Baltimore-based bandleader Todd Marcus swings low and strong on his signature instrument, the bass clarinet. Still a rarity in the jazz world, the bass clarinet provides a more reedy, nasally sonority than other lead horns, creating delightfully divergent overtones. These sounds add just the right touch to Marcus’ compositions, which often delve into romantic interludes that incorporate elements of his Egyptian heritage. Marcus ventures south to share his Middle East-by-way-of-Maryland jazz with a quintet dubbed The Low Tones, featuring other area luminaries Kris Funn on bass (a Hawaiian transplant to D.C.) and frequent Marcus collaborator Joshua Espinoza on piano. Read more >>> Todd Marcus’ Low Tones perform at 6 p.m. at Westminster Church, 400 I St. SW. $5. (202) 484-7700. westminsterdc.org. (Jackson Sinnenberg)
EAT THIS
Charlie Palmer Steak launched a new tasting menu available on Friday nights only. The menu, often featuring ingredients like Wagyu beef and truffles, runs $85 per person (before tax and tip). A wine pairing is available for an additional $40. Charlie Palmer Steak, 101 Constitution Ave. NW.(202) 547-8100. charliepalmer.com/charlie-palmer-steak-dc. (Laura Hayes)
OH AND ALSO
Friday: Local songwriter Sean Barna takes the stage at Rock & Roll Hotel for a night of music from D.C. artists including opening acts Redline Graffiti and Paperhaus. 9 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $15.
Friday: Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts to see Border Crossing, Jami Porter Lara‘s new exhibition of sculptures inspired by items she found while traveling along the U.S.-Mexico border. Read more in our Spring Arts Guide. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1250 New York Ave. NW. $8–$10.
Friday: Jazz violinist Regina Carter pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald during two shows at the Kennedy Center Family Theater. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. $50–$65.
Saturday: While the President tries to ban more Iranians from coming to the U.S., the 21st Annual Iranian Film Festival continues through March 1. Reza Dormishian’s latest, Lantouri, is a harrowing, suspenseful effort about the relationship between a criminal rehabilitation activist and a troubled member of a cold-blooded gang of thieves who falls in love with her. Reportedly influenced by Jean-Luc Godard and Iranian documentaries, Dormishian’s confrontational work addresses women’s and human rights and questions how far the notion of forgiveness should go. Read more >>> The festival runs through March 1 at various venues. Lantouri screens at 4:30 p.m. at the National Gallery of Art East Building Auditorium, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Free. (202) 737-4215. nga.gov. (Steve Kiviat)
Saturday: As a champion of the underground, Plastician spent the early years of his DJing and production career bridging the gap between London’s dubstep and grime scenes—once peripheral genres that now soundtrack jam-packed dance floors around the globe. Collecting sounds from the dark corners of the worldwide underground using a discerning ear, he continues to innovate and celebrate bass music through his forward-driven radio show on London’s Rinse FM, as well as his record label, Terrorhythm—a home for the future beats of artists like GANZ, SKULS,and AWE. Plastician has cultivated connections through electronic music all around the world since the turn of the century, a true testament to his esteemed role as a pioneer and tastemaker. Plastician performs at 10 p.m. at Eden Lounge, 1716 I St. NW. $12–$15. (202) 905-9300. edendc.com. (Casey Embert)
Saturday: Afrofurutism ensemble Sinkane plays the Black Cat with Richmond’s No BS Brass Band. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $16–$18.
Sunday: Boasting some of the cheapest booze in the U Street Corridor, guest DJs who always tear up the club, and a famously raucous following, Tropixxx at Velvet Lounge is D.C.’s favorite reason to hate Monday morning. And resident DJs The Lothario, The Clown Prince, and Mathias make it all too easy to go balls-to-the-wall by providing an energetic soundtrack of global club music from opening to closing. On President’s Day weekend, the crew welcomes Baltimore’s Trillnatured to rock the decks with them. Read more >>> Trillnatured performs with The Lothario, The Crown Prince, and Mathias at 10 p.m. at Velvet Lounge, 915 V St. NW. Free. (202) 462-3213. velvetloungedc.com. (Casey Embert)
Sunday: Opera Lafayette puts its spin on Beethoven‘s Leonore at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. 3 p.m. at 730 21st St. NW. $25–$130.
Sunday: Rock trio Lemuria lays the nostalgia on thick when it performs at Black Cat. Read more in our Spring Arts Guide. 7:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $15.
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