The Washington Area Music Awards at the State Theatre, Sunday The 25th Annual Washington Area Music Awards, affectionately known as the Wammies, takes place this Sunday at the State Theatre in Falls Church. The fact that the awards, presented by the Washington Area Music Association honoring the best of the D.C. area music community across a variety of genres, have been around for a quarter of a century reflects the growth and staying power of the area’s music scene. “It’s made us a tighter community,” said Mike Schreibman, a WAMA founder and long-time president. Schreibman added that WAMA isn’t alone in promoting the growth of the local music scene.
Schreibman attributes D.C.’s music standing to its rich diversity. Whereas other regions can be recognized for a specific music type, D.C. features multiple genres.
“We have hundreds and hundreds of musicians here,” said Schreibman in what makes D.C. a first-rate music city. “We have a broad spectrum of music styles.”
In addition to the handing out of awards, the Wammies feature multiple live performances. Sunday’s show will feature performances from rock to opera.
“It’s wonderful that it can happen,” Schreibman said.
Info: $20 for WAMA members, $35 for nonmembers; visit wamadc.com for details.
When: 8 p.m., Sunday.
Daytona 500 Party at McFadden’s, Sunday
NASCAR, for some reason, does things in reverse. For example, instead of finishing the year with its biggest event, the season kicks off with stock car’s biggest race: the Daytona 500, this Sunday. Head to McFadden’s this Sunday for DC 101’s Elliot in the Morning’s Eighth Annual Daytona 500 Party. Lots of free giveaways, and 500 miles of racing fun.
Info: Free; visit eitmshow.com for info.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday.
‘The Arabian Nights’ at Arena Stage, through Sunday
This is the final weekend to catch the theatrical production of “The Arabian Nights” at Arena Stage. From Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman.
Info: $75 to $90; visit arenastage.org for details.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Alfred Hitchcock Retrospective at AFI, through March 31
Younger movie fanatics best not overlook the film-making genius of Alfred Hitchcock. AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring celebrates the director’s career with a three-part retrospective, the first part running through March 31. This Saturday and Sunday catch “The Man Who Knew Too Much” and “Number Seventeen.”
Info: $11 general admission; visit afi.com/silver for more info.
When: “The Man Who Knew Too Much” 1 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday; “Number Seventeen” 1 p.m. Sunday.
DC Improv Comedy Show in the Lounge, Friday and Saturday
Don’t fret that the Pablo Francisco shows at the DC Improv sold out. The venue hosts an improv troupe showcase this Friday and Saturday in its lounge, so catch some local comedy before they get so big that they sell out the venue in coming years.
Info: $10; dcimprov.com
When: 6:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, Friday and Saturday
