BRAIN POWER: Ever wonder how music affects our brains and cognitive psyches? The Library of Congress (101 Independence Ave. S.E.), with Dr. Petr Janata, associate professor of psychology at University of California, Davis present Music, Memories and the Brain, a series on how music engages the brain, combining music theory and computational modeling to generate animations of music in the mind. 6:15-7:15 p.m.; free.
HEY, CHUCKLES: Watch as local comedians try to prove themselves at Topaz Bar (1733 N St. N.W.) every Thursday for the Live Stand Up Comedy Show, with 10 people performing 3-10 minutes each. Perfect for those with short attention spans! After the show, "non-coms" can sign up for the Everybody’s a Comedian joke contest, which has a $25 prize. 8-10 p.m.; no cover.
FABULOUSNESS: Fashionistas, click your heels to meet Bridie Clark, author of "The Overnight Socialite," a story about a Garment District worker dreaming to become a fashion designer for Manhattan's social elite. Enjoy a fabulous night of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Ginger Boutique (7114 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda). 6-8 p.m.; free.
