746; Free
Katherine Sharpe talks about her book, “Coming of Age on Zoloft: How Antidepressants Cheered Us Up, Let Us Down, and Changed Who We Are,” an intriguing account of growing up on psychiatric drugs that includes equal parts reportage, memoir and science history.
DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant (Photo by Jeff Carpenter)
Comedic Relief
“Children’s National Halloween Benefit Show with The DICSC”
Wed., Oct. 17, 8 p.m. (6:30 p.m. doors)
The DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
202-296-7008; 18 & over, $15 (and minimum two donation items per person)
Come for a great cause, and stay for the improv! Bring Halloween-related donations like costumes and decorations for Children’s National and get a night of belly-shaking laughs. According to DC Improv’s website, the donations need to be brand new and in original packaging, and cannot be edible.
Vermontino Vines (Photo courtesy Tablas Creek Vineyard)
Oenophiles
“Tablas Creek and Beaucastel – Wines of the Haas/Perrin Partnership with Danny Haas”
Thurs., Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Chain Bridge Cellars
1351 Chain Bridge Rd., Mclean, VA 22101
703-356-6500; $45
Take part in an array of white and reds, including Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and some fine cheeses and charcuterie, and listen to importer Danny Haas discuss how the Tablas Creek and Beaucastel estates differ, and what they share.
