For a band whose sound has evolved so thoroughly over the course of seven years, it’s almost too fitting to call itself the Escape Artist. The local group began as a loud post-punk outfit in 2008 with guitarist Fred Ashworth on vocals, drummer Chad Richman, and bassist Sam Ridder-Beardsley. It’s gone through several different phases; currently, its sound is a heady blend of drifting, ambient post-rock and psychedelic influences. Adding guitarist Ross Kerr and switching out Ashworth for Wanda Perkins on vocals further helped the group develop the dreamy, complex sounds it makes today. Read more >>> The Escape Artist performs with Atoka Chase at 9:30 p.m. at the Black Cat Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. (202) 667-4490. blackcatdc.com. (Amrita Khalid)
EAT THIS
Kolaches—the beloved Texas pastry of Czech origin—are now finally available in the District. Republic Kolache, founded by two Texas natives, will begin selling the pillowy pastries filled with sweet and savory fillings at American Ice Company Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Their “residency” at the barbecue joint will continue every Saturday over the next few months. Republic Kolache at American Ice Co., 917 V St. NW. (202) 758-3562. amicodc.com. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Friday: Local artists pay tribute to the late musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron with a performance at Carter Barron Amphitheater featuring jazz musician Giacomo Gates and house band Steven B and Friends. 7:30 p.m. at 4850 Colorado Ave. NW. Free.
Friday: D.C. rock bands Big Hush and Gauche play a house show at Above the Bayou with New York psych-pop act Zula. Find more details on Facebook. 7:30 p.m. Message organizers for address information.
Friday: Liner Notes, the performance series that explores the intersections of hip-hop and other musical genres, returns to Atlas Performing Arts Center with a greatest hits show. 8 p.m. at 1333 H St. NE. $22–$27.
Saturday: A year ago, I made a deal with my girlfriend: I’d watch three episodes of Gilmore Girls; she would do the same with The Shield. I don’t mind—it turns out Gilmore Girls isn’t just for girls. The Gilmore Guys have realized the same, launching their recap podcast right as the series’ Netflix release has made it easy to binge. In this D.C. taping, they’re talking season 5, episode 3, wherein the town reacts to Luke and Lorelai dating. Read more >>> The show begins at 8 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $15–$18. (202) 408-3100. sixthandi.org. (Will Sommer)
Saturday: In other podcast events, Risk!, the series that encourages people to share stories that they never considered telling before, comes to the Black Cat’s mainstage for a live recording. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $20.
Saturday: Honor the Godfather of Go-Go on Chuck Brown Day, when his old band performs in Chuck Brown Park. Find more details on Facebook. 5 p.m. at 20th and Franklin streets NE. Free.
Sunday: Abstract art movements popped up in Europe and America throughout the 20th century, but the Hirshhorn’s latest exhibition encourages viewers to take a more focused look at how Italian artists brought abstraction to the attention of international arts communities. Featuring movements as diverse as Arte Povera, Futurism, kinetic art, and op art, the stark and spare pieces stand out among the flashier works more often associated with abstraction. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to Jan. 3, 2016, at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free. (202) 633-4674. hirshhorn.si.edu. (Jordan-Marie Smith)
Sunday: Punk artist Kepi Ghoulie closes the weekend with an acoustic show at Comet Ping Pong. He performs with local act Valencia and New Jersey-based punk performer Mikey Erg. 9 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.
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