Before she spent time in a studio with classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein, singer-songwriter Tift Merritt took a certain amount of pride in being a self-taught folk musician who couldn’t read music. But both women came out of that studio with an unexpected respect—for each other’s art—and an album. Two years later, the pair continues to tour together, and last month, they released Night, a wide-ranging album that has Merritt singing operatic laments and Dinnerstein playing variations on Leonard Cohen. In addition to rearranging Purcell and Schubert, they commissioned pieces from artists like Brad Mehldau and Patty Griffin, who contributed the title track. Read more >>> Tift Merritt and Simone Dinnerstein perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. $22.50–$25.50. (202) 787-1000. thehamiltondc.com. (Rebecca J. Ritzel)

EAT THIS

Fuego Cocina y Tequileria is getting Cinco de Mayo started earlier. Today through May 5, the Clarendon restaurant will offer $5 margaritas, specialty drinks made with its collection of more than 120 tequilas, piñata giveaways, and Mexican street food from chef Alfredo Solis, who was born and raised in Mexico City. Fuego, 2800 Clarendon Blvd. (571) 970-2180. fuegova.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Comedian Anthony Jeselnik jokes around tonight at the Lincoln Theatre. 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. $25.

Playwright, author, and lady enthusiast Eve Ensler discusses her new book, In the Body of the World, a memoir about her uterine cancer diagnosis and treatment, at Sixth & I. 7 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $27.

Brooklyn post-punk group The Men performs at DC9 with ORGANS and Passing Phases. 8:30 p.m. at DC9, 1940 9th St. NW. $15.

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