If you ask a beer historian about barleywine, they may quarrel with the broad classification, perhaps preferring something more suited to the quaff’s complexities. Fortunately, not everyone who savors well-crafted beer is hung up on the semantics of suds; they merely want a well-sourced beverage that demands another go. To this end, there is Pizzeria Paradiso’s President’s Day Barleywine Bash, where you’ll get to try the American pioneer (Anchor’s Old Foghorn, first brewed in 1976), as well as nearly 25 other world-class offerings from big-name craft brewers like Lagunitas, Rogue, Heavy Seas, Brooklyn, and the inimitable J.W. Lees, as well as a very tempting Mikkeller/Three Floyds collaboration. And don’t fret about the lingo. After all, by your third helping of this high-octane stuff (barleywines usually range between 8 and 15 percent alcohol by volume), you’re unlikely to care what fussy cicerones want to call it. You’ll just want more. The President’s Day Barleywine Bash began yesterday and continues today at Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle. (Aaron Morrissey)

MUSIC

Mittenfields, a local five-piece led by recent Washington City Paper cover subject Dave Mann, leaven their shoegaze with some slacker lilt. Loud isn’t usually so nice. With Gray Young and Left & Right at 8 p.m. at Black Cat Backstage. $10.

Yasiin Bey, the rapper formerly known as Mos Def, raises spirits tonight at 9:30 Club…but it’s sold out.

And on the hardcore and punk tip, there are a couple of good DIY shows.

COMEDY

WCP contributor Brandon Wetherbee occasionally hosts 8×8, a variety show at Looking Glass. Tonight’s lineup is solid, with stand-up from man-about-town Andrew Bucket and a solo set from Laughing Man frontman Brandon Moses. Plus six other acts. 8:30 p.m. Free.

Photo by Flickr user flickr4jazz used under a creative commons license.