TOP 5 FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5
1. Henry Rollins: Capitalism At 9:30 Club
A spoken word/stand up/guerrilla journalist report from the former Black Flag frontman. An appropriate way to spend the evening before Election Day. 7 p.m., all ages, sold out
2. "Swan Lake" At AFI Silver Spring
AFI Silver Spring will live stream the classic ballet production from the Royal Ballet. 7 p.m., all ages, $15
3. The Luyas, Motion Lines, Marian McLaughlin At Red Palace
McLaughlin is a captivating figure in the D.C. music scene. Not quite indie, not quite singer-songwriter, definitely talented. Get there for the opener. 8:30 p.m., 18+, $8
4. "Esterhazy" At Goethe-Institut
This Polish short had its premiere at the 2009 Edinburgh International Film Festival. If you weren't able to travel to Europe, head to Chinatown. The stills from the film are intriguing. 6:30 p.m., all ages, $4 to $7
5. Justin Bieber At Verizon Center
Don't deny the Biebs. He may be the next Timberlake. 7 p.m., all ages, sold out
TOP 5 FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS
Tuesday, November 6
Election Night Jam at Kennedy Center
Enjoy jazz from Jason Moran & The Bandwagon while watching election results on large monitors. Not a bad option if you're bipartisan.
Wednesday, November 7
The Whigs at Black Cat
"Like of Vibration" from 2008's "Mission Control" is an excellent introduction to this Athens, Ga., garage rock trio. Start there, have a beer, listen to the rest of the album, have another beer, buy some tickets, have a good night.
Thursday, November 8
Live Music & Art Auction Fundraiser at Gibson Guitar Showroom
Do you have a guitar lying around your bedroom collecting dust? Donate it to a kid who just wants to rock.
Friday, November 9
Fotoweek DC at Mexican Cultural Institute
Start Fotoweek DC with three exhibitions. "Luces y Sombras: Fourteen Travelers in Mexico," follows American photographers in Mexico throughout the 20th century, "Visions of Mexico: The Photography of Hugo Brehme" and "La Frontera: Artists on the US-Mexican Border" from Stefan Falke.
Saturday, November 10
American Freedom Festival with Chicago and Kansas at Patriot Center
We love tours featuring bands named after cities and states. Also, "25 or 6 to 4." Regardless of the last 30-plus years of soft rock/elevator friendly music from Chicago, the hook in "25 or 6 to 4" redeems their boring sins. Also, "Make Me Smile." Watch this. You'll be a Chicago fan.