Around this weekend and looking for interesting things to do that won’t break the bank? Well, check out these free—and almost free—events from my site Free in DC.
Tonight
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on 14th St. NW near P, Hemphill hosts photographer and filmmaker Kendall Messick, who will sign his new book, The Projectionist.
Further north on 14th St. near T, Mothertongue celebrates its twelfth anniversary at the Black Cat from 9 to 11 p.m. The all-women’s open mic night is hosted by two fabulous local poets, Danielle Evennou and Natalie E. Illum, and features musical guests SoleRose.
In Columbia Heights, jazz flutist Arch Thompson plays Jazz to Mother Earth at BloomBars from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Friday
NSO music director Christoph Eschenbach puts away his baton and takes a seat at the piano for the NSO Prelude’s all Beethoven program at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage from 6 to 7 p.m.
The Songwriters’ Association of Washington presents SAW Young Songwriters Showcase, featuring performances by six local up-and-coming songrwiters, including host Margot MacDonald, at Ebenezers Coffeehouse at 2nd and F NE, near Union Station, from 7 to 10 p.m. $2 cover.
It’s time for “Story/Stereo” at the Writer’s Center in Bethesda. Enjoy tunes from DJ Will Eastman and readings from the center’s Emerging Writer Fellows Jenny Browne and Jessica Handler from 8 to 10 p.m.
Saturday
Those with kids may want to head over to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop for a concert by Liz DeRoche, aka the Singing Lizard, who puts on fast-paced, fun show full of exciting songs enjoyed by kids and adults alike. In CHAW’s Black Box Theater from 10 to 11 a.m.
Dance meets theater meets gymnastics as The National Danish Performance Team takes to the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center from 6 to 7 p.m.
Sunday
It’s 10/10/10: Artisphere‘s grand opening at the former Newseum building in Rosslyn. Free performances will be held from 10 a.m to 11 p.m., including Afro-funk band Chopteeth at 9 p.m. The celebration continues all day on Monday as well.
Over at 16th & Q NW, the DC JCC screens Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian at 3 p.m., followed by a Q&A with Francene Blythe, director of last week’s All Roads Film Festival, which also screened Real Injun. RSVP requested.
In Chinatown at 3 p.m. The National Chamber Ensemble plays a free concert at the American Art Museum, featuring a selection of Robert Schumann works, in honor of the bicentennial of the composer’s birth. Tickets will be handed out in the G St. lobby one hour before the performance.
Amy Melrose is the creator of Free in DC, an arts, culture, and consciousness blog that highlights free and low-cost and events that are all accessible by public transit in the D.C. metro area. For complete details about the events mentioned above, visit Free in DC, or follow Free in DC on Twitter and Facebook.