What You’re Doing This Week

What are you doing this week? Niteside offers up some suggestions:

Alt-rap artist Theophilus London, who blends electronica, R&B and more into his intricately layered songs, performs at the 9:30 Club. Ra Ra Rasputin opens. 7 p.m.; $20.

Enjoy a night of wine, cheese and chocolate to complement the output of local Virginia wineries and restos at Fortessa (22601 Davis Drive, Sterling, Va.). The evening will benefit Becky's Fund, the American Red Cross (Loudoun County Chapter) and the Northern Virginia Community Foundation. 6-9 p.m.; $25 at the door.

Classic rock multi-instrumentalist Levon Helm takes the, well, helm (sorry, we couldn't help ourelves) at the Fillmore (8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md.). 7 p.m.; $45.

Don't fear the Night of the Living Gourd; it's just the premiere of Flying Dog's new The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale... served from an actual pumpkin. You can also sample from 15 other pumpkin bears during the event at Jack Rose Dining Saloon (2007 14th St. N.W.) 5 p.m.; no cover; pints of The Fear $5.

Attention, soccer fans! Go socialize with Screaming Eagle members and D.C. United players during the Capitol Soccer Ball at Riot Act (801 E. St. N.W.). Go for a cocktail party, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a performance by the Riot Act Improv Troupe. 6:30-9 p.m.; $25; RSVP to kim@screaming-eagles.com.

Head over to Casa Nonna (1250 Connecticut Ave. N.W.) as they kick off the launch of their new Aperitivo Happy Hour. Enjoy complimentary Italian specials, aperitif cocktails and free Peronis from 5-6 p.m. Peronis are only $3 after that. 5-8 p.m.; free.

Get ready to laugh with Gaylarious at Riot Act (801 E. St. N.W.). After last month's sold-out show, it's time for another round of laughter, this time featuring Leah Bonnema (among HuffPo's "Favorite 53 Female Comedians") and Yamaneika, a NYC comic who's a fave among gay audiences. 8:30 p.m.; $15.

Witness dance moves that will leave you in awe at the Ooh La La Bellydance & Sideshow Revue at the Red Palace (1210 H St. N.E.). Dancers will perform an assortment of traditional and fusion belly dance moves. And of course, no Red Palace show is complete without sideshow performers. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.; show 9 p.m.; $10.

"Practical Magic" author Alice Hoffman discusses and signs her new book "The Dovekeepers" at the Bethesda Row Barnes & Noble (4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda). 7 p.m.; free admission; book $16.15 preorder.

Award-winning documentary "Dressed" follows Nary Manivong's struggle as an upstart designer in the weeks leading up to New York Fashion Week. After the screening at Bethesda Row Landmark Theatre (7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda), viewers will get a chance to speak with Manivong and film director David Swajeski. 7:45 p.m.; free; RSVP required to dressed@brandlinkdcrsvp.com.

Walk like an Egyptian over to the 9:30 Club (815 V St. N.W.) for show by '80s icons The Bangles. Opening for them will a '70s-inspired alt quartet Antigone Rising. 7 p.m. doors; $25.

A special ballet-themed edition of Phillips After 5 brings perspective on Degas from a dance professional. The Washington Ballet's artistic director, Septime Webre, will discuss the "Degas' Dancers at the Barre: Point and Counterpoint" exhibit at the Phillips Collection (1600 21st St. N.W.). You can also watch Washington School of Ballet trainees demonstrate some techniques, and attend a basic ballet class. 5-8:30 p.m.; $12 exhibit. Gallery talk by donation, 6 and 7 p.m.

Henry Rollins, former lead singer of legendary rock band Black Flag, will discuss his latest work at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium (1600 M St. N.W.). "Occupants," Rollins' collection of photographs taken from around the world, showcases the human condition in times of war and conflict. $40; 7:30 p.m. Call 202-857-7700 or visit NGlive.org for details and to RSVP.

The Lemonheads will play their 1992 breakout album "It's a Shame About Ray" in its entirety at the Black Cat (1811 14th St. N.W.). The Shining Twins and New York Rivals will open. 9 p.m. doors; $15.

The Big Apple Circus is at the Dulles Town Center (21100 Dulles Town Center Circle, Sterling, Va.) through Monday. The company promises a spectacular two-hour show with acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists and animals. 11 a.m.; 7 p.m.; $15-$25.

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What You're Doing This Week