23

SATURDAY

Bhangra is the traditional music and dance used to celebrate the harvest in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Farmers strut while fellow planters warble over 4/4 beats pounded out on a dhol drum. And ever since the exodus of many Indians and Pakistanis to Britain and the United States, bhangra has also served as the term for the hiphop-, dancehall-, and techno-influenced song and movement of a South Asian diaspora that’s mostly never been on the farm. The Zee International Bhangra Championship celebrates this culture in all its forms. Tonight, international dance teams will be judged on their costumes and routines. Expect teams in turbans as well as units in funkier wear (who incorporate gymnastics and college-frat step-show moves). Also expect “Prince of Bhangra,” singer Sukhbir, plus Sarina Jain—creator of the Masala Bhangra Workout—and maybe even some goofy signs; the event is being taped for South Asian TV. It all starts at 7 p.m. at the D.C. Armory, 2001 East Capitol St. SE. $25-$100. (202) 432-7328. (Steve Kiviat)