TOP 5 FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
1. Cardinals Vs Nationals At Nationals Park
Yes! This is awesome! More baseball! #NATITUDE 8:30 p.m.
2. Orioles Vs Yankees At Yankee Stadium
Yes! This is awesome! More baseball! #BUCKleUp 5:07 p.m.
3. Smoking Popes At Red Palace
Without the Popes, there's no Alkaline Trio or Fall Out Boy. They're one of Morrissey's favorite bands for the same reason. Hooky pop songs about longing for love. Embracing nostalgia, they'll be performing their 1994 classic "Born To Quit" in its entirety. 9 p.m., all ages, $12
4. Shrine At Tropicalia
Janka Nabay and the Bubu Gang headline this weekly party. The Sierra Leone born, Brooklyn-based Janka Nabay is one of the leaders of "bubu music." Midnight, 21+, no cover
5. "American Teacher" At AFI Silver Spring
Part of the DC Labor FilmFest, this 2011 documentary explored the lives of some of the 3.2 million American teachers. When the film was released Huffington Post blogger Michael Giltz said, "You'll watch it and want to call your favorite teacher from grade school and thank them all over again." 5 p.m., all ages, $7 to $8.50
TOP 5 FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13
1. The French Underground At Embassy of France
This Brightest Young Things two-night event will feature all the BYT acuteamants that make their parties successes. This French Embassy party follows their successful Spanish Embassy party. Embassy parties are fun. If you get bored of the band or DJ or bar, wander around. You're in an embassy. 8 p.m., 18+, $25, Also Friday, October 12
2. Writers On The Row At Bethesda Lane
This book festival began on Thursday and runs through Sunday. Saturday is our pick because of an appearance by SVU detective Richard Belzer. The Belz! Conspiracy theorist, comic, actor and man with a little dog, The Belz will be reading from his newest book, "Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country’s Most Controversial Cover-Ups." 4 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. Super! Art! Fight! At Red Palace
A competitive art competition in a rock club. Different is good. 10 p.m., 21+, $15
4. Nouveau Riche At U Street Music Hall
This monthly dance party is always a sure bet. What makes this edition a little nicer is the free Ketel One vodka and Bulleit bourbon from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. 10 p.m., 18+, $10
5. The North Country At Black Cat
North Country front man Andrew Grossmas has a Ted Leo type appeal. Socially conscious songs with a little bit of an Andrew Bird influence. This record release show also features two fine D.C. acts, The Sea Life and Sweetbread Jim's. 9 p.m., all ages, $10
French Underground
TOP 5 FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
1. This Land Is Your Land: Woody Guthrie At 100 At Kennedy Center
An all-star lineup featuring Arlo Guthrie, John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Ani DiFraco, Tom Morello, Rosane Cash, Lucinda Williams, Donovan, Old Crow Medicine Show and seemingly everyone that plays an acoustic guitar and has a gold record. Sold Out
2. Peter Gabriel At Patriot Center
A John Cusack appearance isn't likely, but it could happen. Either way, enjoy a performance of the landmark album "So" in its entirety. 8 p.m., all ages, $54.70 to $174.80
3. Mid City Artists Fall Open Studios
Visit the studios of over 24 visual artists. Peruse their works and support local art. Noon, all ages, no cover, also Saturday, October 13
4. To the Brink: JFK And The Cuban Missile Crisis At National Archives
How close were we to nuclear war with Cuba? 10 a.m., all ages, no cover
5. Motion Lines, The Mean Season At SOVA
Two good local bands for free at a good local coffee shop. For fans of mid 90's power pop. Cheap Trick with less testosterone. 8 p.m., all ages, no cover