Alienated teenager embraces the hardcore/punk scene and, in between denouncing consumerism and espousing progressive politics, discovers himself through 7-inches and hair dye. For many, it’s such a familiar story that it seems to transcend race—but to those with darker skin, the hardcore lifestyle can be a different world. James Spooner’s Afro-Punk: The “Rock ’n’ Roll Nigger” Experience documents the lives of four African-Americans as they attempt to balance their ethnic heritage with counterculture values. Featuring live musical performances by Bad Brains and Ten Grand, as well as interviews with black punkers renowned and unknown, Afro-Punk offers a valuable perspective on the personal, romantic, and creative relationships between indie-rocking African-Americans and a mostly white musical community. Rise above at 10 p.m. on the Black Cat’s Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $5 (proceeds benefit Visions in Feminism). (202) 667-7960. (Matthew Borlik)