We all want to know where we come from. The true genesis and evolution of human ancestry is an omnipresent enigma in our lives, and for some, like me, a source of existential dread. Fortunately people who have dedicated their lives to discovering as much about humanity’s inception as possible. Four of those people—biological anthropologist Marina Elliott, paleoanthropologist Genevieve von Petzinger, evolutionary biologist Ryan Carney, and documentary artist and photographer Matthew Cicanese—are bringing answers to, or at least conjectures on, some of the most burning questions related to the mysteries of our planet and ourselves. As part of Nat Geo Nights, which includes a happy hour and free admission into the National Geographic Museum, the group will be tackling everything from the origins of written language to the biological beginnings of Earth’s ecosystems to the evolution of bird flight. Thank you, science. Read more>>> The talk begins at 5:30 p.m. at the National Geographic Campus, 1145 17th St. NW. $20. (202) 857-7700. nationalgeographic.org/dc. (Kayla Randall)
OH AND ALSO
Scholar of Middle East affairs Frederic Wehrey stops by Politics and Prose to discuss his book, The Burning Shores: Inside the Battle for the New Libya, a chronicle of the fall of Libya’s dictator and its subsequent civil war and migration crisis. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
Rock & Roll Hotel welcomes electronic synth pop artist IAMX. 8 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $25.
Blues and soul singer-songwriter Son Little performs at Union Stage. 7:30 p.m. at 740 Water St. SW. $20–$30.
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