TOP 5 FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 28
1. Mingle At The Museum At S. Dillon Ripley Center
It's too hot to mingle outside. Head into one of the many air conditioned Smithsonian buildings. Hang out with photographer Robert Weingarten. Sip cocktails. Have a lovely evening. 6:30 p.m., 21+, $55 to $80
2. Date DCarts At Ted's Bulletin, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Smith Commons
Dinner, a show, cocktails and a party, all planned well in advance, all taken care of once tickets are purchased. Ideal for the adventurous but indecisive. 5:30 p.m., 21+, $150 per couple
3. Christylez Bacon At Folklife Festival
One of D.C.'s most appealing artists, Bacon does a little of everything. Hip-hop, poetry, folk, beat boxing and being a general showman allow him to win over any crowd, even one in the middle of the afternoon in the blistering heat. 3:30 p.m., all ages, no cover, will be performing most days of Folklife in Citified
4. Gypsy Roots At Bistrot Lepic
The DC Djangofolies series honoring the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli continues with this five-piece gypsy band influenced by American blues, swing, Latin and jazz. 7 p.m., 21+, no cover
5. "Louis" Season 3 premier
The best working stand-up has one of the best television shows. "Today" doesn't understand him and let's hope it stays that way. The teaser trailer for Season 3 gives nothing away and it's beautiful. There's no shame in staying in, at least for a half hour. 10:30 p.m., all ages, however much you pay for cable
TOP 5 FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS
Friday, June 29
"A Simple Life" at Freer Gallery
The film that garnered Ann Hui Best Director, Andy Lau Best Actor and Deanie Ip Best Actress at Taiwan's Golden Horse Film Festival will be screened as part of the 17th Annual Made in Hong Kong Film Festival.
Saturday, June 30
TNT! at Haydees
One of the best soul dance parties is held on the last Saturday of the month at a Mount Pleasant Latin American restaurant. The three DJs, Mikhail Z, 'Dos Dedos' Garcia and Mad Squirrel only play vinyl, flow seamlessly from the '50s to the '80s and do not care what region, BPM or cultural cache the song has, good music will be spun.
Sunday, July 1
"Mr. Burns: a post-electric play" at Woolly Mammoth
Last chance to see the critically acclaimed new play from the Woolly Mammoth.
Monday, July 2
Chris Isaak at Birchmere
The beautiful crooner still has a pompadour and still can play music that makes you wish it was 1956.
Tuesday, July 3
Outlaws at Marx Cafe
Get in a patriotic mood with this evening of Outlaw country. What's more American than a bunch of guys that just want to drink, love, use firearms and sing?