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Fuck Buttons is an uncensored group—and that goes beyond FCC-fineable offenses. The duo from Bristol, England, creates mysterious electronic assaults that haunt listeners on its latest album, Slow Focus. Tracks like “Year of the Dog” are aural hellscapes decked in ominous choruses, manic strings, and pulsating synth tones. Despite the dark tone, the album retains a kind of head-nodding dance quality rarely found outside of weird, underground acid raves. Whether you’re an evil genius or a deep thinker, the live show probably has something for you. Read more >>> Fuck Buttons performs with Protect-U at 7 p.m. at U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. $20. (202) 588-1889. ustreetmusichall.com. (Tim Regan)
EAT THIS
Sometimes we all need a reminder that D.C. is south of the Mason-Dixon line. This Saturday, chef Wes Morton of Art and Soul is bringing Texas barbecue to the District in the form of Saturday Supper. For $65, you can experience slow roasted brisket, pork ribs, and whole smoked chicken, along with other deliciously decadent barbecue foods, as well as drink pairings for the whole menu. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be found here. Art and Soul, 415 New Jersey Ave. NW. (202) 393-7777. artandsouldc.com. (Julia Tanaka)
OH AND ALSO
Friday: Comedian Steve Hofstetter performs at the Black Cat’s Summer Comedy Series with local opener Matty Litwack. 9 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $12.
Friday: Israeli reggae group Zvuloon Dub System plays Tropicalia tonight. Read more in our Summer Entertainment Guide. 8 p.m. at 2001 14th St. NW. $20.
Friday: Local rock groups Lilac Daze and Teen Liver open for San Francisco punk trio Happy Fangs at The Pinch. 9 p.m. at 3548 14th St. NW. $8.
Saturday: Astronomically speaking, syzygy occurs when three celestial bodies—like Earth, the sun, and the moon—align. Artist William Newman comments on a more grounded alignment in “Syzygy,” his exhibition of paintings, photos, and sculptures now on view at the American University Museum. By mixing quickly captured photographs with photorealistic works that can take months to create, Newman, who regularly includes natural themes in his work, comments on the fleeting nature of beauty. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view Tuesdays through Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to August 17, at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Free. (202) 885-1300. american.edu/cas/museum. (Caroline Jones)
Saturday: Head to Union Market’s Dock 5 for the first Union BBQ, a celebration of electronic music and local food. Read more in our Summer Entertainment Guide and check out a preview of the music that you’ll hear on Arts Desk. Noon at 1309 5th St. NE. $40.
Saturday: White Mystery, the Ar-Kaics, and Joy Classic perform at Comet Ping Pong with DJ Baby Alcatraz. Find more details on Facebook. 10 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.
Sunday: Singer Cody ChesnuTT often gets lumped into neo-soul with other contemporary crooners, but his music doesn’t belong in one specific cage. Over the last decade, he’s expanded his sound, moving from rougher rock to something more mellifluous. Read more >>> Cody ChesnuTT performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $20–$25. (202) 803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com. (Julian Kimble)
Sunday: Brassy hip-hop singer Kelis plays the 9:30 Club with Son Little. Read more in our Summer Entertainment Guide. 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $25.
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