What You're Doing Tonight: 6/29

Recession-Cheap Beer, Last Call for Artomatic, and Open Mic at Axum

By RA-JAH S. KELLY

Updated 1:00 AM EDT, Mon, Jun 29, 2009

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Lafayette Barnes

You probably don't know, because the press has largely ignored this critical story, but we're facing grim economic times. All over the country we've seen cutbacks in jobs, travel, dining out, and alas, drinking. Luckily the affected have a benefactor in Duffy's Irish Pub (2106 Vermont Ave NW) where clearly they believe you shouldn't have to miss even a day of drinking due to budgetary reasons. At least that's why we assume they kick off the week with with $2 domestic cans, including 16-ounce PBR and Buds. Don't forget to toss back a couple of $5 Irish whiskey shots for your jobless homies. 4-11:30 p.m., no cover.

With only one full week left the monthlong art festival Artomatic (55 M St. S.E.) is rapidly drawing to a close. While they don't have any special events planned for Monday, perhaps that's for the best. Who wants art snobs crowding the exhibits and ruining your experience? Plus, with a bar/lounge on every floor, if you manage to make it to all nine you'll probably want some privacy for that walk down. Noon-10 p.m.; free admission.

For years, DC has been a black hole on the national hip-hop landscape (and we bet you can't name one rapper from the nation's capital, either). Now a group of young artists including Wale, Tabi Bonney, Oddisee and XO are leading the charge for recognition. However, despite their ever-increasing success, they still find time to show DC love at the weekly Pure Open Mic held this week at Axum Lounge( 1936 9th St. N.W.). Hosted by XO featuring DJ Juslissen Selector, the open mic gives amateur and aspiring singers, poets and rappers the chance to stop by and perform on the same stage of DC's most famous. If you decide to perform, be sure to bring your A game, because after a weekend of MJ's greatest hits, everyone is sure to be extra inspired. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.; no cover.