Josh Groban
Where: Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
When: July 7, 8 p.m.
Popera darling Josh Groban, who’s apparently one of the select few to have kissed Miss Piggy, returns to the D.C. area. Expect some soaring notes, lyrical inspiration and a lot of vibrato. $42-$250.
Black and White
Where: Gallery Clarendon, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
When: July 8-August 4
This group show presents “black” and white paintings that trade out actual black paint for blends of other colors. About the exhibit, Arlington Artists Alliance executive director Jane McElvany Coonce says, “This dynamic expression made us examine everyday scenes in a unique way.” Free.
Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters
Where: The Birchmere, 3071 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
When: July 10, 7:30 p.m.
You might remember him as the James Carville-like character in Primary Colors. Or the Oscar-winning writer of Sling Blade. Or perhaps as the one-time husband of Angelina Jolie. But actor and filmmaker Billy Bob Thornton also has another claim to fame: he’s a musician. Catch him in jangly rock trio The Boxmasters. $39.50.
3rd Annual Logan Festival
Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons
When: July 11-21
A trio of thought-provoking solo plays are presented in this two-week festival: The Things They Carried, centering on the experiences of an American soldier in Vietnam; The Happiest Place on Earth, a work that “ponders Disneyland and family tragedy”; and Joy Rebel, which examines the effects of an interracial relationship on the greater family unit. $10-$50.
Blerdcon
Where: Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Richmond Highway, Arlington
When: July 12-14
“Blerd”—a portmanteau of “black” and “nerd”—culture is in full force at this three-day fest, including cosplay contests, workshops, gaming tournaments, anime screenings and more. Organizers say anyone who loves “the same nerddom” is welcome to attend. $25-$200.