Stand By Me at 40, Mystery Friends, and Amythyst Kiah: City Lights for March 12–18

The stars of Stand By Me at Strathmore, a Brazilian party in Echo Park, and music from Cornelia Murr, Amythyst Kiah, and Mystery Friends.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:19pm

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This week's City Lights highlights a 40th anniversary screening of the classic film Stand By Me, a release show for the new EP from D.C. indie-dance pop band Mystery Friends, a performance by Americana singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah at the Library of Congress, and a Brazilian samba music and dance party at Glen Echo Park.

Why it matters

These events showcase a diverse range of musical styles and cultural experiences, from the nostalgic coming-of-age film Stand By Me to the vibrant Afro-Brazilian samba sounds of the Sarau de Samba party. They provide opportunities for the local community to come together, discover new artists, and celebrate the rich artistic tapestry of the Washington, D.C. region.

The details

On Thursday, March 12, Amythyst Kiah will perform at the Library of Congress, bringing her powerful Americana-meets-grungy-rock sound and southern gothic-inspired lyrics. On Friday, March 13, the indie-dance pop band Mystery Friends will celebrate the release of their new EP 'Break Your Own Heart' at Songbyrd, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the immigrant rights group Amica Center. Also on Friday, British indie musician Cornelia Murr will take the stage at Pearl Street Warehouse, showcasing her meditative and heartfelt music. On Saturday, March 14, Strathmore will host a 40th anniversary screening of the classic film Stand By Me, followed by a discussion with cast members Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, and Wil Wheaton. And on Sunday, March 15, Glen Echo Park will be the site of the monthly Sarau de Samba, an Afro-Brazilian samba music and dance party led by local musicians Pablo Regis and André Coelho, with special guest singer Rui Gordin.

  • Amythyst Kiah performs at the Library of Congress on March 12.
  • Mystery Friends release show at Songbyrd on March 13.
  • Cornelia Murr performs at Pearl Street Warehouse on March 13.
  • Stand By Me 40th anniversary screening and discussion at Strathmore on March 14.
  • Sarau de Samba at Glen Echo Park on March 15.

The players

Amythyst Kiah

An Americana singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her powerful vocals, twangy sound, and southern gothic-inspired lyrics that draw from her own life experiences.

Mystery Friends

A D.C.-based indie-dance pop band releasing a new EP, 'Break Your Own Heart,' and performing a release show at Songbyrd.

Cornelia Murr

A London-born indie musician with a subtle and tender singing style, performing at Pearl Street Warehouse.

Rob Reiner

The director of the classic film Stand By Me, who passed away in December 2025.

Pablo Regis

A local samba musician leading the monthly Sarau de Samba event at Glen Echo Park, featuring Afro-Brazilian samba music and dance.

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What they’re saying

“We had some new ideas we were really excited about. It was sort of like, 'Well, we should just strike while the iron's hot.'”

— Dave Mohl, Synth player-guitarist, Mystery Friends

“I love when Dave gives me a jumping off point. We stuck with this theme and it really helped guide us ... I think this is the first time we modeled an EP based off of a thought and it just serendipitously came together.”

— Abby Sevcik, Lead singer, Mystery Friends

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This week's City Lights events showcase the diverse artistic and cultural offerings in the Washington, D.C. region, from nostalgic film screenings to vibrant musical performances that celebrate the city's rich history and community.