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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Celebrating Punk History: Bad Brains Exhibition at Lost Origins Gallery
This week in Washington D.C., music and culture enthusiasts can explore the roots of American punk with Are You Ready! The Birth of Bad Brains & Their First Studio Recording at Lost Origins Gallery. The exhibition delves into the band's formation in 1978, tracing how a jazz-fusion group called Mind Power, influenced by Sid McCray, evolved into the legendary punk act Bad Brains. With H.R. as frontman, the band brought new energy and influenced musicians far beyond the local scene.
The exhibit, curated by Jason Hamacher and Ian MacKaye, includes rare memorabilia: the Inner Ear Studio console, Super 8 live footage, Evan Keeling's hand-drawn map of gig locations, and vintage flyers. This homage to Bad Brains spans their 1978-1980 era in the D.C. area, marking the public release of their previously unheard first studio session, mixed by MacKaye. The exhibition opens Nov. 6 and runs until Dec. 6, with a special event—An Evening With Darryl Jenifer and Ian MacKaye—on Nov. 5 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
Emotional Alt-Rock: Gay Meat Live at Comet Ping Pong
On Friday, experience an intimate performance by Gay Meat, the solo project of Karl Kuehn (formerly of Museum Mouth), at Comet Ping Pong. Kuehn’s debut album, Blue Water, reflects on his close bond with his mother, weaving themes of loss, caregiving, and resilience after she suffered multiple strokes and passed away in 2021. Coinciding with the show, Gay Meat has released a new single, “Leslie,” in tribute to his mother. Gay Meat opens for Imperial Teen at 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 6.
Documentary and Community: Riot Grrrl Herstory Screening at St. Stephen’s
Saturday brings a look at punk feminism with a screening of the 2005 documentary Don’t Need You: The Herstory of Riot Grrrl at St. Stephen’s. Directed by Kerri Koch, the film explores the 1990s Riot Grrrl movement’s genesis in Olympia, Washington and D.C., featuring perspectives from icons like Kathleen Hanna, Allison Wolfe, Corin Tucker, and Ramdasha Bikceem. The screening and post-film discussion examine issues such as sexism, body image, and sexual assault, highlighting the community impact of the movement. The event begins at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Indie Rock Highlights: Michigander and The Tubs
Michigander—the stage name of singer-songwriter Jason Singer—takes the stage at the Atlantis on Nov. 7. Singer’s recent milestone includes his track “Taxi” being selected for an Apple iPhone Duo campaign. Michigander performs with a full band and is currently supporting his latest album, Over Before You Know It. Tickets are $33.75.
On Nov. 9, the Welsh indie band The Tubs brings their jangly, anthemic sound to Songbyrd. Their latest album, Hard Life, channels a crisp, indie-pop vibe reminiscent of the ’90s, with heartfelt tracks such as “If You Don’t Love Me.” The show starts at 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $20–$25.
Stories and Spoken Word: Moth StorySLAM and Sanam Sheriff’s Poetry
For fans of storytelling, the DC Moth StorySLAM: Home for the Holidays will be held at Miracle Theatre on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Audience members selected at random will share five-minute tales about holiday experiences—both heartwarming and chaotic—vying for top honors as judged by peers. Tickets are $23.
Rounding out the week, on Nov. 10, poet Sanam Sheriff hosts a reading and conversation at Lost City Books. Sheriff’s debut collection, Hum, deals with themes of identity, belonging, and trans experience, explored through the lens of language’s nuanced meanings. The event, also featuring poet Taylor Johnson, is free and begins at 7 p.m.
Source: washingtoncitypaper.com.
