Spring is nearly here, which means it’s time for Washington City Paper‘s next Luce Unplugged showcase at the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Come on, come all to the American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center on Friday, March 23 for an evening of free music from a pair of local stalwarts: Governess and Antonia.

This month’s showcase celebrates Women’s History Month and we could not be more excited to feature two of the region’s best artists, in this arts editor’s opinion. Governess, a surf-rock trio with drudge-pop and punk sensibilities, celebrates and radically deconstructs the idea of motherhood through their brash, alluring, and sometimes haunting melodies. Their excellent self-titled debut album, originally released on cassette by the venerable Sister Polygon Records, was recently rereleased on vinyl by Buffalo, NY’s Radical Empathy Records.

Joining Governess is Antonia, the solo project of local musician, artist, and activist Adriana-Lucia Cotes. Cotes can currently be seen around town as the frontperson for the ferocious post-hardcore quartet Mock Identity, but as Antonia, she composes experimental pop songs that ebb and flow like a calm tide. With synthesized sounds and melodies that fit in the realm of artists like Björk, Goldfrapp, and Holly Herndon, Antonia is quickly becoming one of the most important voices in the D.C. music scene.

As always, the showcase is free, all ages, and starts at 6 p.m. For those 21 and older, there will be free spirit tastings from Republic Restoratives. RSVP here.