The Great Unknowns Fundraising Show at the Rock & Roll Hotel, Friday It’s been a long road for Great Unknowns frontwoman Becky Warren.
In late 2004, the now-D.C.-based band released its first record, “Presenting the Great Unknowns.” The collection of alt-country tracks received favorable reviews, and the band found some success, including touring with the Indigo Girls.
“We didn’t expect it to have much success,” Warren said of the album. “We were caught a little off guard.”
But things weren’t so simple. Shortly after the release of the album, Warren married. Shortly after that, her husband, a member of the U.S. military, served in Iraq. He returned dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Ultimately, Warren’s marriage fell apart.
“It was a really difficult period for me,” she said.
But Warren found an outlet — a return to music. She wrote a set of songs addressing her specific recent life experiences, as well as tackling larger issues such as the challenges returning vets face when they come home. The resulting album, “Homefront,” is expected to drop in January.
“A lot of it was sort of cathartic and freeing,” Warren said. “It felt so good to get back to music.”
On Friday at the Rock & Roll Hotel, the Great Unknowns are performing a fundraising show. Proceeds will go to support Cause, which works with America’s military wounded. It’s an organization Warren has also volunteered for.
Owen Danoff and Natalie York also perform.
“It would be great if we can sell the show out,” Warren said.
When: Doors 8 p.m. Friday, show 9 p.m.
Info: $10; rockandrollhoteldc.com, cause-usa.org, greatunknowns.com
‘Titanic’ at National Harbor
The Movies on the Potomac outdoor film series enters its final two weeks with Oscar-nominated films. On Friday, enjoy the classic “Titanic.” If you haven’t seen it, spoiler alert: The boat sinks.
When: Sundown (6:53 p.m.) Friday
Info: Free; nationalharbor.com
ZestFest, through Saturday
ZestFest, a culture, art and music festival in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, wraps up this weekend. Highlights include experimental cellist Wytold on Friday morning, the closing party Friday night, and Saturday’s Family Day.
When: Through Saturday
Info: Free; zestfest.org
Das Racist at the 9:30 Club, Saturday
This popular hip-hop act is out of the hipster headquarters of Brooklyn. The difficult-to-define trio has received a lot of press the last couple of years. Witness for yourself what all of the hype is about. With Danny Brown, and Despot.
When: 11:30 p.m. (late show) Saturday
Info: $20; 930.com
Michael Moore at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, Sunday
Sixth & I continues its tradition of excellent speakers and reasonable prices with documentary filmmaker and provocateur Michael Moore. The liberal hero has a new memoir titled “Here Comes Trouble: Stories From My Life.” Tickets are $12 each, but if you buy a book, you get two free passes to the event.
When: 5 p.m. (4 p.m. doors) Sunday
Info: $12, two free tickets with book purchase ($27); sixthandi.org
