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Most people who knew about Todd Glass before he appeared on Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast in January are comedy nerds, pure and simple. Glass’ cerebral style of observational, pot-friendly humor made him a comic’s comic, beloved by indie queen Sarah Silverman and casino headliner David Spade alike. He happily fills any space with bombastic rants about nothing; even his tangents have tangents. But “WTF” was a game-changer because Glass came out as gay on the show, after more than 25 years in the business without a peep. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. He appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in February as a guest—not just a performer—something hard to imagine a few months ago. At his shows at D.C. Improv this weekend, it’ll be interesting to see what the already extremely open comic says about sexuality; he’s already said he came out to take a stand against gay teen suicide. But even if he doesn’t go there, the ticket price is worth it: Glass always delivers a unique show, a boon for both new and longtime fans—the ones who can keep up with him, at least. Todd Glass performs at 8 p.m. tonight, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 p.m Sunday at the D.C. Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. $15–$17. dcimprov.com. (202) 296-7008. (Brandon Wetherbee)
MUSIC
Dark-and-stormy D.C. noiseniks Phonic Riot may have disbanded last year, but it didn’t take long for singer/guitarist Angela Morrish and drummer Nathan Jurgenson to form the power duo Washerwoman. Because they’ve been playing together for a while, their early shows have proven that there are no new-band kinks to work out—just pummeling, eardrum-destroying power. Washerwoman plays with Dead Leaf Echo, Fan-Tan, and Sansyou at 9 p.m. at Velvet Lounge, 915 U St. NW. $10. (Lindsay Zoladz)
For the free- and experimental-jazz heads: An ensemble including Philly saxophonist/flutist Elliott Levin, Swiss composer/trombonist Denis Beuret, drummer Weasel Walter (from The Flying Luttenbachers), and drummer Marc Edwards headlines The Dunes tonight. 8 p.m. at 1402 Meridian Place. $10. More information on Facebook.
FILM
Commercial superstardom seemed destined for Fishbone, an all-black sextet from Los Angeles, whose unabashed punk rock ethos made them an untouchable enigma in a gangsta-rap town. But while their all-inclusive sound—which flirted with funk, jazz, and ska—made them cult favorites, it proved too schizophrenic for radio airwaves and they were banished to an artistic limbo of sorts. In their new documentary, Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, directors Chris Metzler and Lev Anderson tell the story of the popular group, from its humble beginnings in California to its current stature among the punk gods. Read our interview with the filmmakers here. The film shows at 8 p.m. at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, 7th Street and Independence Avenue NW. Free. (Marcus J. Moore)
The 20th annual Environmental Film Festival doesn’t begin until next week, but you can start celebrating it tonight at the 2012 Launch Party. Drop by for the silent auction, music by the Eric Wheeler Trio, a special cocktail concocted by mixmaster Derek Brown, and food and drink from a slew of top-notch local restaurants. 6:30 p.m. at the Warner Building Atrium, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $20.
Like to supplement your time on the bicycle with beer and ample bicycle geekery? Tonight, the Bike House and Phoenix Bikes are teaming up to show two classic bike movies at Wonderland: Breaking Away (shown, above) and Follow Me. 7 p.m. at Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon St. NW. Free.
“GREASE” IS THE WORD
Tell me about it, stud: If you’ve been looking for an excuse to jam a pack of Lucky Strikes into the rolled-up sleeve of a black T-shirt, you have at least one reason to check out the Grease singalong at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse tonight. They’re rolling out props, games, a trivia competition, and best/most potentially embarrassing of all, a Grease dance-off. 9:55 p.m. at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. $12. 21-plus.
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