MONDAY
>> If you'd like to see how infinity is treating them, Souls of Mischief, of the album '93 to Infinity fame (released in 1993 of course), will bring mid-90s hip-hop to the Black Cat tonight. We assume they've updated their sound a bit since then, but quite frankly, we'll take some throwback hip-hop any day. With DJ Lex, Icon the Mic King, Kaze and Zeph & Azeem. 9 p.m., $10.

TUESDAY
>> For our first dance-worthy event of the week, we happily spread the word about this night of house music at the Rock and Roll Hotel. It will feature world-renowned Ken and Juan of East Coast Boogiemen, Lexus King, Devin Byrnes of Exit Only, Aaron Sparks and Keenan himself. 8:30 p.m.- 1:30 a.m., FREE.

>> It's a shame that Montreal natives The Besnard Lakes haven't received the same kind of critical attention as some of their fellow Canadian friends. Having produced the likes of Wolf Parade, this experimental pop group's new album, are the dark horse, is self-proclaimed to be "rich with Beach Boys style harmonies, Roy Orbison reverbs and orchestra, Pink Floyd's pacing and Freddy Mercury's falsetto." They play with poppy shoegazers Dirty On Purpose at the Black Cat's backstage, 9 p.m., $10.

>> The Wiyos are from Brooklyn, but their old-timey/ragtime/jugband/blues sound is Appalachian-born. They’ll be playing for free at 6 at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.

WEDNESDAY
>> Jason Isbell, formerly of Drive-By-Truckers (who are also playing this week in D.C.), will be at the Rock and Roll Hotel with his band 400 Unit. 9 p.m., $12 in advance, $14 at the door.

>> We lament not buying tickets to see Gogol Bordello, the best gypsy-punk band out there, at the 9:30 club, as it is now sold out. Having just seen them put on a stellar show in Tennessee, this show promises to be a raucous and energetic experience. DJ Scratchy opens. 9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
>> D.C.'s J. Forté and Secret Pop Band play an all-ages in-store appearance at Crooked Beat Records. 7 p.m., FREE.

>> The Fort Reno outdoor concert series brings us Beauty Pill. Carol Bui opens and will be playing with her full band, including strings. D.C's own power popsters The Alphabetical Order, whom we interviewed back in 2005, come on before her. 7:15-9:15 p.m., FREE. Pets welcome.

>> Despite all odds, the New York Doll's continue to tour, coming to the 9:30 club tonight. While they put on a damn good show, they exemplify why, kids, we shouldn't overdo it with the drugs/alcohol/smoking/sex thing. Frankenstein 3000 (worst band name of the week), opens. 9:30 p.m., $25.

>> Deleted Scenes, former three stars and Unbuckled band, plays at the Black Cat. Fucoustic, an acoustic Fugazi cover band from Australia Austria, open. Yes, that's right, we just said "an acoustic Fugazi cover band from Australia." Say that a couple of times to yourself and let it sink in. 9 p.m., backstage, $10.

FRIDAY
The area's clubs seem to have united and decided that this weekend, we shall dance. Not one but 6 dance parties are going on, and we are getting our shoelaces in a bunch deciding which one/s to tie up for.

>> The Black Cat brings us the free "Evil Disco: the Loudest, Lewdest, Most Liquored Up Dance Night," with DJ Hey Sailor. We can't figure out whether they had us at "evil" or at "liquored up." 9:30 p.m., backstage, FREE.

>> And upstairs on the main stage, we have perhaps the most intriguing dance party of the week — "A Little Respect", side projects of The Pet Shop Boys and Erasure, with DJ Li'l e. 9:30 p.m., $10.

>> If you have just an ounce of cool in your bones, you'll want to head over to the Rock and Roll Hotel, where we have "Moneytown: DC's Premier Funk & Soul Dance Party" featuring Lunch Money and NiteKrawler. 9:30 p.m.- 2:30 a.m., 2nd Floor, FREE.

>> Downstairs at the hotel, you can find "Party Bros. Episode IV: A New Hope," with Gavin Holland (Noveau Riche/XM Radio) and Chris Burns (Disco City/Free//Discotheque). Special Guest DJ Stereo Faith (Sorted/Strfckr/Hurrah!). The drink specials from 9 p.m.- 12 a.m. should offset the $8 cover charge.

SATURDAY
>> For those of you who'd rather dance to the fast and dark beats of some of the best Drum and Bass DJs in the world, your wish is granted with Planet of the Drums, featuring DnB namestays AK1200, Dara, Dieselboy and MC Messinian at the 9:30 club. The four musicians will tag team throughout the night, delivering a one of a kind set that has had people talking for the past couple of years. 9:30 p.m. $22 in advance, $25 at the door.

>> Garatuchi, trying to outdo themselves yet again, have arranged for 2 members of Stellastar** to DJ, along with Ris Richards of the now-defunct Q and not U. Their own DJ Cassidy opens. There are numerous ways to get into this event for free, starting with arriving prior to 10 p.m., or RSVPing. $10 otherwise.

>> 81-year-old pianist Rafael Ithier has been leading El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico for 40-some years. This salsa group has undergone many membership changes, but Ithier ensures that no matter who’s playing, they are adept at crisp, danceable rhythms. Hear them at 9 p.m. at Hilton Hotel, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, Mclean, VA.

SUNDAY
>> Little Pink will be at Iota with a full-band show; they share the night with Austin singer-songwriter Michael Fracasso. 8:30 p.m. $10.

>> We highly recommend folk-rock chanteuse and songwriter Lucinda Williams at Wolftrap's Filene Center. Not only can you catch some beautiful tunes from her acclaimed latest album, West, you can enjoy the lovely outdoor Virginia setting. 8 p.m. $40 and $22 for lawn.

Photos of Souls of Mischief, Gogol Bordello and Planet of the Drums from their respective websites. Steve Kiviat contributed to this week's agenda.