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Happy Passover! This week’s theme: Legends. Not the Sasquatch/Grendel folk duo you've heard so much about, but living giants of their genre, era, or both. Several artists who have reached mythic status in popular culture are popping ‘round to say hello this week.
Monday
One of the best things about D.C. living is all the stuff there is to do for free. Tonight, the Kennedy Center offers some quality gratis jazz, presenting trumpeter Shunzu Ohno. Getting his big break touring with Art Blakey, Ohno has since played with several jazz greats, including Gil Evans and Herbie Hancock. For this performance he’ll be backed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble. 6 p.m., Free.
Elsewhere in collegiate jazz, Allyn Johnson and the U.D.C. Sextet play Blues Alley. 8 p.m., $15.
Tuesday
Blues great and guitarist Buddy Guy, the guitar that launched a thousand bands, will bring his trademark showmanship to the Birchmere in NoVA. As the inspiration for Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and numerous other blues based bands, it’s not surprising that tonight’s date has sold out. Don’t go rushing to Craigslist just yet – Guy has another date at the Birchmere next week. 7:30 p.m., $45.
Last year Nas released Hip Hop is Dead. Then, the title was an indictment of a struggling genre. In the face of Karl Rove’s performance last week, the title now seems a little prophetic. Trek up to Rams Head Live in Baltimore to see if Nas can fit any palm readings between incendiary rhymes. 8 p.m.
Wednesday
This is a great night to book a room at The Rock & Roll Hotel. Divisive art noise outfit Xiu Xiu is headlining at the venue. For a more crowd-pleasing fare, come early for the cheerful heartbreak of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. 9 p.m. $10-12.
Thursday
Fair warning: all you indie kids who hate Jesus in your music (and it seems that you are many) should skip to the next pick. It seems remarkably appropriate that the most popular Christian Rock band in the nation, if not the world, is dropping by on Maundy Thursday. The show is not just for true believers; Jars of Clay uses the same vague spiritual language as U2 or Mute Math so you won’t be getting a sermon unless you want one. GW Lisner auditorium, 7:30 p.m., $18-$25.
For a different kind of worship experience, an iconic figure in the rock canon graces our fair city tonight. Iggy Pop and the Stooges play the 9:30 Club. The inspiration for most American punk and several other genres and a few films, he’s brought with him the “black girl rock” of Sistas in the Pit and glam of The High Class Elite. Naturally, this show is sold out but if you were lucky enough to get tickets, it starts at 9:30 p.m.
In the recent past, Willy Mason charmed people with his single “Oxygen,” which was endearing as much for its simplicity as its earnestness. The New England native brings his hopeful acoustic music to the Birchmere, opening for Sondre Lerche. 7:30 p.m., $19.50
In the early ‘80s the eyes of the music world turned to Athens, GA. The southern college town gave birth to a number of the era’s more inventive bands. The Athens bands are still remarkable in that most haven’t stopped touring. Judging by their sold out dates on Friday and Saturday, Widespread Panic has no reason to stop. Warner Theatre, 8 p.m., $38.
Friday
He invented scratching. He was a core part of early hip hop. He is, for better or for worse, why Moby has a career. He’s Grandmaster Flash and he is playing the 9:30 Club. 11 p.m., $20.
In news of shows you can see, DCist approved artists, Luke Brindley Band and The Brindley Brothers will be performing at Jammin’ Java. Opening is the Ryan Montbleu Band. With a great voice and ace guitar skills, DCist can attest Montbleu was one of the few bright spots in Boston’s domestic music scene. 7:30 p.m., $12.
Saturday
Political, intelligent, almost always righteously indignant, Anti-Flag is one punk band that remembers the music is a movement. Playing a very early show - with the kids in mind - they’ll be supported by Alexisonfire, Big D and the Kids Table and Set Your Goals. 9:30 Club, 4:30 p.m., $15.
NME, that powerful cog in the British hype machine, is sponsoring a show at the 9:30 Club with The Kaiser Chiefs. The band formerly known as Parva is touring the U.S. behind their recently released album Yours Truly Angry Mob. D.C. favorites The Walkmen, who were here a little over a week ago, will be opening along with Annuals. Tickets are sold out, those of you who managed to get one, don’t forget the show starts at 10 p.m.
Sunday
Like the Walkmen, Lily Allen played in D.C. recently and is back for more. And just like her show in February, Sunday's gig at the 9:30 Club is sold out, so hit up your friend Craig for your last minute ticketing needs.
Photo of Shunzu Ohno courtesy the Kennedy Center web site.
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The Black Angels at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Thursday is going to be the best rock show of the month.
The Long Winters @ the Rock & Roll Hotel on Tuesday. Should be a good show.
Missed a big show at DC9 on Saturday night...
Dirty on Purpose- www.myspace.com/dirtyonpurpose
The Lucky Bastards- www.myspace.com/luckybastards
Inigo Son- www.indigo-son.com
45th and Western- www.myspace.com/45thwestern
1940 9th St NW
Starts at 9 PM for $10
The Lucky Bastards will be passing out free 3-song EPs of songs that will be featured on their next album.
Both Buddy Guy shows at the Birchmere are sold out, FYI.
black angels = one of the worst live shows (black cat set was horrible) you can see. skip it.
Lucero at the Black Cat, Friday night. Oh. my. God. (of Southern rock)
DCist: I am disappointed in you. This week's theme is "legends" and you fail to point out that Sebadoh.. one of a few founding fathers of indie rock will be at the 930 Club tonight.. Shame on you.. At least you could have made fun of the clash between the older "Im married with kids, but I can still rock out" and the younger indie-hipster that the crowd will consist of.
thank you, dcist, for finally branching out beyond indie rock! kudos! also - pat metheny at warner theater next thursday...
How can you guys miss Widespread Panic for two nights at the Warner Theatre - Friday and Saturday! The show is sold out both night but we all know there are always ways to get tickets.
Uh, CJ, they have a whole paragraph about Panic:
"In the early ‘80s the eyes of the music world turned to Athens, GA. The southern college town gave birth to a number of the era’s more inventive bands. The Athens bands are still remarkable in that most haven’t stopped touring. Judging by their sold out dates on Friday and Saturday, Widespread Panic has no reason to stop. Warner Theatre, 8 p.m., $38."