D.C. arts briefs: July 20

Lesbian-directed film part of conference

The National Association of Social Workers is holding a National Hope Conference including a film festival on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Wardman Park (2660 Woodley Road N.W.).

The three films included in the festival are “Kings Park: Stories from an American Mental Institution” by lesbian filmmaker Lucy Winer, “From Place to Place” by Paige Williams and Matt Anderson and “What Love Is: Pathfinders” by Ted Bogosian.

Winer’s film shows her visit back to a mental hospital that her parents had her committed to as a teenager. She interviews former patients and staff and showcases how the state of mental health care has changed.

“From Place to Place,” is about 18-year-old Cody who’s been in 17 foster homes in seven years. The film shows his struggles to connect with his birth family and avoid slipping into drugs and crime.

Bogosain’s film follows an organization that provides holistic and compassionate care to people with cancer and other serious illnesses.

For tickets visit the Film Festival registration table at the conference. For more information, visit socialworkers.org.

Team D.C. presents Night Out at the Kastles

Night Out at the Kastles is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Waterfront Tennis Center (800 Water St.). The Kastles are playing the Orange County Breakers.

Team DC, Washington’s gay sports connection, began the Night Out Series with Night Out at the Nationals, inviting members of the LGBT community go together to a game. Now the series has spread to several sports teams including the Kastles, Mystics and United.

The Kastles are a World TeamTennis that was started in 2008 and has several big name players such as Serena and Venus Williams.

Grandstand seats are $15 and chairback seats are $30. For more information, visit teamdc.org.

Rufus Wainwright plays Wolf Trap Tuesday. (Photo courtesy Wolf Trap)

Wainwright and Michaelson coming to Wolf Trap

Rufus Wainwright is pairing up with indie sensation Ingrid Michaelson at Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna) Tuesday at 8 p.m.

On Wainwright’s most recent album, he put pop music aside and focused on other interests and recent personal events such as the birth of his daughter, the death of his mother and engagement to his partner, Jorn Weisbrodt.

Michaelson’s music has been featured in TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “One Tree Hill.” Her most recent albums is “Human Again,” released on her own independent record label Cabin 24.

Tickets range from $30-$75. For more information, visit wolftrap.org.

DJ Merrill performing at the MOVA Lounge

DJ David Merrill is playing MOVA Lounge on Thursday night at 9 p.m.

He’s a D.C.-based DJ who plays the latest cutting edge beats, progressive, tribal, trance and electro-house. He is a resident DJ at “Code,” D.C.’s largest gear fetish party, and the “Club Queer,” radio show. He has played at clubs and special events in D.C. and throughout the East Coast, including Town Danceboutique, Cobalt, the Green Lantern and the main stage at D.C. LeatherPRIDE.

Admission is free. For more information, visit movalounge.com.