Maureen Andary of The Sweater Set
@ Fort Reno
Q:What's your song for summer?
A:"Our song about summer love. The lyrics are 'Oh, you're just for fun, don't you know. I only want you for summer months.'"
MUSIC:
» Sheryl Crow, Fri., July 3, Wolf Trap, Vienna.
» Blisspop Summer Extravaganza, Fri., July 3, 9:30 Club, Northwest D.C. (U St.-Cardozo)
» Capitol Fourth, Sat. July 4, National Mall, Northwest D.C. (Smithsonian)
» Jay Reatard, Sun., July 5, Black Cat, Northwest D.C. (U St.-Cardozo)
» Gladys Knight, Sun., July 5, Wolf Trap, Vienna.
» Vandaveer, Mon., July 6, Black Cat, Northwest D.C. (U St.-Cardozo)
STAGE:
» "Ain't Misbehavin'," through Aug. 2, Olney Theatre Center, Olney.
» "Spooky Dog and the Teenage-Gang Mysteries," Fri. and Sat., July 3 and 4, D.C. Arts Center, Northwest D.C. (Woodley Park)
EXHIBITS:
» "Animal Attraction," through Feb. 21, National Museum of African Art, Southwest D.C. (Smithsonian)
THIS WEEKEND: The exuberant Broadway classic "Ain't Misbehavin'" is coming to town to wow audiences with its musical wit and nonstop energy. A tribute to piano man Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller, the 1978 Tony Award-winning musical revisits the Harlem Renaissance and its unforgettable cultural impact with 30 striking numbers and a whole lotta shaking.
» Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Md.; opens Wed., through Aug. 2, $26; 301-924-3400, olneytheatre.org.
Photo courtesy Stan Barouh
THIS WEEK: Folks will call it the "Dark Continent" no more if the National Museum of African Art has anything to say about it. The exhibition "Artful Animals" looks to correct misunderstandings and educate museum-goers about Africa and contemporary African life. Although the exhibit's aim may be serious, expect entertaining displays of animal sculptures and figures, particularly fun for children.
» National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW; through Feb. 21, free; 202-633-4600, africa.si.edu. (Smithsonian)
Photo courtesy National Museum of African Art
FRIDAY: If fireworks, American flags and some watermelon isn't the trick for a Fourth of July evening, then how about a van full of seemingly parentless and sexually-conflicted teenagers who occasionally solve a mystery or two? Finishing its run on July 3 and 4 is "Spooky Dog and the Teenage-Gang Mysteries" at the D.C. Arts Center.
The show is an amalgam of Saturday morning cartoon parodies and particularly follows an all-too-familiar crew of crime-solving do-gooders on an adventure that is a bit of a departure from their campy '70s hijinks. Though the name may imply that the well-loved gang is back up to its old shenanigans, the show is strictly for adults. There's singing, laughter and a confirmation for any sneaking suspicions as to why a grown man is constantly eating puppy snacks.
» DCAC, 2438 18th St. NW; Fri. and Sat., July 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m.,$18; 202-462-7833.
Written by Express' Topher Forhecz
Photo courtesy Landless Theatre
SUNDAY: Still tired from Fourth of July festivities? There is no better way to cure your patriotic hangover than the sultry sound of Gladys Knight. Though she will be sans Pips, expect a full range of Gladys Knight classics, from her 60s hits up to her more current solo career.
The Motown star, also known as the Empress of Soul, has seen much success in her post-Pip career. From music to philanthropy and even owning a small chain of Chicken and Waffle shops, Mrs. Knight is still as much of a soul figure now as she was during her Motown years.
» Wolf Trap National Park; 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna; Sun., July 5, 8 p.m., $25-$45; 703-255-1868.
Written by Express' Brian Austin
Photo courtesy Wolf Trap
SUNDAY: Want some Flying V guitar riffs, unruly hair and headbanging to finish off your week? Man, the universe was looking out for you.
With simple lyrics and a Ramones-inspired breakneck drive, Jay Reatard brings sweaty garage punk back to D.C. in just the right way — loud, fast and hard. Just listen to his hit "See Saw" off of "Matador Singles '08." Honestly, it's nothing you haven't heard before from the kids down the street, but it's still a rush.
His latest album, "Watch Me Fall" is due out August 18, his first actual album release since 2006's "Blood Visions." You can download the first single off of his lastest, "It Ain't Gonna Save Me," off of his Web site.
» Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW; with TV Smith, Sun., July 5, 9 p.m., $12; 202-667-4490. (U St.-Cardozo)
Written by Express' Nicole Ocran
Photo courtesy Jay Reatard
MONDAY: Vandaveer is taking over the music scene with leading man Mark Charles Heidinger's plan, "Divide and Conquer," also the title of the band's upcoming album. The sophomore record ("Grace and Speed" was released on Gypsy Eyes in 2007) boasts of polished vignettes that wander into a quieter, more melodic sound that has fans flocking.
» Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW; Mon., July 6, 8 pm, $12; 202-667-4490, blackcatdc.com. (U St.-Cardozo)
Photo courtesy Shervin Lainez
SATURDAY: Jimmy Smits hosts a night spent on the nation's front lawn at this year's Capitol Fourth celebration, the climax of which is, of course, a sky full of fireworks. Grab a spot on the Mall, and prepare to get cozy with many, many of your fellow citizens as acts including Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, the cast of "Jersey Boys" and others entertain.
» The National Mall between the U.S. Capitol & the Lincoln Memorial; Sat., July 4, 8-9:30 p.m., free; 202-619-7222. (Smithsonian)
Photo courtesy City of Alexandria
FRIDAY: Forget the fact that North Korea might be attacking Hawaii this weekend. It's time to dance, and the Blisspop Summer Extravaganza is just the thing.
Washington, D.C., party thrower/DJ stalwart Will Eastman is combining his popular Blisspop party with renowned DJ tag team Nadastrom and international dance-floor titan Tittsworth.
Eastman himself will helm the DJ booth along with District up-and-comers Dmerit, Ken Lezee and Bobby Jae. Bliss parties are wild enough, but combined with some of the hottest disc spinners in the country and the Fourth of July looming the day after it almost seems like gilding the party lily.
» 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; Fri., July 3, 9 p.m., $10; 202-265-0930. (U St.-Cardozo)
Written Express' Brian Austin
Photo courtesy The Washington Post
FRIDAY: Sheryl Crow strolled into our lives back in the '90s, achieving mainstream success with her sultry voice and bluesy guitar.
With hits like "My Favorite Mistake" and "The First Cut is the Deepest," this nine-time Grammy award-winner seems to be staying on top. She arrives at Wolf Trap Friday with fellow singer-songwriter Ari Hest.
» Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA; Fri., July 3, 8 p.m., $48; $30 lawn; 703-255-1900.
Written by Express' Nicole Ocran
Photo courtesy Universal Music Group
Addison Road