Nightlife Information

To survey the local scene, consult Friday's "Weekend" section in the Washington Post and the free weekly Washington CityPaper. A terrific website (with an accompanying cell-phone app) for local happenings is the Post's Going Out Guide (www.washingtonpost.com/gog). The free publications Metro Weekly and Washington Blade offer insights on LGBT nightlife. Local blog DCist (www.dcist.com) posts daily on D.C. events. It's a good idea to call clubs ahead of time, as last week's punk-rock party might be this week's merengue marathon.

Contacts

D.C. Blues Society. This clearinghouse for information on upcoming shows, festivals, and jam sessions in the metropolitan area also publishes a regular newsletter and welcomes volunteers. Washington, District of Columbia. www.dcblues.org.

Folklore Society of Greater Washington. At more than 200 events a year, the all-volunteer society presents folk and traditional musicians and dancers from all over the country. Venues around the D.C. area host events ranging from contra dancing to storytelling to open group singing. Washington, District of Columbia. 202/546–2228; www.fsgw.org.