Arlington’s Signature Theatre never misses an opportunity to fill an empty venue with a quality cabaret act, and this summer, the company lets its new tenants get in on the action. The No Rules Show continues its run tonight with the talented Joshua Morgan of No Rules Theater at the piano. The evenings are billed as “half Judy Garland, half Conan O’Brien,” which possibly means to expect some combination of revue and talk show. Tonight’s lineup features local actor Rick Foucheux, comedian Sara Armour, and Fringe performer Qurrat Kadwani. Exactly how well this quartet will mix things up at the piano remains to be seen, but the results will almost certainly be worth witnessing. Read more >>> The performance begins at 8 p.m. at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. $30. (336) 462-9182. norulestheatre.org. (Rebecca J. Ritzel)
EAT THIS
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Union Market, where 17 frozen-treat vendors will compete for the title of best scoop in the District. Attendees will be treated to free samples, as well as ice cream making demos, live music, and face painting. There’ll also be an ice cream eating contest for kids under age 12—brain freeze antidotes not included. Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. (202) 543-5459. unionmarketdc.com/events/the-dc-scoop. (Sarah Kaplan)
OH AND ALSO
Tonight: Locos Por Juana, the Grammy-nominated Afro-Caribbean band out of Miami, performs at Artisphere with Empresarios and DJ Mafe of Maracuyeah. 8 p.m. at 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $15.
Tonight: Sludge rockers Borracho play at Rock & Roll Hotel with Lo-Pan, Weed is Weed, and King Snake. Before heading to the show, listen to Borracho’s new EP, Oculus, on Arts Desk. 9 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $10.
All weekend: Stop by the National Museum of the American Indian for the Living Earth Festival. The annual celebration of all things natural features food demonstrations, film screenings, and games. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday at 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free.
Saturday: Late-night talk show viewers and NPR listeners have gotten healthy doses of Charles Bradley over the past few years. Though Bradley only has a couple of records under his belt, he’s got a big story to tell, and the documentary Charles Bradley: Soul of America gets to the heart of it. The film recounts his history as a wanderer who worked his way across the country before landing a gig as a James Brown impersonator, as well as his assimilation into the world of Daptone Records. And the music is more pivotal than anything. Read more >>> The film shows at 8:15 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. $7–$12. (301) 495-6700. afi.com/silver. (Joe Warminsky)
Saturday: Writers, artists, and small-scale publishers who want to share their wares should head to St. Stephen’s Church for D.C. Zinefest. Check out various workshops, find some new reading material, and meet other DIY creative types. 11 a.m. at 1525 Newton St. NW. Free.
Saturday: When Philadelphia’s Kurt Vile released his cult debut, 2008’s Constant Hitmaker, it was hard to say which part of his fuzzed-out road-warrior sound was closer to an affectation: The Neil Young/Bruce Springsteenisms, or the hissy lo-fi coating. A bunch of albums and a Matador Records contract later, Vile is writing longer and deeper and sounds a lot more expensive. Read more>>> 8 p.m. at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $20.
Saturday: Violet Rockers bring their blend of rock and hip-hop to Tropicalia, along with special guests Awthentik, Gordo Brega, and Uptown XO. 9 p.m. at 2001 14th St. NW. $10.
Sunday: When a band decides to name its new album This Is an Adventure, it’s implicitly promising a spirited and upbeat live show, right? Well, the determinedly quirky indie-folk act The Lighthouse and the Whaler may be, at least. The Cleveland-based band tempers the wistful lyricism of traditional folk music with catchy hooks and a generous helping of glockenspiel (think a less mournful Fleet Foxes). Read more >>> Lighthouse and the Whaler performs with Neulore at 8 p.m. at Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. $10–$12. (202) 388-7625. rockandrollhoteldc.com. (Sarah Kaplan)
Sunday: Line Assembly, a group of six poets who are spending the summer touring the U.S. and sharing their work, stop in D.C. at the Three Tents Reading Series. 7 p.m. at the Big Hunt, 1345 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
Sunday: Indianapolis rock band We Are Hex performs at Comet Ping Pong with Baltimore’s Multicult and Virginia’s Black Dominia. 9 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $10.
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