TOP 5 FOR MONDAY, JULY 23
1. A Conversation With Phil Donahue And Screening Of "Body Of War" At Lutheran Church Of Reformation
Journalist and talk show host Phil Donahue co-directed this documentary about the current face of war. An eye opening film about Tomas Young, a 25-year-old soldier who was paralyzed from a bullet to his spine in Iraq. 7 p.m., all ages, $10 suggested donation
2. The Red Hot Party At Black Cat
The International AIDS Conference has returned to the nation's capital. Meet and greet younger attendees at this event at Black Cat. "The Voice's" Jamar Rogers will perform and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé will speak. 7:30 p.m., all ages, no cover, RSVP required
3. "The Normal Heart" And After-Party At Arena Stage
This benefit for the Arena Stage and the Washington AIDS Partnership includes a performance of the play, an open-bar and the chance to mingle with 500 like-minded, art-loving individuals. 6:30 p.m., 21+, $80
4. The Max Levine Ensemble At Fort Reno
This rock group has been playing easy-to-digest power-punk pop songs for more than 10 years. It's hard to go wrong with a group that has this much stage experience. 7 p.m., all ages, no cover
5. Frank Ocean At 9:30 Club
This would be our No. 1 pick but since it's sold out, good luck with the scalpers. Hip hop's hotest new star released his album a week early to critical and commercial acclaim. His first late night appearance was subtle and beautiful. Photos from the current tour make the dates look like artistic events. Ticketholders, you are lucky. 7 p.m., all ages, sold out
TOP 5 FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS
Tuesday, July 24
The International AIDS Film Festival at Carnegie Institution for Science
Part of the 2012 International AIDS Conference, four documentaries about four different experiences dealing with HIV/AIDS will be screened over two nights.
Wednesday, July 25
"Protocol" at Harrison Recreation Center
The Goldie Hawn classic may not be must-see cinema but the much-too-infrequent U Street outdoor film series should be attended.
Thursday, July 26
PM @ The TM: Creature Feature at Textile Museum
In theme with The Textile Museum's exhibit "Dragons, Nagas, and Creatures of the Deep," the museum will screen the contemporary Korean film "The Host." Cocktails, a movie and a chance to wander the museum.
Friday, July 27
Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks at Verizon Center
The lead singer of one of the best bar bands of all time probably won't play "Stay With Me" but at least he still sounds great. Stewart gave up The Faces more than 30 years ago. The artistic decision may have been poor but it's hard to argue with the commercial success.
Attention Florence and the Machine fans: Stevie Nicks was doing it first.
Saturday, July 28
D.C. Zinefest at St. Stephens
What's a zine? Everyone should know zines. Get acquainted with zines.