Countdown to Yuri’s Night at Artisphere, Saturday Of all the reasons to celebrate, this surely must be the most out of this world.
Each year, Yuri’s Night recognizes the anniversary of the first manned space flight by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this historic achievement.
To celebrate, the fourth annual Yuri’s Night takes place this Saturday in Arlington.
“The best ideas for events like this, the stuff writes itself,” said local Yuri’s Night organizer Jared Davis.
Davis first organized a Yuri’s Night celebration starting in 2008.
“Because it’s the first human spaceflight, it’s the first steps that humanity took,” Davis said, explaining why other achievements in space exploration aren’t celebrated as enthusiastically. “It’s more of a global thing.”
The 2011 party takes place at the recently opened Artisphere in Arlington. Entertainment includes burlesque performances, featuring D.C.’s own L’il Dutch; live music from the Atomic Mosquitoes and Eastern Standard Time; and a lunar dance party with DJ P. Vo. Plus drink specials, a costume contest and art show. Yuri would be pleased.
“Our events have always been a three-legged stool,” Davis said of the burlesque show, art display and party. “Why don’t we take these three things, put them together and have a great party?”
Info: $20 in advance, $25 at the door; outofthisworldparty.com
When: 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
Vivian Girls at the Black Cat, Friday
The Black Lips are the headliner, but don’t overlook the Brooklyn-based trio Vivian Girls, with their creative, diverse indie pop. With Moon Women.
Info: $15, main stage; blackcatdc.com
When: 9 p.m. doors Saturday
Tim Meadows at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse, Friday and Saturday
Seems like Tim Meadows pops up everywhere, from late-night television to popular movies to the Drafthouse in Arlington. Here’s your chance to see the Ladies Man in person.
Info: $26, arlingtondrafthouse.com
When: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Toad the Wet Sprocket at the 9:30 Club, Saturday
The band’s website sums it up: “We’re the band that did ‘Walk on the Ocean,’ ‘All I Want,’ ‘ Something’s Always Wrong,’ and ‘Fall Down,’ ” the site reads. “The one with the weird name.” Yes, Toad the Wet Sprocket owns up to its handful of early-’90s radio hits. And the group is back after a hiatus. Enjoy a nostalgia trip, or check out a very good band that has been around for 25 years. With Deep River.
Info: $35; 930.com
When: 7 p.m. doors Saturday
FLASH Photo Exhibit in Crystal City, through April 17
Featuring 250 photos from 55 photographers, the FLASH Photo Exhibit takes place in a gallery on the 12th and 13th floors of 2450 Crystal Drive. The hours are generous, and after the local 5k Friday, runners are invited for a FLASH after DASH after-party.
Info: Free; crystalcity.org
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
