Calendar: Back to Normal Around Capitol Hill?
Now that the shutdown is behind us, the full parking lots around the Capitol complex show clearly that Hill staffers have come back to work in full force this week. Because the next shutdown and debt crisis won’t start developing for a couple more months hence, there’s plenty of time to settle back in to regular life on Capitol Hill.
Karaoke in the Capital
The American Association of Political Consultants’ Mid-Atlantic chapter is putting on its third annual Karaoke in the Capital at the Rock & Roll Hotel on Wednesday. Hacks, flacks, lobbyists, pros, Democrats and Republicans are all welcome to belt out a few tunes at 1353 H St. NE. Proceeds go to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a charity that donates instruments to schools and helps bring musical education to kids who wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to it. It’s $15 in advance or at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the alleged entertainment begins at 8 p.m.
Documentary Central
Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital will be a hothouse for documentary films this week. “The Graduates/Los Graduados,” the story of several Latino students in the United States, screens Tuesday at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, “Herman’s House” screens at 7 p.m. The movie is about Herman Wallace, a prisoner who spent more than 40 years in solitary confinement in Louisiana and worked with artist Jackie Sumell on a “dream house,” as well as the human rights issue his case has brought to the fore. And on Friday, the Smithsonian Channel’s “Incredible Flying Cars” series will touch down for a showing of “Vertical Take-Off.” All screenings are free, but registration ahead of time on Hill Center’s website is appreciated.
Middleburg Film Festival
The maiden voyage of the Middleburg Film Festival gets under way Thursday, and the intimate venues and vibe in horse country provide a full slate of great looking movies for the capital’s cinematic set. Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” kicks things off on Thursday, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday are packed with fare such as Alex Gibney’s documentary “The Armstrong Lie” about Lance Armstrong’s doping, “Capital,” the latest political thriller from legendary director Costa-Gavras, and “August: Osage County” by John Wells.