Morrissey has always enchanted the press, but The Smiths had a second genius in the band: guitarist and co-songwriter Johnny Marr. The British guitar hero showcased his signature jangle on tracks like “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “This Charming Man,” that still inspire pretty much every indie-pop band today. Since The Smiths split in 1987, Marr has stayed busy. For now, Marr is back to making music on his own. He recently released The Messenger, his first album under his own name. Before heading to the club, check out City Paper‘s recent interview with Marr. Read more >>> Johnny Marr performs with Meredith Sheldon at 7 p.m. at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $20. (202) 265-0930. 930.com. (Reese Higgins)

EAT THIS

Former Graffiato chef de cuisine Marjorie Meek-Bradley has officially taken over the kitchen at Cleveland Park’s Ripple and has introduced a new bar menu and expanded dinner menu. Meek-Bradley, who also previously worked at Zaytinya, Per Se in New York, and Bouchon in California, is nominated for Rising Culinary Star in this year’s RAMMY awards. Among her new menu items: gnocchi with pork belly-tomato ragu; glazed pork shoulder with sausage, pole beans, apricot butter, and kale; and burrata with pickled ramps, pesto, and black walnuts. Check out the full menu here. Ripple, 3417 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 244-7995. rippledc.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

The D.C. literary community celebrates itself tonight with a massive party at U Street Music Hall. For more details, read our post about the celebration. 7 p.m. at U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. Free.

Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins shares his work and signs copies of his collections. Poet Dan Vera moderates the discussion. 7:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St. NE. $15.

Singer-songwriter and self-described “neurotic and inspiring mess” Jay Brannan performs tonight at Rock & Roll Hotel. 8 p.m. at Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. $15.

Americana duo Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray bring their banjos to the Black Cat Backstage. Jackson of local alt-folk group The Weathervanes also performs. 8 p.m. at the Black Cat Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $12.

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