As I watched the adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man” at the Studio Theatre this past Sunday, I thought about what shape invisibility
Teagle F. Bougere stars as the title character in the Studio Theatre’s adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man.” (Astrid Riecken - For The Studio Theatre) has taken in America in 2012. I wondered if it is still just as rooted in blackness today — in the Obama era — as it was when Ellison published his book 60 years ago. Who are the anonymous Americans moving through institutions and communities unrecognized by their peers and those in power? Do they still look like Ellison and me?

Chris Brown is everywhere these days, it seems. He was caught kissing Rihanna at the VMAs recently, allegedly brawled with Drake at a New York City nightclub earlier this summer and was the topic of social media conversation last week thanks to getting an offensive tattoo. And anywhere Brown can’t be, Team Breezy is present, tweeting LiK3 tHiz and issuing death threats whenever they feel Brown has been slighted.

Chris Brown accepts the award for best male video for "Turn Up the Music" at the MTV Video Music Awards on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP) (Matt Sayles) But Team Breezy will definitely go on the rampage when they discover the new Google Chrome app designed “to scrub the internet of Chris Brown.”It’s called Chris Brownout, and according to The Grio, it will allow Chrome users to literally block any mention of the Virginia-born singer’s name from their computer screens “permanently”. You can see how it will work here

The exhibit “African American Art Since 1950: Perspectives from the David C. Driskell Center” will show at the University of Maryland. (Jeffrey Porter - For The Washington Post)

Illstyle and Peace Productions, The Philadelphia-based dance company put on a hip hop dance show for all ages. 10:30 a.m., Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington. $5. 301-203-6070 or http://www.pentacle.org/metro_illstyle.php.

“Black Watch,” The National Theatre of Scotland presents a show by Gregory Burke about what it is like to be a soldier in Iraq. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 7, Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-1122.

AJQ Plus 1, 8 and 10 p.m., Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. $10. 202-234-0072.

“siGHt,” Deviated Theatre performs a work commissioned by the Kennedy Center in 2011, the fourth evening-length work written, choreographed and directed by the Enoch and Kimmie Chan, and the first one to feature a child as a main character. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and Thursdays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 7, Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mount Rainier. $22, age 12 and under $17. 301-699-1819 or http://joesmovement.org/.

Marcus Miller, 8 p.m., The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $45. 202-803-2899.

Tyga, 8 p.m., The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. $30. 301-960-9999.

"The Rent is Too Damn High!" Mike Madden, Editor of Washington City Paper, moderates a panel discussion about gentrification's impact on affordable housing and quality school options in the District. Sponsored by the Humanities Council of Washington, DC. 6-8 p.m. Uptown Lounge, 116 Kennedy St. NW. Free, donations welcome. 202-387-8391 x4. mchambers@wdchumanties.org . www.wdchumanities.org.

“Bearden at Bowie,” Prints by Romare Bearden. Thursdays-Sept. 27, Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Rd. 301-860-4000.

Lanham bereavement support group, for those who have lost loved ones. 10-11:30 a.m. the first and third Thursday of each month, Doctors Community Hospital, First floor conference room, 8100 Good Luck Rd., Lanham. Free. Cathy Cooper at 301-883-0866.

“African American Art Since 1950: Perspectives from the David C. Driskell Center,” An exhibition of renowned African Ameircan artists such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam, and more. Organized by the. Driskell Center for the Study of the Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Thursday, exhibit runs through Dec. 14, University of Maryland, Cole Student Activities Building, College Park. Free. 301-314-2615.

“The Extra-Terrestrial,” A showing of the 1982 science fiction film about a little boy attempts to get a stranded extraterrestrial to its home planet. Doors open 7 p.m., movie begins at 9, College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr., College Park. Free with museum admission: $4; seniors, $3; age 18 and under, $2. 301-864-6029.

Ghostface Killah, Sheek Louch, 9 p.m., State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church. $25. 703-237-0300.

Charles Covington Trio, The jazz bebop pianist and Howard University professor performs as part of the Montpelier Fall Jazz Series. 8 p.m. Sept. 21, Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel. $25. 301-377-7800 or http://www.mncppcapps.org/pgparks/art_events/events_and_performances.aspx?q=montpelier.

Roy Ayers, 8 and 10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, through Sept. 23, Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW (rear). $35. 202-337-4141.

Stone Pleasure Band, The Charles County-based band performs old and new R&B music. Must be age 21 and older. 8 p.m., through Sept. 21, Miss Motley’s Cafe, 9501 Crain Hwy., Bel Alton. $10. 301-392-9794.

National Book Festival, This year’s annual festival features an exciting crop of internationally acclaimed authors, including Philip Roth, Mario Vargas Llosa, T.C. Boyle, Geraldine Brooks, Lois Lowry and Junot Diaz, to name a few. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5:30 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 23, The National Mall, between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Free. 202-485-9880 or www.loc.gov/bookfest.

Veterans outreach event, meet with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs and receive information about programs and benefits, flue clinic, and job fair. Sponsored by the National Vietnam Veterans Foundation and Gospel Union Church of Christ. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 22, Veterans of Foreign War Post 9376, 9600 Brandywine Rd., Clinton.Free. 301-283-6210.

Bluebird Blues Festival, Blues legend Bobby Blue Bland headlines the 20th annual festival, along with a full lineup of funky blues musicians. The family-friendly event will also feature children’s activities, music workshops, food and crafts for all ages. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 22, Prince George’s Community College, Queen Anne Theatre and Novak Field House Lot, 301 Largo Rd., Largo. Free. 301-322-0853 or www.pgcc.edu.

Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival, Explore the streets of Arts District Hyattsville at the 5th annual event featuring over 50 visual and performing artists, educators, and craft vendors. Visit the town center shops and restaurants, sample food, exhibitors and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 22, Baltimore Ave. and Jefferson St., Hyattsville.Free. 301-863-8267 or www.hyattsvillearts.com.

Dulles Day Family Festival and Plane Pull, a benefit for Special Olympics Virginia; teams of 25 people engage in tug of war with a 164,000+ pound Airbus. With children’s activities, a kid’s truck pull, aircraft displays, a car show and live music. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 22, Washington Dulles International Airport, 1 Saarinen Cir. Free,Admission, free. 703-359-4301 or www.planepull.com.

“Das Best OktoberFest,” The traditional German festival features International beer and wine tastings, authentic oompah and polka bands, German food and more. Rain or shine. Noon-6 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 23, National Harbor, 150 National Plaza, National Harbor. $20-$200. 877-628-5427 or www.dasbestoctoberfest.com.

“Patriot Classic,” Northern High School hosts the 19th annual marching band competition featuring 10 local high school bands battling it out with beating drum lines, spinning flags, and changing formations. Doors open 4 p.m., Show begins at 6 p.m., Northern High School, 2950 Chaneyville Rd., Owings. $6, ages 6-12 $4, age 5 and under free. Beth Johnson Patriot, Classic Coordinator, at 410-257-1519 or bethjohnson1028@gmail.com.

DC Rollergirls, D.C.’s roller derby league begins its seventh season with a bout between its allstar team and Bear City from Berlin, Germany, followed by a fun bout between fellow D.C. Rollergirls. 4 p.m. Sept. 22, D.C. Armory, 2001 E. Capitol St. SE. $12, military $10, ages 6-11 $6, 5 and younger free. 202-547-9077 or www.dcrollergirls.com.

“Yesterdays: An Evening with Billie Holiday,” Vanessa Rubin stars in The National Black Touring Circuit’s performance of Billie’s final appearance in New York. 8 p.m. Sept. 22, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. $30. 301-277-1710.

Leon Russell, 8 p.m. Sept. 22, The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 202-803-2899.

Nan Jombang, A compelling mix of contemporary movement, spirituality and Minangkabau performing arts traditions (drumming, dance, martial arts) from Indonesia, on tour as part of Center Stage SM, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 23, Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. $22, $17 Dance Place members, ages 55 and older, teachers (pre-K-12), artists, $10 college students, $8 ages 2-17. 202-269-1600.

University of Maryland Latin rhythms concert, Faculty from the School of Music perform rhythms from Brazil, Spain and Argentina in this live show. 8 p.m. Sept. 22, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Gildenhorn Recital Hall, University of Maryland, Route 193 and Stadium Drive, College Park. Free. 301-405-2787.

Redskins Home Opener, It’s been a good, long while since fans have had a reason to be excited about the Redskins. Finally, cause for jubilation has arrived in the form of number two draft pick and Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III (aka RG3). See him play in the Redskins home opener against the Bengals. 1 p.m. Sept. 23, FedEx Field, 1600 FedEx Way, Landover. $50-$498. 301-276-6000.

“1812: An American Celebration,” This festival features a fife and drum corps welcoming attendees as they arrive, a performance by the West Point Alumni Glee Club and a performance by the entire Loudoun Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Mark Allen McCoy. There will be guest speakers and a program of music including, the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, Fanfare for the Common Man and a narrated rendition of Liberty for All. The highlight of the concert will be a performance of the 1812 Overture, Tchaikovsky’s moving and powerful ode to patriotism. 2 p.m. Sept. 23, Ida Lee Park and Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr., Leesburg. $20; age 11 and younger, free. 703-771-8287 or www.1812Concert.org.

John Coltrane Birthday Anniversary Tribute Part I, 6 p.m. Sept. 23, Bohemian Caverns, 2003 11th St. NW. $10. 202-299-0800.

"The Racial Divide" open forum, a moderated panel discussion on race relations in our political process, justice system and everyday interactions. Sponsored by the Krystal Glass Empire. 7-9 p.m. Busboys and Poets, 1025 K St. NW, $10. www.KrystalGlassEmpire.com

John Coltrane Birthday Anniversary Tribute Part II, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Bohemian Caverns, 2003 11th St. NW. $10. 202-299-0800.

Arrested Development, F. Stokes, 8 p.m. Sept. 23, The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. 202-803-2899.

Anthony David, Antoine Dunn, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $29.50. 703-549-7500.

Remembering Whitney: The Harlem Gospel Choir Sings Whitney Houston, 8 p.m. Sept. 25, The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $25. 202-803-2899.

“Over the Tavern,” A rebellious 12-year-old takes on all authority figures, including a nun, in his attempts to have fun. 8 p.m. Sept. 26-27, Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney. 301-924-3400.

A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Danny Brown, 8 p.m. Sept. 26, The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. $27.50. 301-960-9999.

Dezron Douglas, 8 and 10 p.m., Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. $10. 202-234-0072.

Miguel, 8 p.m. Sept. 26, The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 202-803-2899.

"Is it Renaissance or Gentrification?"a panel discussion with former Mayor Anthony Williams, Washington Post columnist Jonathan O'Connell, and architects Maria Casarella and Rauzia Ruhanna Ally, to examine the roles public policy and economic development play in society. Sponsored by the Humanities Council of Washington, DC. 6-8 p.m. Tabaq Bistro and Bar, 1336 U St. NW. Free, donations welcome. 202-387-8391 x4. mchambers@wdchumanties.org . www.wdchumanities.org

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” The University of Maryland School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies and the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts team up to present a bilingual rendition of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. 7:30 p.m. Through Sept. 30, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Kay Theatre, University of Maryland, Route 193 and Stadium Drive, College Park. $35, $30 seniors, $10 students and youth. 301-405-2787.

Mark Kozelek, 8 p.m. Sept. 27, The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $20 in advance, $24 at the door. 202-803-2899.

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation will host its 42nd annual
Michelle Obama will speak at the Congressional Black Caucus’ legislative conference. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) legislative conference Sept. 19-22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is Inspiring Leaders, Building Generations. With more than 90 issue forums, the National Townhall, author’s pavilion, Emerging Leader’s Instant Apprentice Luncheon, annual prayer breakfast, CBC Spouses’s Celebration of Leadership, the return of the Black Party and the Phoenix Award Dinner, this year’s conference should inspire, inform and engage.

OP-ED: Farrington is the founder and president of the Prostate Health Education Network.

As a 12-year prostate cancer survivor who lost my father and both grandfathers to this disease, I have made it my personal mission to
A patient receives radiation treatments for prostate cancer at Chesapeake Urology in Owings Mills, Md. (Michael Temchine - For The Washington Post) increase awareness and understanding of this insidious disease among the African American community. Like most men, I was totally uninformed and unprepared for what I was about to face when I received my diagnosis.