The DC Lineup for this weekend: fundraising, arts fests and a free bluegrass concert

This edition of The DC Lineup highlights arts and entertainment events throughout the District, many of which are raising money for a good cause.

The weather will be mostly cloudy throughout the weekend, Sept. 25 to 27, with some showers on Friday afternoon into early Saturday. Temperatures are predicted to range from 63 to 80 degrees, according to the forecast.

1. Theater: The Helen Hayes Awards honor Washington-area stage performers. This year, the 36th annual ceremony will be livestreamed on Friday from 7 to about 8 p.m. DC theater stars Felicia Curry and Naomi Jacobson are the hosts. Along with award announcements, the program will feature commemorative presentations and special guests. The event raises money for the Taking Care COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, which helps theater professionals who are struggling while the industry is shuttered during the pandemic. While registration is on a sliding scale, including free options, donations are encouraged to match a $25,000 gift and reach a fundraising goal of $50,000.

2. Literature: The 20th annual Library of Congress National Book Fest is happening online this weekend. Videos and live author talks are a part of the schedule. Other highlights include live Q&As with public figures like Chelsea Clinton, the Kennedy Center’s education artist-in-residence Mo Willems, and DC native and author Jason Reynolds. Opportunities to learn about topics like copyright and preserving bound materials are other options. Registration is free. The weekend’s events culminate with the PBS program The Library of Congress National Book Festival: Celebrating American Ingenuity, which will air and livestream on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. 

3. Music: The local melodic death metal band Darkest Hour is throwing a livestream fundraiser for The Black Cat in honor of the music group’s 25th anniversary. “The Black Cat has been a constant refuge for us over the years,” Darkest Hour said in a statement, “and so it feels right to give back now.” The concert will take place on VEEPS.com on Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. and will feature guest performers. An afterparty on Zoom will offer opportunities to interact with band members. Tickets cost $10.

4. Film: Capitol Riverfront is starting a six-week drive-in movie series this weekend and distributing the proceeds to local charities. On Friday, the film Selma will be screened and ticket sales will go to DC Central Kitchen. The other films on the schedule are Abominable, Knives Out, Us, Beetlejuice, and a double-header of Frankenstein and Dracula. Additional beneficiaries are Van Ness Elementary and Capital Area Food Bank. Tickets cost $20 and are available to purchase on Eventbrite.

5. Music: The National City Christian Church is hosting a free bluegrass concert on the steps of its Thomas Circle building. The local bluegrass band Hollertown will perform from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Face masks and social distancing are required, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to set up in the church’s yard, located at 5 Thomas Circle NW.

6. Health: The Congressional Cemetery is offering a series of yoga classes with a herd of baby goats this weekend. Instructors from St. Mark’s Yoga Center will lead the classes, which integrate the calming benefits of animals with the practice of yoga. While many slots have sold out, tickets remain for Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. session. The classes all take place at the cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. Tickets cost $40, and include a mimosa or two after class for those 21 years of age or older. Attendees must bring their own mats. Proceeds go toward the Historic Congressional Cemetery. 

7. Music: The 16th annual DC Jazz Fest is taking place virtually this year. Events run throughout the weekend, and will be livestreamed on Facebook and Fans.com. The schedule includes over 20 performances and highlights local talent: On Friday, there’s a 7 p.m. concert by the Chuck Brown Band, and Sunday’s slate includes performances by The EJB Quartet during the DCJazzPrix Finals from 3 to 5 p.m. and DC native Allyn Johnson with Sonic Sanctuary at 9 p.m. The program takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings, and on Sunday starting at 3 p.m. The fest concludes with additional programming on Monday.

8. Music: DC Strings Workshop brings classical and contemporary orchestra and chamber music to communities across the District, especially those in underserved areas. The DC Strings Orchestra: 5th Season Opener will feature a range of musical styles, like classical, tango and modern. The socially distanced event will be held next to Southwest’s waterfront park on Saturday at Harbour Square, 500 N St. SW, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. as part of the Harbour Square Balcony Concert Series. Face masks are required.

9. Community: The DC-based organization American Muslim Institution aims to reshape Muslim narratives and foster harmony among different religious and ethnic groups. This Saturday, the institution is presenting American-Muslim Change Makers: Honoring COVID-19 Heroes from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Facebook Live. Individuals who have made significant contributions to community well-being during the pandemic will be recognized, and scholar, author and Rice University sociology professor Craig Considine will speak. Register online. 

10. Environment: The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are among seven natural U.S. landmarks participating in the National Public Lands Day Virtual Signature Event. The program will take place on Facebook at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and includes local musicians from each of the featured areas. The Cherry Blossom String Quartet is representing the District. The other sites represented at the gathering are Waimea Canyon State Park in Hawaii, Joshua Tree National Park in California, Carson National Forest in New Mexico, Eagle Landing Park in Washington, Saguaro National Park in Arizona and Notchview in Massachusetts.