Getting Up Guide: A fashionable party and teacher appreciation

What are your plans tonight? The Getting Up Guide is here to help you answer that question. Here's what's happening on Thursday:

Phillips After 5
The Phillips Collection's after-hours parties (running weekly in August) are generally fashionable affairs, but this week's soiree promises to be especially chic. Models wearing designs by Jason Wu, the man behind Michelle Obama's inaugural ball gown, will be standing among the works that inspired the collection -- Robert Ryman's art from the show "Variations & Improvisations." Along with the artsy fashion show, catch live jazz, take part in a scavenger hunt and sample Dolcezza gelato.

Usual Suspectz Happy Hour
With schools set to open in the next few weeks, let's spare a thought for all the hardworking teachers out there. They get up early, they stay late to help kids with tutoring, and the majority don't get paid enough for what they do. The Usual Suspectz Happy Hour at the Park at 14th has declared today's happy hour "A Salute to the Under-Appreciated Professional: The Educator." Wallet-friendly specials include $5 "premium cocktails" --- i.e. the good stuff --- until 7 p.m., and the party continues until 10. RSVP to theparkthursday@usualsuspectz.com to get on the list for free admission. Between discount drinks and no cover charge, there's plenty of room left over for construction paper and #2 pencils.

James McMurtry
One of the most keen observational lyricists in the business plays edgy folk tunes that tell stories. Catch his often dark, often humorous tales at the Birchmere.

-- Fritz Hahn, David Malitz and Stephanie Merry