Friday, March 14

If you can only catch one event this week, then go see Toshi Reagon. Although Reagon said she is “not a gospel and blues singer,” she will perform a broad range of musical genres including the previously written-off gospel and blues. Her soulful voice will surely make for an unforgettable performance, despite the vague genre of the concert.

Toshi Reagon will be performing tonight at Jammin’ Java at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information call (703) 255-1566 or visit www.jaminjava.com. Metro: Vienna (Orange line).

Saturday, March 1

If you have never seen live stand-up comedy, tonight is the perfect chance to do so. Maria Bamford, featured on many shows and in her own special on Comedy Central, comes to the D.C. area to get laughs from the Washingtonians. This quirky blonde will not only turn you on to stand-up, but also have you “Googling” her when you get back to campus from the show – as well as cracking up.

Maria Bamford will be performing tonight in the Draft House Comedy Theater at the Arlington Cinema and Draft House. Tickets are $22. For more information call (703) 486-2345. Metro: Pentagon City (Blue and Orange lines).

Sunday, March 16

St. Patty’s Day falls on the 15th this year, two days earlier than normal. To make the situation even more complicated, the Washington St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on the 16th. Located right by The National Mall, the parade is a great excuse to get out into the city and see some of those monuments you always swear you’re going to get around to visiting.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets NW. It starts at noon. The cost is $5 for grandstand seats. For more information call (202) 619-7222. Metro: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange lines).

Monday, March 17

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day again by heading over to Iota to hear O’Tasty perform. This Irish band will bring St. Patty into the 21st century with their rock and punk music with traditional Celtic undertones. Enjoy Iota’s full menu while rocking out Dublin style. O’Tasty will be performing tonight at Iota at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information call (703) 522-8340 or visit www.iotaclubandcafe.com. Metro: Clarendon (Orange line).

Tuesday, March 18

The band mae (all lowercase – how chic) may be a little bit emo, but they’re also a whole lot of solid indie rock. Their ever-growing fan base on YouTube shows that they are perfect for taking a chance on a band rising in popularity, so head down to the Black Cat for an alternative study break. mae is playing at the Black Cat tonight at 8p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information call (202) 667-7960 or visit www.blackcatdc.com. Metro: U St./Cardozo (Green line).

Wednesday, March 19

If you get bored of stale stories with predictable plots, then Kurt Vonnegut’s “Happy Birthday, Wanda Jane!” is for you. With crazy scenes from war to home to heaven and characters that critique Jesus’ shuffleboard skills, Vonnegut’s play is sure to give you a refreshing, fun experience at the theater.

“Happy Birthday, Wanda Jane!” will be performed tonight at the American Century Theater at 8 p.m. Enjoy not paying full-priced tickets because Wednesday nights are “Pay what you can” nights (although you cannot buy tickets ahead of time). For more information call (703) 998-4555 or visit www.americancentury.org. Metro: Crystal City (Blue line).

Thursday, March 20

Happy Birthday, “West Side Story”! The Library of Congress is celebrating the musical’s 50th birthday with an exhibit featuring items from the library’s Leonard Bernstein Collection, showcasing the creator of the musical’s personal notes and memorabilia. Sharks or Jets? Whichever gang you rooted for in the musical, or if you just wanted Maria and Tony’s love to prevail, you will enjoy seeing items that inspired Bernstein to write this classic.

The Leonard Bernstein Collection will be featured today at the Library of Congress from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call (202) 707-4604 or visit www.log.gov. Metro: Capitol South (Blue and Orange lines).