Nightlife Agenda Pick of the Week

A few weeks ago, we had the Wammies, the much-derided local music awards ceremony. In the spirit of "If you want something done right ...," D.C.'s finest reggae musicians are getting together this weekend for the 11th annual D.C. Reggae Awards. The three days of parties include the actual awards ceremony, a "secret" Saturday night bash and a gospel brunch at Zanzibar. This year, the theme is a "Tribute to Bob Marley and Dennis Brown." Friday's awards show is hosted by WKYS DJs EZ Street and Jeannie Jones, and features performances by the mighty S.T.O.R.M. Reggae Band (listen) and a rack of local talent, including Mr. Tex and Tweeta Bird, Odelia, Delroy and Andrea, Ziah and Hutchy. Tickets are $15 from dcreggaeawards.com. Doors at the Nativiy Colonnade Ballroom open at 9, and the main event begins at "10:30 sharp." Need more incentive to arrive on time? The first 300 folks through the door get free passes to the Saturday party, which is being held at an undisclosed location.

Once the last statue has been handed out, there's an afterparty just down Georgia Avenue at the Club House with Stone Love (listen), Sir Conqueror and High Rollaz International. Admission is $15 with a ticket stub from the Reggae Awards or $25 without one.

These are just two of the many events in this week's Nightlife Agenda column, which also has tips on celebrating International Sword Swallowers Day and Leap Day, a waterfront toga party, a new salsa night, an affordable black tie gala (for charity) and an arm wrestling tournament that stars female rugby players.