We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
Vulnerability can be a tricky thing for a singer to manage; there’s always a risk of sounding too cloying, as if on the verge of emotional collapse. New Jersey’s Sharon Van Etten sounds vulnerable, but her voice comes with an air of defiance. Her most recent album, Are We There, is more ambitious in its lyrical themes and musicianship. The standout track, “Your Love Is Killing Me,” would be downright heartbreaking if the instrumentations didn’t include a catchy piano melody and a rush of steady percussion. Read more >>> Sharon Van Etten performs with Jana Hunter at 7 p.m. at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $18. (202) 265-0930. 930.com. (Alan Zilberman)
EAT THIS
FRESHFARM Markets debuts its newest farmers’ market at CityCenterDC today. Like the market by the White House, this one will focus heavily on prepared foods to serve the nearby lunch crowds. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., find hot sandwiches at cured meats from Silver Spring restaurant Urban Butcher, handmade Chinese dumplings from Pinch, and croissants from Frenchie’s. Read more about the market’s offerings on Young & Hungry. CityCenterDC Farmers’ Market, 10th and I streets NW. freshfarmmarkets.org. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Queens rapper Heems, best known as a member of the hip-hop group Das Racist, performs a solo show at U Street Music Hall. 7 p.m. at 1115 U St. NW. $15.
Psych-pop duo Painted Palms play the Black Cat Backstage with New York ambient act Saint Pepsi. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $12.
MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet performs “Clean Sweep,” a new work specially commissioned for the National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard in conjunction with the museum’s Dancing the Dream exhibit. 5:30 p.m. at 8th and F Streets NW. Free.
Want ToDo ToDay sent to your inbox five days a week? Sign up here.