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In the early ’80s, a young Afghan high school student now known simply as Quraishi fled his country ahead of impending battles between the Soviet Union and the Afghan mujahedeen. He traveled through the Afghan mountains before ending up in New York City with dreams of becoming a guitarist. But when he heard that religious extremists had banned the performance of traditional Afghan music back home, he decided to switch his focus to the rubab, a multi-stringed lute-like instrument that he taught himself to play after seeing his father, an instrument maker, happily plucking one. The speedy-fingered Quraishi, accompanied by dhol and tabla percussionists, delivers a mix of instrumental folk and raga that reflects Afghanistan’s position on the Silk Road trade route. Read more >>> Quraishi performs at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. (202) 467-4700. kennedy-center.org. (Steve Kiviat)
EAT THIS
Tomorrow looks like another unseasonably pleasant August day, which means one thing: time to hit the beer gardens. Fortunately, this week’s paper includes a guide to drinking beer outside, whether you’re down for some German hefeweizen or an IPA brewed on site. While you’re at it, check out the rest of Washington City Paper’s Beer Issue. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Friday: Enjoy the pleasant weather and a night of neo-soul music featuring Black Alley, Wes Felton, and Lysette Titi at Carter Barron Amphitheatre. 7:30 p.m. at 4850 Colorado Ave. NW. Free.
Friday: Put on your best suspenders and baggy pants and head to the Fillmore for a performance by ’90s R&B superstars Boyz II Men, who, when you think about it, are now just men. 8 p.m. at 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring.
Friday: Spanish dance-pop group Delorean plays the Black Cat with local electronica outfit Black Hills. 9 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $15.
Saturday: Folk rock’s moment in the musical spotlight is far from over. That’s good news for the Walkaways, the D.C.-based alt-country group that’s been playing venues up and down the East Coast since 2006. Their latest album, Romance and Medicine, features poetic lyrics delivered in frontman Todd Daniel’s warm rasp against a backdrop of toe-tapping guitar rhythms paired with mandolin, piano, accordion, bass, and, yes, washboard. Read more >>> The Walkaways perform with Hearts and Spades at 9 p.m. at Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. $10–$15. (202) 333-7700. gypsysallys.com. (Julia Tanaka)
Saturday: YouTube comedians Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart, and Mamrie Hart bring their “#NoFilter” show to Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 7 p.m. at 600 I St. NW. $35–$50.
Saturday: Explore cinema history at a screening of Canyon Cinema short films that embrace outsiders and emotions. 2:30 p.m. at 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free.
Sunday: The D.C. band Kill Lincoln, part of a nationwide movement called the Ska Revival Tour, continues ancient ska traditions. Its songs have a full horn section, punk-rock guitars, and plenty of sing-along choruses. Also: Their fans taunt a band member by chanting “FUCK YOU, ALAN” every time they perform, which I find hilarious for obvious personal reasons. Read more >>> Kill Lincoln performs with the Last Slice and Survay Says! at 8 p.m. at the Black Cat Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. (202) 667-4490. blackcatdc.com. (Alan Zilberman)
Sunday: Comet Ping Pong hosts a punk show featuring Puff Pieces, Pinkwash, Neonates, and Downtown Boys. Find more details on Facebook. 9 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.
Sunday: Professor Blastoff podcast host Kyle Dunnigan closes out the weekend with a performance at the Kennedy Center with local comedian Jenn Tisdale. 6 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. Free.
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