Craig Tufts Memorial Fundraiser featuring Ben Tufts and Friends at Jammin' Java, Saturday
After Craig Tufts passed away in 2009 following a battle with brain cancer, his son Ben struggled with an appropriate way to honor his father's memory.
It wasn't until late 2009, after spending the first holiday season without his dad, that Ben thought of a memorial concert. He had recently performed at musician Todd Wright's annual December fundraiser, and used that model for his own show.
This year marks the second annual Craig Tufts Memorial Fundraiser.
"It just made so much sense," Ben said, adding that his father was a music fan and supported the younger Tufts in his music career. Ben remembered at a young age digging through his father's records, reveling in the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Motown offerings.
"He always came out to shows," Ben said.
When Craig Tufts was battling brain cancer, he and Ben discussed setting up a Craig Tufts Memorial Fund at the National Wildlife Federation. Money raised provides scholarships to young aspiring naturalists to attend week-long Family Nature Summits. Money from the Jammin' Java show goes to this fund.
Craig was the Chief Naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation.
"That was his life's work," Ben said. "That was his passion."
The Memorial Fundraiser show will feature a number local musicians. Ben Tufts is a professional drummer, and performs locally.
"All the people I pick to play are friends of mine," Ben said. "It's a neat event. Performers love to get on stage.
"The fun thing for me is I get to pick everybody who plays," he added.
When: 2 p.m., Saturday
Info: $10, jamminjava.com
Al Green at Wolf Trap, Friday
Soul legend Al Green, best known for such hits as "Let's Stay Together," will surely get Wolf Trap in a good mood. With blues musician Taj Mahal.
When: 8 p.m., Friday
Info: $25 to $45, wolftrap.org
D.C. Funky Fresh Foodie Fest at the D.C. Fairgrounds, Saturday
Enjoy 10 food trucks, craft beer, live music and more at this first annual event.
When: From 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday
Info: $15 general admission, fairgroundsdc.com
Mary J. Blige and D'Angelo at Verizon Center, Sunday
Multi-platinum album selling Mary J. Blige has one of the best voices in music. She and Richmond-born neo soul performer D'Angelo will fill up the Verizon Center this Sunday on their Liberation Tour. With Melanie Fiona.
When: 7 p.m., Sunday
Info: $39.75 to $125.75; verizoncenter.com
Alexandria Restaurant Week, through Sunday
If you missed out on D.C.'s Summer Restaurant Week, cruise on down to Alexandria this weekend. Dozens of restaurants are offering special three course meals and dinners for two for a price that will make your mouth water.
Info: $35 for a three-course prix-fixe meal, or $35 for dinner for two; visitalexandriava.com.
When: Through Sunday.