Kafka’s Gregor Samsa famously awoke one day to find himself metamorphosed into a giant insect; similarly, Furo Wariboko, the Nigerian protagonist of A. Igoni Barrett’s debut novel, falls asleep only to rise the next morning and discover that he’s become white overnight. Written a century after Kafka’s tale, Barrett sets his book—fittingly titled Blackass because the protagonist’s backside remains unchanged—in contemporary Lagos. Wariboko’s sudden, bewildering transformation spawns his subsequent alienation as he walks around the city with green eyes and red hair, but a Nigerian accent and name. Read more >>> A. Igoni Barrett reads at 6:30 p.m. at Busboys and Poets 14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW. Free. (202) 387-7638. busboysandpoets.com. (Victoria Gaffney)

EAT THIS

Today, Northern Virginia kicks off its own Restaurant Week for the second year in a row. Restaurants throughout Reston, Arlington, Loudoun County, and Prince William County are participating, including Trummers on Main, Jaleo, Liberty Tavern, and Family Meal. The promotion lasts through March 14. Find a full list of participating restaurants at novarestaurantweek.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Ohio-based rock quartet All Dogs performs at Comet Ping Pong with opening acts Florist and Snail Mail. Read more in our Spring Arts Guide. 9 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.

Imitation country act Dougie Pool plays his sad songs about loneliness and heartbreak at the Black Cat Backstage. He’s joined by local rock act Cigarette and Pearie Sol, a solo act featuring Teen Liver‘s Perry Fustero. 7:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $10.

Sons of an Illustrious Father, a rock trio out of New York, plays DC9 with Tall Friend and Sleep Talker. 8:30 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $12.

Want To Do Today sent to your inbox five days a week? Sign up here.