Friday: Beau Young Prince at Songbyrd

Beau Young Prince, one of D.C.’s brightest young hip-hop stars, headlines a show on Dec. 2, accompanied by a squad of talented local musicians and DJs. The Songbyrd event will be hosted by radio personality and music executive P Stew and feature opening performances by Lord Francis, Look Damien, Danjale, and Beti. Momooshiro will also take the stage to perform her spicy debut single, “Lately.” Elite DJs Mickey Rockz, Bast, and Nah FR will take turns kicking out the vibes. But Prince—he’s coming back home. BYP has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. He burst on the national scene in 2018 with a hit single “Kill Moe,” and signed a recording contract with Def Jam. He also received a coveted Grammy nomination for his song “Let Go,” which was featured on the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack. “I wrote ‘Let Go’ to honor my late cousin and uncle,” BYP tells City Paper. “The soundtrack was certified double platinum [it sold two million units] and it continues to go crazy on streaming platforms. I’m grateful to everyone for supporting the record.” BYP recently released another red-hot single, “Oops,” as a homage to superstar rapper and producer Missy Elliott. The track features BYP spitting fiery bars over an interpolated sample of the classic Tweet hit “Oops (Oh My).” BYP is looking forward to performing his new material in front of a hometown audience. He’s currently recording under his own imprint, Half & Half Records, and he wants to end 2022 on a high note. “I’m really excited for this one. It’s been a while since the city and I had a talk,” says BYP. “The show lineup is crazy! Some old faces and some new. I’ve really been connecting the dots. You’re likely to see one of your favorite artists or discover a new one.” Beau Young Prince plays at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Songbyrd, 540 Penn St. NE. songbyrddc.com. $19.32. — Sidney Thomas

Friday: Dolly Disco at 9:30 Club

Whether you’re tired from working 9 to 5 (what a way to make a living!) or trying to keep your man out of Jolene’s clutches, it’s time for a good old-fashioned country music dance party. Head to 9:30 Club for the Dolly Disco: The Dolly Parton Inspired Country Dance Party. There will be toe-tapping classics by Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, the Chicks, Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, and other classic women country superstars. Iconic women and queer powerhouse vocalists and artists, such as Cher, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, and Orville Peck, will be at the party, too. D.C.-based DJ Rodeo Starr shares, “The goal of the event was to create a fun and inclusive dance party that celebrates some of country music’s badass women, while also blending in high energy retro pop and dance hits. My favorite thing about the Dolly Dance Party is how much energy everyone brings to the events. There are blonde wigs, bell bottoms, rhinestones, and fringe everywhere! It really is an honor to be able to see the outfits everyone wears to the shows.” Dust off those boots, don your favorite cowgirl hat, throw on that vintage denim jacket, and wear all the rhinestones. Let’s go, girls. Dolly Disco starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. 930.com. $20. —Colleen Kennedy

Saturday: Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival at miXt Food Hall

The Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival returns to the miXt Food Hall on Dec. 3. Join more than 20 local artists, live musicians, and restaurants for a day of art, fun, food, and libations. The festival is part of the Winter Open Studio Tour and a great opportunity to explore Maryland’s vibrant Gateway Arts District. It’s a chance to take a sneak peek inside the work spaces at Studio 3807 and Artisan 4100. Visitors can stroll through the studios, ask questions, and experience the lively atmosphere of the district. Participating artists include Imani Russell, Kea Dupree, Tom Hill, John Paradiso, Ellen Cornet, Christina Osheim, and other fine art and craft-oriented creators. Just in time for the holidays, much of the work on display will be available for sale as unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Featured musicians from Just Rock, an innovative music school, studio, and rehearsal space—including Freddy Lawson, Sadia Bangura, Devin Robinson, Sam Hudson, and Kaleb Davis—will perform live throughout the event. miXt Food Hall will have pop-up food and craft vendors in addition to their regular in-house stalls Relish Market, Spice Kitchen, Mush, Simple Pleasures, and La Michoacana. To make it special, miXt Brew/Drink, a coffee and cocktail bar, will offer happy hour pricing all day. The festival venues include Portico Gallery, Studio 3807, Art Annex Studios, Just Rock, and miXt Food Hall all of which are in one very walkable block from one another. In partnership with the festival, neighboring studios 39th Street Art Center and the Brentwood Arts Exchange will open their doors as well. Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival runs from noon to 5 p.m., with a holiday after party at miXt Drink runs 5 to 8 p.m. 3807 to 4100 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. artsbeatseatsdmv.com. Free. —Sidney Thomas

Monday: A Bohemian Christmas at Atlas Performing Arts Center

Swing to a bohemian Christmas for a night of holiday classics and contemporary seasonal songs with the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra. Back in the day, U Street NW’s Bohemian Caverns was a basement jazz club famous for hosting the likes of Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Throughout its years, musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Nina Simone, and Charles Mingus took to the stage and the small club became D.C.’s premier jazz venue until it closed in 2016. But six years before that happened, the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra formed and took over a Monday night residency at the historic club every week. Now, the orchestra brings the ghost of the venue’s past to life. This evening will be directed by Brad Linde and Joe Herrera, and the orchestra will play cool classics by an array of famous jazz musicians, many of them listed above, in addition to their own arrangements. Let the big band put you in the holiday spirit. Dressing like a beatnik is not required. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. $15–25. —Simone Goldstone 

Wednesday: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Big Star’s #1 Record at Union Stage 

“I never travel too far without/ A little Big Star.” The often skimmed over ’70s power pop band Big Star weren’t iconized until the Replacements brought their legacy to the forefront with the song “Alex Chilton.” But music aficionados know the underrated Memphis band left a burning brand on music history, influencing alternative rock of the ’80s and ’90s with their distinct style. Big Star were a cult band whose original lineup you’ll never get to see, but drummer Jody Stephens, the only surviving member, is bringing the closest thing to life by celebrating the 50th anniversary of Big Star’s #1 Record with a supergroup tour. Frontman Alex Chilton passed away from heart troubles in 2010 and bassist Andy Hummel died a few months later. Stephens sought to carry on the torch with a roster of Chris Stamey from the dB’s, Mike Mills from R.E.M., Jon Auer from the Posies, and Wilco’s Pat Sansone. In addition to performing a full run-through of Big Star’s debut record, the group will sing favorites from the rest of the band’s catalogue. If you’ve never listened to Big Star before, be prepared to fall in love while swaying to the out-of-obscurity forefathers of alternative music. If you’re already a fan, get ready to hear classics such as “Thirteen,” “The Ballad of El Goodo,” and “Don’t Lie To Me” as you’ve never heard them before. Life is short, but music is forever. The celebration starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW. unionstage.com. $22. —Simone Goldstone