When George Saunders’ Tenth of December was first published, the New York Times Magazine declared it “the best book you’ll read this year.” That’s a bold assessment for a collection that came out in January. Saunders accepts the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in the Short Story tonight. Read more >>> George Saunders speaks at 7:30 p.m. at the Folger Elizabethan Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. $15. (202) 898-9063. penfaulkner.org. (Sarah Kaplan)
EAT THIS
Today’s dreary weather may have you craving some Mediterranean sun and shores. But if an international flight isn’t in your weekend plans, there is a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant to check out. Dunya opened in Shaw this week offering dishes like portobello fries with basil aioli; stout-marinated lamb shank with red pepper tapenade and pearl couscous; and red-wine braised rabbit over sage polenta. At daily happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m., get $2 off beers, wines, and cocktails. Dunya, 801 Florida Ave. NW. (202) 332-0207. dunyadc.com. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Friday: Comet Ping Pong hosts an indie-rock triple bill with Pittsburgh’s Legs Like Tree Trunks and D.C.’s Cope Ascetic and The Raised By Wolves. 10 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $10.
Friday: Young Detroit DJ Kyle Hall performs at U Street Music Hall with Jay Simon. 10 p.m. at 1115 U St. NW. $10.
Saturday: Adapting a written work into a movement-based performance requires a performer skilled in both acting and dance. Man in a Case found the right guy: Mikhail Baryshnikov. Read more >>>The play runs Dec. 5 to Dec. 22 at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. $45–$105. (202) 547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org. (Caroline Jones)
Saturday: Richmond indie-folk performer Matthew E. White plays Rock & Roll Hotel with Dosh and Howard Ivans. 8 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $12.
Saturday: “Question Bridge: Black Males,” a video project in which 150 black males respond to each other’s questions about life, politics, and society, opens at the Corcoran’s Gallery 31. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 500 17th St. NW. $8–$10.
Saturday: Artisphere welcomes local designers to sell their wares at GRUMP, a holiday craft show. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free.
Sunday: The phrase “traditional European folk music” might not conjure up the most raucous scenes. Tropicalia’s double bill of Slavic Gypsy–inspired acts, though, should obliterate that staid image altogether. Read more >>> Orchester Praževica and Raya Brass Band perform at 9 p.m. at Tropicalia, 2001 14th St. NW. $10. (202) 629-4535. tropicaliadc.com. (Mike Madden)
Sunday: The Black Cat hosts its Rock ‘n’ Shop garage sale where music lovers can pick up a variety of gifts. DJ Daisy will spin throughout the night. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. Free.
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