It’s one week before Christmas. What to do? How about some great live music, holiday movies and a sporting event. Five things to do this weekend: Friday –Liz Phair at the 9:30 Club
Liz Phair hit the music scene in a big way back in 1993 with her debut classic “Exile in Guyville.” She released some new music during the summer, and performs at the 9:30 Club on Friday. The openers are local guys U.S. Royalty. 8 p.m. doors, $25 tickets. For details, visit 930.com.
Also at 9:30: On Sunday, Justin Townes Earle headlines. 7 p.m. $20.
Saturday ?– The Miami Heat at the Washington Wizards
Sure, there isn’t a whole lot to cheer about when it comes to the Wizards. OK, John Wall is an emerging star, but the best is still to come. But this Saturday, the Miami Heat bring their talents to the Verizon Center. Whether you love LeBron, Wade and those other guys (Bosh really isn’t on their level by any stretch of the imagination), or love to hate D-Wade, the Quitness, and one of the most overhyped teams in professional sports history, Saturday should be a lot of fun. Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m. See nba.com/wizards for more info.
More sports: The Capitals have had a rough go of it lately. See if they turn the corner against New Jersey on Tuesday. capitals.nhl.com.
Saturday — Wu-Tang Clan at the State Theatre
When one considers the Wu-Tang Clan, one of the greatest hip-hop acts of all time, the holiday season doesn’t necessarily pop to mind. For the matter, neither does the State Theatre in Falls Church. But who cares? It’s the feakin’ Wu-Tang Clan (well, most of them — RZA won’t be at the show, and of course ODB is no longer with us). Mambo Sauce opens. $50. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. showtime. Visit thestatetheatre.com for more info. [Check out our preview on Page 33.]
More State Theatre: Santa Jam XIV is on Thursday, featuring local acts for charity. See the Web site for details.
Through Dec. 23 — AFI Holiday Classics
There really is no better, and no warmer, way to get into the holiday spirit than sitting through some all-time great films. AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring presents three such movies through Thursday. See again, or first the first time, the classics “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “A Christmas Story,” “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Show times vary. $7 to $10. Visit afi.com/silver for more details.
Still ‘Wonderful’: The Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse hosts its annual “It’s a Wonderful Life” fundraiser and party on Friday. arlingtondrafthouse.com.
All weekend –Local live music, various locations
There’s a number of local shows this weekend, so many we couldn’t choose just one. On Friday, it’s the Hungry for Music showcase at the Hard Rock Cafe, hosted by Margot MacDonald. (8 p.m., free, donations welcomed). Also on Friday, Bellman Barker rocks the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel (8 p.m. $10). On Saturday, O.A.R. Performs at Strathmore (8:30 p.m, sold out). At IOTA on Friday, Justin Trawick (9 p.m., $12) takes the stage, and on Sunday Vandaveer headlines the venue (8 p.m., $10).
Not local, but still: Last Train Home is now based in Nashville, Tenn., but got its start here in D.C. Each year the band plays a series of shows at IOTA. Catch them this weekend, iotaclubandcafe.com.
