COMEDY SERIES
Gala Hispanic Theater is featuring the best of the best of comedic giants in Mexican comedy this weekend with its all new Mexican Film series “La Pantalla Comica.” Forget Jim Gaffigan, Dane Cook and Tina Fey, this film series is all about Mexican actor and funny man Tin Tan, Diego Luna and his darkly funny film “Abel,” and Eulalio Gonzalez as Piporro in the comedy film “Ahi viene Martin Corona.”
The series begins Friday at the Gala Theater (3333 14th St. NW) with the opening film “Caiman’s Dream.” There will be a discussion on the evolution of Mexican film after the showing with curator Carlos Gutierrez, Professor David Wilt of George Washington University and Dr. Barbara Tenenbaum of the Library of Congress. For a full schedule and showtimes, visit galatheatre.org.
WORLD CLASS ACT
The District hosts some of the most talented classical musicians in the world, and Friday night’s performance of Nico Muhly’s Library of Congress commission “Compare Notes” is no exception. Muhly — highly accomplished at just 31 years old — weaves the violin and piano together to create a beautiful production commissioned by the Library’s McKim Fund. Award-winning British violinist Daniel Hope along with pianist Jeffrey Kahane will perform Muhly’s piece.
Muhly’s work has been performed by the New York Philharmonic, American Ballet Theater and more. He also studied under famous composers Christopher Rouse and John Corigliano.
There will be a pre-concert discussion with Muhly in the Whittall Pavilion at 6:15 p.m. The concert will start at 8 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium (10 First St. SE). This event is free but you’ll need tickets. Go to ticketmaster.com to get yours now.
BLUES BATTLE
The battle is upon us — and it’s to see who will carry the D.C. legacy and help keep American Blues alive.
The Annual Battle of the Bands, sponsored by the DC Blues Society, is here and a chance to see some of the area’s most talented musicians jam out. It is one of the best-attended events in the Blues Society’s annual calendar as the bands bring out their following to cheer them on and dance to the funky blues beats.
The contestants this year are at motley as their names suggest: The Taylor Davies Blues Band, Unruly Blues Band, Fast Eddie & the Slowpokes, Lil’ Annie & the Kensingtones and Lady Rose Blues Band.
The event, taking place 7:30 to midnight Saturday at the American Legion (11225 Fern St., Wheaton), is a fundraiser for the free DCBS 26th Annual DC Blues Festival in Washington. And the winner will hold the responsibility of representing D.C. at the 30th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.
