From the Fringe and rock 'n' roll to Gaga and Hollywood, plenty to do this weekend. Plus, the World Cup final. Enjoy:
Friday: Lynyrd Skynyrd God & Guns Tour with Bret Michaels and .38 Special at Jiffy Lube Live
It's amazing that it was less than three months ago Bret Michaels was in critical condition with a brain hemorrhage. Now he's touring, and visits Jiffy Lube Live on Friday. Lynyrd Skynyrd, a band that has had its share of difficulties in the past, is the headliner. 7 p.m. $31 to $65.50. For more information, visit livenation.com.
More Michaels: A solo album came out Tuesday, and he's scheduled for the Maryland State Fair on Sept. 1 in Baltimore.
Friday: Lady Gaga vs. Madonna vs. M.I.A. Dance Night at the 9:30 Club
Some critics have stated that Lady Gaga is the next Madonna. That's a bold, bold statement, friends, lest we forget Madge's contribution to the pop canon. So, what you got? "Lucky Star" or "Poker Face?" M.I.A. doesn't have the pop sensibilities of the other two, but is arguably stronger lyrically. Hear for yourself as DJ lil'e spins her magic. $10. 9 p.m. doors.
Saturday at 9:30: Heck of a local show: Modern Thieves, Practically Einstein, Justin Trawick and Danni Rosner are joined by former D.C. musician Alfonso Velez. 7 p.m. doors. $12.
Details: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; 202-265-0930; 930.com
Through Sunday: Reduced Shakespeare Company's 'Completely Hollywood (Abridged)' at the Kennedy Center
RSC has taken the 197 greatest films in Hollywood history and compressed them all into an 100-minute-long stage show. Seriously. Be prepared to laugh. Tickets range from $39 to $49. At the Terrace Theater. 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Also at the Kennedy Center: "Mary Poppins" runs through Aug. 22.
Details: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
Sunday: World Cup Final at the Soccer Mansion
For those who checked out after the United States' disappointing loss to Ghana a couple of weeks back, the World Cup Final is on Sunday, pitting Spain against the Netherlands. The "Soccer Mansion" is actually the Josephine Butler Parks Center, overlooking Meridian Hill Park. The Soccer Mansion event is a fundraising initiative for the Latino Federation of Greater Washington, an umbrella organization for more than 30 nonprofits in the region. Enjoy drinks, food and high-definition televisions while watching the World Cup Finals. $20 general admission. For more information, visit thesoccermansion.com, latinofederation.org and washingtonparks.net.
The pitch: If you plan to go to your favorite watering hole for the WC finals, get there early.
Through July 25: Capital Fringe Festival
This is the first weekend of the fifth annual Capital Fringe Festival, which started Thursday. Check out a vast array of cutting-edge, outrageous and poignant performance art that you might not find anywhere else. Prices, showtimes and venues vary.
Get warmed up: The Baldacchino Gypsy Tent Bar sits in the parking lot at Fort Fringe and features free entertainment, food for purchase, and plenty of drink specials. The beer list is premium (Peak Organic, Flying Dog, Bell's, Hook & Ladder), and happy hour is daily from 5 to 7 p.m.
Details: Capital Fringe Festival, 607 New York Ave. NW; capfringe.org