Tosca is perhaps the first soap opera that is actually an opera. It’s a schmaltzy love story of the variety in which love is expressed through things like torture and suicide. Now a beloved repertory piece, Puccini’s opera was originally roasted by critics for its gratuitous violence, one dimensional villains, and convoluted story. It is set during the Napoleonic wars in Italy, and the Italians (surprisingly, for an Italian opera) are the bad guys. The titular soprano role has long served as a star vehicle for divas such as the great Maria C’s—Caniglia and Callas—and thus it’s also a good opportunity for up-and-coming singers like those fostered by Wolf Trap Opera. Read more >>> The opera begins at 8:15 p.m. at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. $25–$75. (703) 255-1900. wolftrap.org. (Mike Paarlberg )

EAT THIS

Let the oppressive heat guide you toUnion Market’sice cream party tomorrow. At DC Scoop, held inside Dock 5 from 1-4 p.m., attendees can try gelato, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, and other frozen treats from vendors likeDolci Gelati,Milk Cult,Love ‘n Faith,and Ruby Scoops. Free samples will be handed out but you can also purchase full-size scoops. Those in attendance also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dessert. Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. unionmarketdc.com/events/dc-scoop-free-ice-cream-social. (Laura Hayes)

OH AND ALSO

Friday: Les Nubians, a self-described Afropean R&B act from Paris, comes stateside for a performance at The Hamilton with opening act Sahel. 8 p.m. at 600 14th St. NW. $20.75–$25.75.

Friday: Canadian indie-folk quartet Wild Rivers ventures south to play at Songbyrd with Arlington-based songwriter Chris Cassaday. 8 p.m. at 2477 18th St. NW. $10–$12.

Friday: Head to U Street Music Hall for a night of techno from local DJs Rush Plus and Sami, SuYung, and Dawit of 1432 R. 10 p.m. at 1115 U St. NW. $5.

Saturday: The high-pitched guitar finger work of Bogotá, Colombia, dance band Tribu Baharu draws more from speedy Congolese rumba then it does from Latin American and Caribbean stylings. The group, which formed in 2009, adeptly melds its guitars with frenetic bass, keyboard, drum set, and conga rhythms. Vocalists build on this celebratory feeling with a mix of chanted and sung lyrics. As Colombia’s 207th Independence Day approaches on July 20, look forward to a boisterous evening of song and dance. Read more >>> Tribu Baharu performs with La Colombopercutiva at 7 p.m. at Tropicalia, 2001 14th St. NW. $12–$15. (202) 629-4535. tropicaliadc.com. (Steve Kiviat)

Saturday: Merriweather Post Pavilion celebrates its 50th anniversary with an all-star concert, hosted by Grace Potter, that includes sets from Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, and Father John Misty. 6 p.m. at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. $55–$125.

Saturday: Start the night with a rock ‘n’ roll triple bill at DC9, with performances by Night Birds, The Love Songs, and Psychic Subcreatures. 6:30 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $10–$12.

Sunday: Ever find yourself alone on the couch, binging Bravo reality shows but wishing you had some fantastically funny, snarky, wine-swilling gal pals to keep you company? If the answer is “yes,” or you’re currently too busy drinking Ramona Singer pinot grigio or Skinnygirl sangria to respond, then get thee to a live recording of Bitch Sesh, Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider‘s Real Housewives-centric podcast that is so much more than a recap show. These two will bring bawdy humor and a raucous good time to the 9:30 Club and its bar to dish on everything from NeNe’s potential return to Real Housewives of Atlanta to whether you can still refer to the Countess as a Countess. Read more >>> The shows begin at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $39.50. (202) 265-0930. 930.com. (Diana Metzger)

Sunday: Get down with the Zac Brown Band, who play Jiffy Lube Live with Darrell Scott. 7 p.m. at 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow. $80–$150.

Sunday: Chicago-based rock act The Kickback celebrates the release of its latest album with a show at Black Cat. 7:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $12–$15.

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