Erykah Badu, Richard Cheese, Perez Hilton and Garrison Keillor. Yeah, it’s that kind of weekend. Enjoy these five things to do this (holiday) weekend.
Friday and Saturday: “A Prairie Home Companion” at Wolf Trap
This has practically become a Washington tradition. Garrison Keillor and friends bring their radio program, “A Prairie Home Companion,” to Wolf Trap for two nights. Enjoy comedy, music and sly witticisms from one of the most underrated writers of humor. Friday’s show is 8 p.m., Saturday’s show is a live radio broadcast starting at 5:45 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $50.
Rent the movie: A very good film by the same name came out in 2006 with more stars than water in Lake Wobegon.
Details: Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna; 703-255-1900; wolftrap.org
Friday and Saturday: Erykah Badu at DAR Constitution Hall
Erykah Badu has made some interesting, beautiful music, melding genres and pushing boundaries. Hard to believe it has been 13 years since her hit “On and On.” Catch her Friday and Sunday at DAR Constitution Hall with N.E.R.D. Janelle Monae performs Friday as well. 8 p.m. Tickets range from $46 to $76.
Can’t get enough? Badu plays The Pier in Baltimore on Sunday. Hey, it’s a holiday weekend, so three straight nights of Badu might be kind of fun.
Details: DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW; 202-628-4780; dar.org
Through June 5: ‘Perez Hilton Saves the Universe’ at the DC Arts Center
Sure, it’s a bizarre title, but it makes complete sense when you look at the plot: Terrorists threaten Los Angeles to destroy American pop culture, and blogger Perez Hilton has to save the day. Hey, this musical won an award in New York. Presented by the Landless Theatre Company. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25.
More at the Center: On Sunday, the DC Arts Center presents “The Airport Piece,” about a group of women stuck at a Chicago airport. $6 for DCAC members, $10 for everybody else.
Details: DCAC, 2438 18th St. NW; 202-462-7833; dcartscenter.org
Sunday: Rockville’s Hometown Holidays
This is a three-day, Memorial Day weekend event, but the main draw is Soul Asylum on Sunday night. Yes, as evident by recent area shows by Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam, the music of the 1990s has never died. Soul Asylum sold a gazillion copies of their 1992 album “Grave Dancers Union” behind hits such as “Without a Trace” and “Runaway Train.” Solid Baltimore reggae act Jah Works opens. 7 p.m. Free.
Lots to do: The three day event — Saturday through Monday — includes plenty of family friendly activities, including a Memorial Day parade.
Details: For more info, visit rockvillemd.gov/events/hth
Sunday: Richard Cheese at the 9:30 Club
If you’re not familiar with Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine, you’re missing out. The schtick is simple — he does versions of popular rock, pop and rap songs in a lounge singer format. If you aren’t paying attention, you’d think it’s just lounge music. Then you realize the lyrics are that of Green Day’s “American Idiot” or U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” Visit www.richardcheese.com to get an appreciation for the music before heading to the show. 6:30 p.m. doors. $40.
Don’t miss out: The concerts aren’t as frequent, and the 9:30 Club show is the only East Coast date scheduled for 2010 so far.
Details: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; 202-265-0930; 930.com
