7 things to do in the capital region, from Karol G to wine and jazz

Summer events are in full swing across the capital region. This week brings local, national and global figures to venues around Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

In the mood to talk books? Literature comes into focus with events including a recounting of Maryland’s LGBTQ+ history and a showcase of Black authors.

Want to experience a cozy, contemplative concert one night and a lively stadium show from a Grammy winner the next? You can do that this weekend.

Here are happenings to check out through the next week.

‘This Is a True War Story’

Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m.

Historian Robert Brigham has spent his career studying the Vietnam War. He discovered deep into his work that one of his subjects, a Marine combat photographer, was also his biological father. It’s the story of his latest book, “This Is a True War Story: My Improbable History with Vietnam.” Brigham will chat at Bethesda’s Amy Kaslow Gallery.

Admission is free.

Black Books Matter

Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

MahagonyBooks in National Harbor has become a community gathering space for its selection and programming. The store’s signature Black Books Matter Fest returns to showcase local vendors and more than 50 authors.

“The festival was kind of our love letter to the community, to our readers, to do that and have joy,” co-founder Ramunda Lark Young said in an interview with The Banner. “Especially right now, joy is so needed in the political landscape that we’re in.”

Admission is free.

Wine and jazz

Saturday, 1-5 p.m.

Glenn Dale’s Marietta Historic Site and Museum will host its 13th annual wine and jazz festival and feature a traditional African drum performance in addition to local jazz artists.

Tickets are $15 and sold out online but will be available (cash only) at the gate.

New sculptures

Exhibit runs through Sept. 5; public reception Saturday from 2-4 p.m.

“Sculpture NOW” is an annual exhibit of new works by local artists who are members of the Washington Sculptors Group. Artworks, completed in the last two years, from 29 artists will compete for an award announced Aug. 8 at Fort Washington’s Harmony Hall Art Center.

Admission is free.

New duo debut

Saturday, 7 p.m.

Tonal Park in Takoma Park is one of the region’s most intimate places to catch the most dynamic experimental music from around the world. Electronic artist Keith Fullerton Whitman and guitar wizard Bill Nace will perform. And see the debut of Deli Philosophers, a new project from local mainstays Michael R. Bernstein and Brian Weitz (also known as Geologist from the Maryland-born quartet Animal Collective).

Tickets are $15-$30.

Karol G

Sunday, 7 p.m.

On the heels of her historic Coachella performance as the first Latina artist to headline the California music festival, Grammy-winning singer Karol G is heading to Landover’s Northwest Stadium on an international tour titled “Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour,” aptly translated to the “Traveling the World Tropitour” in support of her fifth studio album, “Tropicoqueta.”

Resale tickets start at $162.

Gay Little History

Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Baltimore librarian Ben Egerman has spent years spreading the historical tale of LGBTQ+ people in Maryland. He compiled a volume of zines that spans 150 years of horse thieves, gay bar raids and more stories that may have otherwise been forgotten. He’ll speak at People’s Book in Takoma Park about these stories.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of up to $12.

Ashley Clarke contributed to this article.