The Kennedy Center, with rapper Q-Tip as its very first director of hip-hop culture, is presenting a live show featuring a number of veteran New York rappers who changed the music world. The Bridge Concert Series: Pioneering Emcees, Vol. 1 will include legends like Kurtis Blow, widely regarded as the first commercially successful rapper, and Kool Moe Dee, one of the first rappers to get a Grammy nod and the first rapper to perform on the Grammys stage. It’ll also feature MC Sha-Rock, one of the very first female rappers, who used fast-patter, repeated echo-like phrases, and call-and-response chants, and Roxanne Shanté, who in the ’80s got heads nodding to that era’s more straightforward cadence. They’ll be joined by Kool DJ Red Alert, who helped spread that signature New York sound on his turntables at club appearances, on mixtapes, and on radio. Read more>>> The Bridge Concert Series: Pioneering Emcees, Vol. 1 begins at 8 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $19–$69. (202) 467-4600. kennedy-center.org. (Steve Kiviat)
EAT THIS
Bistro Aracosia is open and charming the Palisades neighborhood of D.C. with comforting stews and an array of different Afghan dumplings. The sibling of Springfield’s Afghan Bistro has a huge menu. Don’t miss the saffron chicken with lemon and dill ($14.95) or the spicy beef mantu dumplings topped with yogurt garlic sauce and herbs ($7.95). Visit tonight for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bistro Aracosia, 5100 MacArthur Blvd. NW. (202) 363-0400. bistroaracosia.com. (Laura Hayes)
OH AND ALSO
Garage punk artist Ron Gallo performs at DC9. 8 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $14.
Australian indie pop band Sheppard hits the 9:30 Club stage. 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $20.
MSNBC’s Chris Matthews stops by Politics and Prose new location at The Wharf to discuss his recently released book, Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit, an extensive look at the life of the brilliant former attorney general. 7 p.m. at 70 District Square SW. Free.
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