Thursday, Sept 16
Trashcan Sinatras, Roddy Hart, 9:30 Club, D.C.
Friday, Sept 17
Lungfish, Black Cat, D.C.
This long-running D.C. band continues to appeal to a devoted fan base with their distinctly original variety of slow, deliberate hardcore.
Saturday, Sept 18
The Thrills, Black Cat, D.C.
A band of Irishmen wouldn’t be the likely pick to write an album full of light, sunny, Beach Boys-inspired pop songs about California. But the Thrills did just that on their debut album, and are touring for their soon-to-come follow-up. If you’re bored, this will be the most instantly likeable show this fortnight.
Sunday, Sept 19
The Melvins, Black Cat, D.C.
Tuesday, Sept 21
George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars, 9:30 Club, D.C.
This living legend of funk needs no introduction. In George’s own words, “Bring two booties, cuz you gonna dance one off!”
Wednesday, Sept 22
Mount Eerie, Calvin Johnson, Warehouse Next Door, D.C.
Phil Elvrum, the former mastermind of lo-fi indie-pop project The Microphones, brings his eccentric new act on the road with the godfather of Northwestern underground pop, Calvin Johnson.
Thursday, Sept 23
The Walkmen, Metric, 9:30 Club, D.C.
These D.C. natives’ second album Bows and Arrows qualifies as one of the year’s best indie rock releases yet. Metric’s sweet Canadian pop is also worth a listen.
Friday, Sept 24
Fiery Furnaces, Black Cat, D.C.
This sibling duo’s Who-inspired rock epics have gained attention for their latest album. We hear the live show is pretty fiery, too.
Drive-By Truckers, 9:30 Club, D.C.
Saturday, Sept 25
The Weakerthans, The Black Cat, D.C.
Winnipeg’s most ungrateful sons play intellectual, sentimental pop-punk that somehow avoids becoming emo.
Sunday, Sept 26
Old 97s, 9:30 Club, D.C.
The seductive shake of Rhett Miller’s hips will propel the Old 97s to new heights of alt-country glory. Come catch a glimpse of the band’s recent return to their Americana roots.
Rye Coalition, Black Cat, D.C.
Monday, Sept 27
Flogging Molly, 9:30 Club, D.C.
Two words: Irish punk. That’s all you really need to know. Following in the footsteps of the Pogues and Dropkick Murphys, expect lots of Gaelic ‘tude.
Tuesday, Sept 28
Keane, The French Kicks, 9:30 Club, D.C.
Former garage-rockers trade in their fuzzboxes for big, shiny ‘80s pop guitar hooks. While their latest album was disappointing, hopefully the live show will maintain the energy of their first release.
Wednesday, Sept 29
Morrissey, Constitution Hall, D.C.
The former Smiths frontman still sighs, mopes and looks gorgeous doing it, nearly twenty years on. His melancholy pop and wry, biting verse is as sharp as ever on this year’s You Are The Quarry. The only downside is the hefty ticket price. Just try not to cry in the aisles.
RJD2, Black Cat, D.C.
For the more energetic and less wealthy among us, hip hop producer and hyper-talented DJ R.J. Krohn will spin enough funk to make your head fall off. Or your booty, assuming you didn’t already dance it off at George Clinton.
Venue Information:
Black Cat: 1811 14th St N.W., 202-667-4527 www.blackcatdc.com
9:30 Club: 815 V St. N.W., 202-393-0930 www.930.com
Warehouse Next Door:1017 7th St. N.W., 202-783-3933
www.warehousetheater.com
Constitution Hall: 1776 D St. N.W., 202-628-1776 www.dar.org
