Artist Ralph Fasanella spent his career capturing the plight of the American worker. But he didn’t just paint images of blue-collar workers—he was one of them. He drove trucks, acted as a union organizer—hell, the guy was even born on Labor Day 1914. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is currently exhibiting a selection of 19 Fasanella paintings and focuses on his craft, but a complementary exhibit at the AFL-CIO’s headquarters places equal emphasis on his social activism and others’ reactions to it. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view Mondays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to Aug. 1, at the AFL-CIO Lobby, 815 16th St. NW. Free. aflcio.org. (Caroline Jones)

EAT THIS

Washington City Paper named DCity Smokehouse’s Meaty Palmer the best sandwich in the city in our Best of D.C. issue last month. Today, the barbecue joint is celebrating by offering $1 off the sandwich (normally $9) from noon to 8 p.m. The sandwich consists of thick slabs of smoked turkey and pork belly topped with smashed avocado and jalapeño aioli on toast. Trust us, it’s amazing. DCity Smokehouse, 8 Florida Ave. NW. (202) 733-1919. dcitysmokehouse.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

New York indie pop group the Pains of Being Pure at Heart headlines Rock & Roll Hotel with opening acts Fear of Men and Ablebody. 8 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $14.

Young Widows, a dark, Louisville-based rock band, plays DC9 with Helms Alee and Pygmy Lush. 8:30 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $14.

As part of the “Blue Note at 75” series, the German Historical Institute hosts a lecture by historian Reinhold Wagnleitner entitled “Jazz—the Classical Music of Globilization.” Following the lecture, New Orleans-based jazz pianist Tom McDermott performs. 6 p.m. at 1607 New Hampshire Ave. NW. Free.

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