Upcoming Shows That Tempt Me

I’m looking at a refrigerator door devoid of tickets and wondering how I’ll spend my summer. There are a few shows that are tempting, some merely interesting, and a few downright scary (I’m looking at you Ashlee Simpson).

Dave Matthews Band on June 24 except that it’s at Nissan Pavilion and the same weekend as the Wine & Food Festival.

Echo & The Bunnymen on June 26th at the Black Cat.

There are others that make me think about going (ABC, English Beat, Jello Biafra from the Dead Kennedys) but not enough to make me pull the trigger.

I’d say something snide about the Def Leopard / Journey matchup, but they're at least raising money for Music Rising, so I can’t really say anything.

And of course, Nickelback at Merriwether, which brings to mind the comedian who said, “It’s not violent music that makes people violent; it’s bad music that makes people violent. For example, Nickelback makes me want to kill Nickelback.”

Pop Tarts American Idol Tour?

Pop Tarts is sponsoring this summer's round of the American Idol tour.

Enough said.

Free Movies at Library of Congress

After some renovations and funding, there is a new series of movies and television planned for the Pickford Theatre in the Library of Congress. The current schedule runs through September and includes series paired with Library of Congress exhibits including one on Bob Hope. So expect to be "On the Road to..." somewhere. They also have an impressive line-up of classic television including the first episode of Laugh-In and the first episode of Soap. I'm sure it'll be fun to see now what we all thought was so scandalous then.

Movies are free but the theatre is small so you have to reserve in advance (up to a week ahead) by calling 202.707.5677. Even if you don't get in, it's worth heading over if there's something you really want to see. Ten minutes before showtime, any unclaimed seats are released.

Capital South is the closest Metro and give yourself time to get through security.