Relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic are better than they once were: In the 1840s, the former French colony tried to annex the former Spanish colony, and in the 1930s, the Dominican President ordered the killing of Haitians in the D.R. More recently, Haitians have served as cheap labor in their neighboring country. But the 2010 Haiti earthquake built a bridge between the two occupants of Hispaniola: The Dominican government opened its borders to Haitians, lending hospital beds and aid to victims in need. Tonight, in what has been billed as a “friendship concert,” the Dominican Republic’s Enriquillo Tejada y Los Clarinetes Mágicos will open for Haitian legends Tabou Combo. Tejada’s group will offer speedy, woodwind-led merengues alongside swaying, jazz-inflected boleros; meanwhile, the 40-year-old Tabou Combo will emphasize konpa, a danceable, polyrhythmic Haitian style that incorporates African-derived guitar, sappy Dominican-influenced synths, funky bass, percussion, and melodic vocals. While these globe-trotting ambassadors won’t solve political issues with one show, it’s at least a step in the right direction. The Haitian-Dominican Friendship Concert begins at 7 p.m. at the National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium, 10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. Free. nmafa.si.edu. (202) 633-4600. (Steve Kiviat)
MUSIC
Massively influential producer and dub-reggae pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry is still recording at a fast clip—-he releases about one album every year. Good thing about being a legend: You can get just about anyone you want to play with you, hence Perry’s collaborations with members of The Slits and TV on the Radio. Also a plus: You can make album after album in whatever sound you like. Over the years Perry has toyed with roots and dub reggae and sounds far beyond. Tonight he performs with SubAtomic Sound System at 9 p.m. at the State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church. $22-$25. (703) 237-0300.
BOOKS
Literary quarterly Granta published its 119th issue this spring, and although its theme is Britain, it features a contribution from D.C.-based short-story writer Tania James. She spoke with Arts Desk’s Mark Athitakis yesterday about her story “Lion and Panther in London.” Tonight, James and Granta contributor Gary Younge will discuss their work at 6:30 p.m. at Busboys & Poets, 14th and V streets NW. Free.
