TOP 5 FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 31
1. Saul Williams At Howard Theatre
One of the only American poets that non-poetry folks enjoy. A captivating figure, whether as a solo MC, with a band or reading his work. 8 p.m., all ages, $20 to $30
2. Annie And The Beekeepers At Millennium Stage
This NYC band plays original Americana tunes. They sound great in small rooms so it'll be exciting to see them on the massive Millenium Stage. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. The Ultimate Story Showcase At Black Cat
Story League moves to a more rock and roll venue. Their Busboys and Poets shows are excellent intros to the world of live story telling. This show will be a well-tuned machine of tales. All performers are billed and pros. The room may not be as inviting, but the show should be livelier. The show will be more rock and roll and less poetry. 9 p.m., all ages, $12
4. The AT&T Nation's Football Classic Kickoff Rally At 9:30 Club
The sponsors and the party do not excite us. A free show by Wale does. 5 p.m., all ages, no cover
5. Jazz In The Garden At National Gallery
The final Jazz in the Garden of 2012. Dixie Power Trio will perform while patrons wander the Sculpture Garden. 5 p.m., all ages, no cover
TOP 5 FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
1. Patton Oswalt At Arlington Drafthouse
We're not sure why Oswalt will be in Virginia for one night but we are happy Oswalt will be in Virginia for one night. This gig isn't on his site and doesn't appear to be attached to a tour. Maybe the comic will be workshopping material for his next album. Whatever the reason is, yay! Patton! 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m., all ages, sold out
2. TAINT, Pt.1 At The Fridge
Vestibule is producing these shows at The Fridge over the next few weeks. The art fans are making the city much more interesting. This event will feature choreographers working with dancers working with multi-media artists working with actresses. The performers will explore symbols used in cultural imperialism. Big ideas confronted in a small space. 7:30 p.m., all ages, $5
3. Occupy This! At American University Museum
A collection of art, photojournalism, historic documents and films about the Occupy movement. Get used to Occupy art. It may be the next wave of the movement. All ages, no cover, through October 21
4. Secret Cities, Sitali, The Mean Season At Comet Ping Pong
We love The Mean Season. If they're on a bill, we're interested. Since they're opening you can't lose. If you don't enjoy the other sounds, so what, you've already seen the band you wanted to see. 10 p.m., all ages, $10
5. "The Crow" At E Street Cinema
This is a sincere pick. The dialogue is laughable, the action scenes are laughable, the premise is laughable, the guitar solos on the roof are laughable and the acting is laughable. Yet it's extremely entertaining.
The fictional band in the film is called Hangman's Joke. Now you know some "Crow" trivia. Midnight, 17+, $8 to $11
TOP 5 FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
1. [In] Cage: A Discussion And Performance Of John Cage's Works At American University
John Cage has changed music. If you don't know John Cage, consider this an intro course. 2 p.m., all ages, no cover
2. National Symphony Orchestra At West Lawn Of The US Capital
America's symphony celebrates Labor Day with a free concert for America. 8 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. DC Flea At Blackbyrd
Spend your Sunday stocking up on fall fashion at from Thelma's Vintage, I Found That Vintage and Thembe Fashions. Noon, all ages, no cover
4. The Mynabirds At Rock And Roll Hotel
If The Kills had a love child with tUnE-yArDs. Worldly, dance-able, funky and indie approved. 8 p.m., 18+, $12 to $14
5. Graphic Details: Confessional Comics By Jewish Women At DCJCC
Final day to visit this exhibit of 29 pieces from Jewish, female graphic artists. Take a gander at the less visible artists in a male dominated art form. 10 a.m., all ages, no cover