Colin Powell may not be a first-team member of the George W. Bush administration rogues gallery, but he wasn’t exactly marginal. For all the intrigues that pitted the folk-hero Secretary of State against Voldemortian colleagues like Donald Rumsfeld, it’s easy to forget that it was Powell who went to the U.N. to make the phony case for an invasion—and Powell who might just have derailed things by quitting in protest. But why resign to protect your reputation when a forgetful nation will do that for you? To wit: Powell, who’s already written a memoir, is out with It Worked For Me, a new book of leadership advice learned on his journey from the South Bronx to a four-star general to Foggy Bottom. Among the lessons: “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier,” “Share credit,” and “Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.” Sounds good to me! Now, then: About those WMDs… Colin Powell discusses his book with NPR’s Robert Siegel at 7 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $12–$36. sixthandi.org. (202) 408-3100. Notice: This event has sold out. (Michael Schaffer)

MUSIC

The Dandy Warhols, awesome band of the 1990s, released This Machine at the end of April. Haven’t heard it? Do that now. Tonight the Portland alt-rock band—-remember “Bohemian Like You?“—-headlines 9:30 Club with openers Psychic Ills and 1776. And tickets still remain. 7 p.m. doors at 815 V St. NW. $25.

DANCE

Through Sunday, DanceAfrica is offering inexpensive African-dance master classes at Dance Place. Taught by leading local and international performers, the classes are a fine opportunity for beginners and more experienced dancers to pick up valuable pointers. Classes begin tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE. Drop in for $15.

Lovers of evening-length ballet works needn’t look further than the Kennedy center this week, where the Bolshoi Ballet is performing the comedy Coppélia through Sunday evening at the Opera House. Performances begin tonight at 7:30 p.m. tonight at 2700 F St. NW. $29-$150.

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