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12.29-01.04
TUESDAY
Seventh Annual Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Party
THE BEST THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK | COMPILED BY EXPRESS STAFF
TUESDAY ONGOING
‘Gypsy’ If you don’t know Stephen Sondheim’s beloved “Gypsy,” about vaudeville shows in the 1920s, maybe you know the songs: “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Let Me Entertain You.” So let Signature’s new production (starring Sherri L. Edelen, above, as Momma Rose) serve as a refresher, or, for newbies, a welcome introduction. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; through Jan. 26, $29-$69; 703-8209771, signature-theatre.org.
MONDAY
The Last Stand Quartet: ‘An Evening of Shakespeare in Words and Music’ Actors Andre Braugher (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) and Reiko Aylesworth (“24”) join National Symphony
ONGOING
‘Home Sewn’ The “Double Wedding Ring” quilt, above, is one of four “fancy quilts” on view in “Home Sewn: Quilts from the Lower Mississippi Valley” at the Anacostia Community Museum. Quilts made in this traditional African-American style, using techniques handed down through generations, feature symmetrical motifs and vivid colors. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE; through Sept. 21, free; 202-633-4820, anacostia.si.edu.
Orchestra ensemble The Last Stand Quartet for a series of performances inspired by William Shakespeare. There will be music (including works by Byrd, Purcell, Rorem and Beethoven), sonnets and speeches — all of which were inspired by or pay tribute to Shakespeare’s enduring words. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW; 202467-4600, Mon., 7:30 p.m., $45; kennedy-center.org. (Foggy Bottom)
THROUGH TUESDAY
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue One of New Orleans’ most promising young musicians — Trombone Shorty, right — caps off 2013 with a three-night stand at the 9:30 Club. The horn player is known for his aggressive, instrumental funk, but he’s just as capable of singing smooth soul songs or swinging New Orleans standards. For Tuesday’s end-of-the-year send-off, patrons receive a free Champagne toast and a Bayou Sandwich Biscuit from Eatonville at the end of the night. 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; Sun. & Mon., 8 p.m., $35; Tue., 9 p.m., $75; 202-265-0930, 930.com. (U Street)
Dr. John and Wanda Jackson For the Hamilton’s New Year’s Eve concert, Dr. John, top, brings the New Orleans voodoo; Wanda Jackson, above, shares a rockabilly twang; and The Hamilton serves up some gumbo. How appropriate. Seated tickets are sold out as of press time, but standing-room spots are still available. That’s probably for the best — you wouldn’t want to sit for a show like this. Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW; Tue., 9:15 p.m., $100; 202-787-1000, thehamiltondc.com. (Metro Center)
TUESDAY
The Seldom Scene Bethesda-bred bluegrass band The Seldom Scene celebrates the dawn of a new year as it always does: with a finger-picking blowout at the Birchmere. The quintet, which formed in the ’70s and helped usher in the progressive bluegrass movement, will be joined for this year’s hoedown by openers the Stray Birds and Donna Ulisse. Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; Tue., 8 p.m., $39.50; 703549-7500, birchmere.com.
Celebrate the new year as the clock strikes 12 — 12 noon — with an apple-juice toast while D.C.’s most-adored kids’ band plays. Or go to the 2 p.m. show — it’s always 12 o’clock somewhere, right? The NoVa-grown Coach Cotton, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bennie will play their usual kid-pleasing sets; adults who need something stronger than apple juice can hit the bar. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; Tue., 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., $10; 703-255-1566, jamminjava.com.
THURSDAY
‘Community’ “Community” creator Dan Harmon is back at the helm for the cult comedy’s fifth season, kicking off with an hourlong premiere at 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC. Much has changed since last season, which saw formerly disgraced lawyer Jeff Winger (Joel McHale, above) graduate from Greendale Community College. The new season serves as a reboot of sorts, bringing Harmon’s hyper-referential, parody-heavy, insular sense of humor back to one of TV’s leastwatched, but most-loved series.
IN THEATERS
‘Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones’ FRIDAY | Nothing says the new year like a new “Paranormal Activity.” OK, so this installment may have been better served with an October release (as was originally planned), but scary movies are still a year-round business. This one centers on black-magic rituals and features nods to the franchise’s past.