Bob Edwards, the Peabody Award-winning veteran host of NPR’s Morning Edition, was controversially removed from the program in 2004, right before his 25th anniversary on the airwaves. Instead of keeping the correspondent job he was offered, Edwards made the jump to satellite radio, and brought many of his listeners with him. He published his memoir A Voice in the Box just last month, and tonight he comes to Politics & Prose to discuss the book and his lengthy career. 7 p.m. Free.

Tonight, Ford’s Theatre hosts a discussion called “Fanning or Diffusing the Flames: How the Media Influences the National Dialogue about Difference.” Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson, Cynthia Gordy from The Root, and author Steve Oney will discuss the media’s sway over the national conversation about diversity. Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, moderates. 7 p.m. Free.

MUSIC

Avant-pop personality John Maus, whose last show at Black Cat was squarely panned by WaPo‘s David Malitz, returns to the venue tonight. Maybe it’s his “I”m sorry for that terrible Pitchfork interview” tour. 8 p.m. $10-12.

Attack of the ’90s: Both Bush and Smashing Pumpkins are in town tonight. Arts editor Jonathan L. Fischer is attending the (long sold-out) Pumpkins show. Watch this blog tomorrow for his review—-or at least something review-like.

FILM

The LGBT film fest Reel Affirmations kicked off Thursday and runs through this Saturday. Tonight, movies will be shown at West End Cinema and the Embassy of Israel. Check out the sked.