AFRO BEATS

Brooklyn is leading the way yet again, this time with a burgeoning Afrobeat scene that is finally making its way to D.C. At 6 p.m., the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage

(2700 F St. NW) will come to life as Zongo Junction blends West African rhythms with funk, jazz and soul, exciting dance floors.

The band, 12 pieces in total, finds inspiration from Nigerian superstar, political activist and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti and speaks truth to power with humor and soul.

Get ready for a fun dance party as Zongo Junction also plays the Bayou (2519 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) on Saturday and the Fairgrounds (outside Nationals Park) after the baseball game on Sunday.

THEMED ART

Art shows can have all sorts of themes -- we saw a great show last year in Baltimore in which a dozen artists all painted the same blue checked dish towel into their works, and it was great. But the latest exhibition at Gallaudet University, A Vision that Smells of Soap, is something new even to us at Spotlight, evoking a second sense.

The show, on view through Sept. 21 at the Washburn Arts Center, Linda K. Jordan Gallery (800 Florida Ave. NE), features both deaf and hearing artists and is open to all interpretations of the concept and all forms of artistic expression. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.