For decades, Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille, have built one of the world’s most celebrated collections of African-American art. While their collection usually resides in their home, in celebration of the National Museum of African Art’s 50th anniversary, they’ll loan the the pieces to the Smithsonian for the next year. Their works will be shown alongside pieces from the museum’s collection to create, as the exhibition’s title suggests, a conversation between artworks created on two different continents. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW. Free. (202) 633-4600. africa.si.edu. (Caroline Jones)

EAT THIS

All-female speed-bartending competition Speed Rack kicks off its national tour in D.C. tonight at the Howard Theatre. Bartenders from Columbia Room, the Gibson, the Partisan, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and elsewhere will make classic cocktails in timed heats. Judges will rate their drinks based on prep time and accuracy. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and include cocktails and treats from local food vendors. The event also raises money for breast cancer research, education, and prevention. Speed Rack at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW speed-rack.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Portland-based indie-folk act Musée Mécanique plays the Black Cat Backstage with local Irish-Latin act La Unica. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $10.

Enjoy the sounds of Appalachia at DC9 with a performance by Ohio folk act Saintseneca. 8:30 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $12.

Female-fronted soul band J Pope and Funk Friday performs with Diggs Duke, Johnny Popcorn, and Sidewalk Chalk at Tropicalia. And since tomorrow’s a holiday for some, the party continues from midnight until 4 a.m. with sets by D.C.’s newest label, 1432 R. 8 p.m. at 2001 14th St. NW. $10.

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