Astra Via Record Release Show at the Black Cat, Friday
This is almost as good as peanut butter paired with jelly.
Two talented musicians with local ties, Olivia Mancini and Jarrett Nicolay, have joined forces on a new music project titled Astra Via. In celebration of their new EP, the duo is performing a record release show at the Black Cat on Friday.
“Divine intervention played a part in putting this group together,” said Mancini.
Essentially, Mancini and Nicolay were paired by a mutual friend who thought they’d work well together. Turns out, the friend was right.
“It was like magic,” Mancini said.
Mancini has made a name for herself locally through her work with the Mates, and before that the Washington Social Club. The Mates continue to create music and recently came off a successful West Coast stint, though Mancini has moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., to pursue grad school.
Nicolay is a member of popular rock act Virginia Coalition.
Mancini said the goal of Astra Via is reaching a sort of past-meets-future vibe. Loosely translated, Astra Via is Latin for “By Way of the Stars.”
“We hope the sound would be far-reaching,” she said.
While Virginia Coalition is still playing shows and the Mates are working on lining up more dates, Mancini would like to see Astra Via stick around for a while.
“My hope for this is this becomes my band of a lifetime.”
When: 9 p.m. doors
Info: Main stage; with Vandaveer and the Beanstalk Library; $12; blackcatdc.com
GI Film Festival, through Sunday
One of the more honorable and interesting film festivals the region has to offer. Screen a number of military-themed films, from shorts to features. On Saturday evening, don’t miss the Salute to Military Wives, with the cast of “Army Wives.”
When: Through Sunday
Info: Individual films are $12, $50 for a weekend pass and $55 for the Salute to Military Wives; gifilmfestival.com
The Black Keys at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Friday
This duo has kept the rock ‘n’ roll flame burning brightly. Released in 2011, the excellent album “El Camino” received much acclaim. Pick it up for yourself, and then check out the show. With Arctic Monkeys.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Info: $40 to $55; merriweathermusic.com
Less Than Jake of the Rock & Roll Hotel, Friday
Last summer, Less Than Jake passed through town as part of the Warped Tour. Catch this act, which is keeping ska alive, at the much more intimate Rock & Roll Hotel. It’s bound to get hot. With Ballyhoo! and Kill Lincoln.
When: 8 p.m.
Info: $18; rockandrollhoteldc.com
Sound Bites at the 9:30 Club, Sunday
A benefit that’s music to our ears, Sound Bites raises funds for DC Central Kitchen through live music by five acts and food from more than 20 restaurants in and around the venue. Highlights include a DJ set by Thievery Corporation’s Eric Hilton.
When: 5 p.m. doors
Info: $40; 930.com
