One of Mountain Goats guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter John Darnielle’s most endearing qualities is his ability to share his passions without a hint of snobbery. His debut novel, Wolf In White Van, proved that great writers are great writers, regardless of format. The short, asynchronous novel cleverly tells a story of escape and loneliness with increasing momentum. His new novel, Universal Harvester, ventures further into the horror genre as it details what happens to Jeremy, a video rental store clerk in ’90s small town Iowa, when customers start complaining about creepy clips appearing in the middle of their rental tapes. Read more >>> John Darnielle reads at 7 p.m. at Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. (202) 364-1919. politics-prose.com. (Justin Weber)

EAT THIS

ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar launched a new half-off happy hour this week. From 5 to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays all pintxos (Basque-style tapas) are 50 percent off, and the same goes for select cider, beer, wine, vermouth, and cocktails. Happy hour specials are only available at the main level bar. The restaurant also launches brunch this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with $20 all-you-can-drink cider. ANXO, 300 Florida Ave. NW. (202) 986-3795. anxodc.com. (Laura Hayes)

OH AND ALSO

Seattle-based rock act Naomi Punk plays at Comet Ping Pong with opening acts PC Worship and Big Hush. 9 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.

Local trombonist Moshe Snowden aims to keep musical traditions alive when he performs with his band at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in collaboration with The D.C. Legendary Musicians, a non-profit that aims to protect and preserve the work of local musicians. 6 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. Free.

Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, the parents of Trayvon Martin, read from their new book, Rest in Power, and discuss their work to prevent this type of violence. 7 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $15–$45.

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