TOP 5 FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
1. Children's National Halloween Benefit Show At DC Improv
There are plenty of good toy drives for sick kids during the holidays, but what about Halloween? Every kid deserves a new costume. DC Improv will stage their seventh annual Halloween themed benefit show for Children's National Medical Center. Comedy fans will enjoy a show from the DC Improv Comedy School Cast (THE DICSC) and donate new costumes for the little ones. Laugh and feel good in another way. 8 p.m., 18+, $15
2. Mavis Staples At The Hamilton
The rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist is a legend. Any opportunity to see one of the Staples Singers should be taken. Thanks to the Jeff Tweedy produced, "You Are Not Alone," it appears that more people are doing just that, seeing her at larger venues. 7:30 p.m., all ages, $52 to $62
3. DC Music Salon: Woody Guthrie, An Outlaw At Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Neighborhood Library
Jeff Place, chief archivist at the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and co-producer of Smithsonian's new "Woody at 100" boxed set, will lead this discussion about the influential American musician. 7 p.m., all ages, no cover
4. Beach House At 9:30
Their second album is good. More mature and just as sunny. No sophomore slump here. 7 p.m., all ages, sold out
5. Story League At Busboys And Poets
Weekly shows from Story League and Speakeasy have turned D.C. into a story telling mecca. 9 p.m., all ages, $10
TOP 5 FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS
Thursday, October 18
Supafrik at Gallery O on H
The fourth pop up shop/gallery from Supafrik will feature works from 10 local artists, Ethiopian-Canadian painter Kalikidan Assefa and contemporary fashions from across the country.
Friday, October 19
The 9 At Black Cat
This collective of singer songwriters features a rotating lineup of performers. Highlights from this edition include Ryan McLaughlin of Typefighter and Sam McCormally of Ugly Purple Sweater.
Saturday, October 20
Art All Night
Last year's inaugural D.C. edition attracted 15,000 attendees. This year looks to at least equal that number. From 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. eight spaces in Chinatown will open their doors for performance art, static art, artsy drinks, artsy fashion and anything else art can be. The full line-up is still being compiled. Check back Friday for an updated list of performers and venues.
Sunday, October 21
Murder By Death at Fillmore Silver Spring
The openers for Say Anything are an Americana post-punk band featuring a cello. For fans of Cursive, the idea of living in a dark Western noir film and concept albums.
Monday, October 22
Junot Díaz at Sixth & I
The Pulitzer winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao will read from and sign his new book, This Is How You Lose Her.