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With all the recent attention paid in D.C. and elsewhere to Afro-Blue, Connaitre Miller has earned a victory lap. The director of the Howard University jazz vocal ensemble is a internationally respected educator and extraordinary performer in her own right. She possesses a booming voice, as brassy as a trombone and as powerful as an operatic diva, with an unerring sense of harmony—clearly apparent in her work with Afro-Blue. She also has an impossibly precise rhythmic ear: When she scats, she gets dangerous. It’s a gift that has won Miller adoring audiences all over the country, where she performs in festivals and solo concerts. Leadership of a now-famous a cappella group is accomplishment enough for some, but when Miller sings, she singlehandedly repudiates the cliché that “those who can’t do, teach.” 7:30 p.m. at Mansion at Strathmore. 10701 Rockville Pike, Rockville. $15. (Michael J. West)
FILM
Today’s the first day of the D.C. Independent Film Festival! The first block of films—-including Shining Night: A Portrait of Morten Lauridsen, Angels, and Hide and Seek—-screens at 7:30 p.m. tonight at E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Tickets are $14. There’s also a concert of Lauridsen’s choral works at nearby St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (619 10th St. NW) at 5:30 p.m. Free.
MORE MUSIC
Lauryn Hill at Warner Theatre! This appears to be real, and as of noon, there are still some tickets left. 8 p.m. 513 13th St. NW. $65-$175.
The Vienna Philharmonic’s reputation has preceded them for more than 150 years, back when the orchestra’s hometown really was the musical capital of the world. Normally, the closest you could hope to hear them is a livestream of their famous New Year’s concert. They charge a pretty penny the few times they make it stateside, and this time is no exception. But if money is no object, it’s a chance to see one of the hands-down best orchestras in the world. 8 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW. $65-$250. (Mike Paarlberg)
Here’s a reason to celebrate: It’s Rare Disease Day! To help ring it in, stop by a benefit show at The Dunes, featuring Benny, Jonny Grave and The Tombstones, Caged Animals, and others. 7:30 p.m. at 1402 Meridian Place NW. $10 (and above) donations accepted.