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A man of many hats (producer, DJ, booty connoisseur, talent scout), Mad Decent label head Diplo is bringing his troupe of electronic merrymakers to Merriweather Post Pavilion, and he’s aiming for wide appeal. But for all the talent he’s assembled from around the world, the clear star of MDBP’s ninth iteration is the ringleader himself. With the success of his recent hit “Revolution” and the breakout of Major Lazer’s “Express Yourself,” Diplo is finally getting his due as more than just an expert talent hound. Throw on your ironed short-sleeved button-up and expect to hear more tracks from his aptly titled upcoming release, Random White Dude Be Everywhere. Read more >>> The show begins at 2 p.m. at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. $45–$75. (410) 715-5550. merriweathermusic.com. (Matt Ramos)
EAT THIS
Mandu’s monthly late night pop-up Anju is back at the K Street location tonight with guest chef Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya. Stop by beginning at 10 p.m. for dishes like ramen quesadillas, lotus root tots, bulgogi pork sliders, and mapo tofu Frito pie. Each dish is $6 or three for $15. The bar will also serve a special cocktail menu from guest bartender Lukas Smith, also of Daikaya. And don’t forget to try the house-infused cucumber soju for $18 a bottle. Mandu, 452 K St. NW. (202) 289-6899. mandudc.com. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Friday: Local comedian Sampson performs two sets at the DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan. Before the show, read our recent interview with Sampson on Arts Desk. 7:30 and 10 p.m. at 2438 18th St. NW. $5–$10.
Friday: Celebrate the birthday of acclaimed video artist Nam June Paik at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Contemporary sound artist Stephen Vitiello discusses Paik’s legacy with curator Michael Mansfield and “Paik cake” cupcakes will be served. 5:30 p.m. at 8th and F streets NW. Free.
Friday: In conjunction with In It Together Fest, Union Arts DC presents “A Trio of Trios,” three improvisational music groups that will create and discuss their new work. Find more details on Facebook. 8 p.m. at 411 New York Ave. NE. $4 suggested donation.
Saturday: Childhood cancer is not the stuff of uplifting theatre, but composer Michael Kooman and lyricist Christopher Dimond’s musical take on one girl’s fight with leukemia is damn uplifting, they swear. It revolves around Dani, a 9-year-old cancer patient who loses her hair and embarks on a magical journey to get it back. As for the show’s focus on a rather grim, life-threatening illness, remember that Rent made people of all ages sing and dance about AIDS, so a musical about cancer might not be so sad after all. Read more >>> The show runs July 17 to Aug. 10 at Randolph Road Theatre, 4010 Randolph Road, Silver Spring. $10–$23. (301) 337-8290. unexpectedstage.org. (Caroline Jones)
Saturday: D.C. based global rock band Sitali performs at Comet Ping Pong with electronic band Machines on Vacation. 10 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.
Saturday: Local indie rock duo French Admirals take the stage at Rock & Roll Hotel with Exit Vehicles, Kelly Ann Beaver, and Pat Frank. 8 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $12.
Sunday: I first discovered Baby Bry Bry last fall, when the man himself, Bryan Gerhart, plastered my neighborhood with posters advertising a house show he was playing. Then, suddenly, he and his band, the Apologists, were everywhere. Expect things to get sufficiently noisy when BBB and company take the Millennium Stage; think Elvis Costello, but with many more cymbal crashes. Read more >>> Baby Bry Bry and the Apologists perform at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. (202) 467-4600. kennedy-center.org. (Caroline Jones)
Sunday: The National Gallery of Art screens In the Shadow of the Light, a documentary highlighting the work of Anthology Film Archives’ founder Jonas Mekas, this afternoon. 4 p.m. at 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free.
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