This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Samuel Pfister.
Take this week to check out the oddities of living in D.C., from diverse art exhibits to a classical symphony at the Kennedy Center to an Orwellian book reading sponsored by the D.C. Public Library. If you desperately need to dance, bookend your busy week with The Last Year at the Black Cat and Dr. Dog at the 9:30 Club.
Tuesday
The Last Year at Black Cat: Niki Barr and Scott Ensign made their debut as a duo in Baltimore last year after the release of the angry, yet sweet, “Sugar.” They have a similar sound to the more well-known Bear Hands, but be sure to catch them before they blow up on the indie circuit.
The Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. Doors at 8 p.m. $10.
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Dominican Modern Art: This gallery is often host to some of the most diverse collections in D.C., one of which ends at the end of the month. The “Modern and Contemporary Art in the Dominican Republic” exhibition offers pieces from the Customs Office Collection. The 30-piece collection details recent artwork from some of today’s best Dominican artists.
Organization of American States’ Art Museum of the Americas, 201 18th St. NW. Hours vary.
Wednesday
Lunch Talk at NMWA: The National Museum of Women in the Arts offers weekly Wednesday gallery talks, and this short, lunchtime exhibit looks at the life of Mary in relation to her family, explores the ideas of womanhood, and details what social and sacred functions Mary has served throughout history. “Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea” is part of a series in which the NMWA showcases humanist elements in loaned exhibits. No reservation is required.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Orwellian America by D.C. Public Library: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is hosting a marathon reading of George Orwell’s “1984.” Special guest readers will be on hand for 11 hours. Don’t feel like traveling? You can live stream the reading on Youtube.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday
Fantasy & Fate at The Kennedy Center: The National Symphony Orchestra is performing “Fantasy & Fate: Tchaikovsky Masterworks,” conducted by Christoph Eschenbach. The pieces performed will include “Sérénade Mélancolique” and “Valse-Scherzo,” led by concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef. Tickets are still available online but won’t be at the door.
The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. Hours vary. $10 to $85.
Dr. Dog at the 9:30 Club: These self-proclaimed oddballs will play two nights at the 9:30 Club. Dr. Dog, with Philadelphia roots and at least a decade of experience on stage, has an electric chemistry fueled by casual confidence and a knack for mixing it up live. The six-man band is touring until May, when it will play Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta alongside The Strokes and Tame Impala.
9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. Doors at 7 p.m. $30.
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