Street festivals, rock bands, cosmonauts and more should keep one busy this April weekend. A look at five things to check out in the D.C. area.
Friday — The Jones at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel
Sure, Bonjour Ganesh! is the headliner, but local rock act the Jones are worth checking out. Definite Zeppelin influences can be heard on songs like “You Don’t Have the Stones,” and “Jukebox Junkie” has a Jet vibe. Both get the blood flowing. With Big Chimney and Blankus Larry. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $10.
While on H Street: Grab dinner over at Granville Moore’s. If you haven’t been to this restaurant that features a great beer list, you’re running out of excuses.
Details: Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE; 202-388-7625; rockandrollhoteldc.com
Saturday — Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
An annual event and one of the highlights of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is this street festival, at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Check out lots of entertainment, food and drink, and family-friendly things to do. Oh yeah, and it’s free. We hope the weather cooperates. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stick with the theme: Grab dinner at Asia Nine (915 E St. NW). Lots to choose from, including some really good sushi.
Details: For more information about the street festival, visit sakuramatsuri.org. For more info on the Cherry Blossom Festival, log on to nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
Saturday — Yuri’s Night Celebrations at the Capitol Skyline Hotel and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Who’d have thought that there’s not one, but two parties in the area celebrating the anniversary of the first manned spaceflight in 1961 by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, enjoy a dance party, variety show and art exhibit. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Or head to Greenbelt for a party at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fun includes a DJ, live band and drink specials. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Who’d have thought? There’s a whole worldwide celebration of Gagarin: yurisnight.net
Details: dc.yurisnight.net
Saturday — Cheech & Chong ‘Get It Legal Tour’ at the Warner Theatre
This comedy duo took a single topic — stoner culture — and has parlayed it into a near-40-year career that includes the classic film “Up in Smoke.” Sure, there were some bumps along the way, but it’s touring again with its “Get it Legal Tour,” and there’s talk of an “Up in Smoke” sequel. Sweet. 8 p.m. $39.50 to $49.50.
Not your cup of tea? Admittedly, Cheech & Chong is an acquired taste. Warner Theatre hosts the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Sunday for a much different scene.
Details: Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW; 202-783-4000; warnertheatre.com
Sunday — Joan Osborne at Rams Head Tavern Annapolis
Well, what if God really was one of us? Eh, never mind the deep philosophical questions. Instead, check out Osborne at Rams Head Annapolis. Most famous for the song “One of Us,” she has tons of music and is on tour. Makes for a good Sunday in Annapolis, before you make your way home. With Carsie Blanton. 8 p.m. $45.
Join the Club: The tavern offers a World Beer Club. Sample all 100 of its beers, and you get a mug and a T-shirt. And if you’re a member of the club, you get $2.50 drafts all the time.
Details: Rams Head, 33 West St., Annapolis; 410-268-4545; ramsheadtavern.com
