TOP 5 FOR FRIDAY, JULY 20
1. Atmospheric Front At Flashpoint Gallery
Hana and Shana Kim unveil their newest work at Flashpoint Gallery. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
2. "Once A Gangster" At Freer Sackler Gallery
The Smithsonian makes this city an excellent place for film buffs. This screening is part of the Freer and Sackler's 17th Annual Hong Kong Film Festival. A gangster-parody film comedy. Don't be scared by subtitles. 7 p.m., all ages, no cover, also July 22
3. Chain And The Gang, Heavy Breathing, Cornel West Theory, Shitstains At St. Stephens
This show is a good example of why church and basement shows are needed. Four bands that have little in common share a bill to raise money for The Housing For All Campaign. More organizations like Positive Force should produce events. 7 p.m., all ages, $5
4. Paint The Music At Ebenezers Coffeehouse
An interesting concept, four musician will perform while four artists will paint based on one song. The artists will finish their work throughout the event and attendees will be able to purchase the works. 7 p.m., all ages, $10
5. Sh*t's Fucked Up Reception At Pleasant Plains Workshop
Pink Line Project is sponsoring this poster reception. Purchase the print and meet some like minded screen-printed individuals. 6:30 p.m., all ages, no cover
TOP 5 FOR SATURDAY, JULY 21
1. From Farm to Street At Local 16 DC
Think Local First is sponsoring a week's worth of events designed to get people to eat local. The week concludes with this day-long party. Local beer, food and music at a block party on one of D.C.'s most loud and fun blocks. 1 p.m., all ages, $25
2. Summer Picnic Spectacular At Union Market
Another Saturday, another outdoor food and entertainment event. This one takes place at the forthcoming Union Market space off Florida Avenue. More than 40 local food vendors will have their delicious delights for sale, entertainment will include soul music being spun and giant slides, and maybe most importantly, a misting tent will help cool everyone. 12 p.m., all ages, $5 to $7
3. Girls Rock At The Dunes
This pro music organization encourages girls to pick up a guitar and rock out. Occasionally they encourage girls to stand behind the decks and get the people to dance. This event is for the latter. Local DJs will teach and inspire future dance sensations the 1s and 2s. 3 p.m., all ages, $5 to $10 donation
4. "Colony" At Caos On F
Recommending dance is always tricky. Recommending anything by Melissa Krodman isn't. In this piece Krodman and Kelly Bond perform a 50-minute dance duet. Krodman, whether dancing, clowning, hosting or generally entertaining, is a solid bet. Part of our Capital Fringe recommendations. 2 p.m., all ages, $17
5. Stax Of Soul At Boundary Stone
Saturday night dance parties don't get any better than Stax soul. Boogie down to Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave, Booker T and more. 10 p.m., 21+, no cover
TOP 5 FOR SUNDAY, JULY 22
1. Hot Chip, Sleigh Belles At Merriweather Post Pavilion
Hot Chip is a good, fun, dancey time but the reason this is our number 1 pick is Sleigh Bells. The studio duo/live threesome proved beyond a shadow of a doubt at last weekend's Pitchfork Music Fest that they are an act that can handle a large stage. Singer Alexis Krauss is currently the coolest person in rock and roll, think Debbie Harry but louder and with some anger. Guitarists Derek Miller and Jason Boyer use Jackson guitars and dress like extras from "Back to the Future," yet are also cool. They've avoided the sophomore slump. 6 p.m., all ages, $35 to $45
2. "On the Bowery" At National Gallery Of Art
The romanticized version of New York City owes a debt to Lionel Rogosin, founder of the famed Bleecker Street Cinema. This is his first film. 4:30 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. The Karma Cabaret At Red Palace
The Tender Henries, The Torches and Milkmachine will play at this benefit for a yoga mat donation program. An interesting idea, the group provides yoga mats to low-income senior centers, homeless shelters, low-income schools, public libraries, detention centers, prisons, community health centers and veteran’s hospitals throughout the country. 8 p.m., 21+, $10
4. NSO Summer Music Institute Chamber Music at Millenium Stage
Part of the chamber music portion of the 2012 Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra National Trustees’ Summer Music Institute, a four-week festival of orchestral and chamber music for young people ages 15 to 20 at the Kennedy Center. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
5. 2nd Annual Ethiopian Festival At Veterans Plaza Silver Spring
A free, all day celebration of music, food, fashion, arts and crafts from Ethiopia. 11 a.m., all ages, no cover
