Monday

>> The Starlingtons may not seem like your typical Black Cat band, but they are breaking the boundaries of traditional country/bluegrass. Tonight they’ll be on the back stage with Portland Oregon’s Casey Neill and his own folk/punk rock fusion. 9 p.m., $7.

>> In the mood to try something new? Chicago’s post-punk New Harbour has been around for a few years now, but just moved to the District. They’re playing their first show tonight at the Red and the Black with Hi Five and Cutlery. $8.

Tuesday

>> Tokyo Police Club are moving up quickly into indie-pop superstardom. They’ve appeared and wooed at numerous festivals over the past few years, and recently signed with the Bright Eyes label, Saddle Creek Records. These must-see, early Strokes-sounding Canadians will be at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight with Ra Ra Riot, and D.C.'s Jukebox the Ghost. 9 p.m., $12.

>> Just off their tour with Interpol, fellow New Yorkers, Calla, are heading a set at the Black Cat’s back stage with the A-Sides. Harp magazine noted that “Love songs - even hate songs - have rarely been this disturbing.” 9 p.m., $10.

>> Simple and catchy melodies are what they do best. It’s a night of addictive alt-rock as D.C.’s The Beanstalk Library will be releasing their debut album America at Night at Iota, with Red Racer and Octopi. 8:30 p.m., $10.

>> Seattle’s Band of Horses could be mistaken for The Shins if Brian Wilson were to take over as frontman. We liked their show at the Black Cat last year, and you can catch them at the 9:30 Club with Love as Laughter and A Decent Animal. $15.

Wednesday

>> The 3rd annual Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Festival kicks off at the Rock and Roll Hotel. The series, “celebrating the female energies in hip hop and beyond” highlights unsigned local, national and international performers. Bahamadia and Emoni Fela among others will be performing tonight. 9 p.m., $12.

>> Three talented acoustic artists are settling in down on H Street. Nicole Atkins and Three Stars/Monopoli Alum Alfonso Velez will be opening for New York based singer/songwriter Ali Eskandarian as part of his August residency every Wednesday this month at The Red and the Black. 9:30 p.m., $10.

>> Timed to coincide with the Marc Anthony & J-Lo movie, "El Cantante,"- Salsa dance instructor Eileen Torres' El Cantante-The Triumph and Tragedy of Hector Lavoe is a historical presentation Eileen first debuted in Holland in 2000. It includes video clips of Lavoe's early days in NY with footage of concerts in Puerto Rico, Africa, Panama, and scenes from his funeral. A panel including DJs Bruno, Nancy Alonso (from WPFW), Saborinquen, and others will be on hand. Hear the real Lavoe story at 7 p.m. at Zanzibar on the Waterfront.

Thursday

>> In 2006 Brit alt-rock sensations Muse have just released their follow up to the apocalyptic, politically charged Absolution. Black Holes and Revelations continues with their themes of the end of the world and government conspiracies. They’ll be at the Patriot Center with Cold War Kids. 8 p.m., $40.

>> Most likely you’ve heard Cary Brothers on TV or the big screen. Don’t get confused by the last name, he is but one man, and this Tennessean has made quite a name for himself with his pop acoustic ballads. He just released his latest Who You Are this past May and will be at Jammin Java with Stars of Track and Field and William Fitzsimmons. 8 p.m., $12.

>> What is "Hop Fu"? Find out when Hong Kong DJs Excess and IXL scratch & spin a live soundtrack to the 1982 Hong Kong martial arts movie Prodigal Son at 7 p.m. at the Freer Gallery's Meyer Auditorium. Free.

>> Arkansas Rockabilly Sleepy LaBeef knows 1950s American music backwards and forwards. Tonight he will be joined by DC boogie-woogie pianist Daryl Davis at the soon to be closed Chick Hall's Surf Club in Bladensburg. Plus, early arrivals can see a sneak preview of Washington Filmmaker Kevin Loftus' Life and Times of Roy Buchanan, the sad story of a once locally based guitarist.

Friday

>> The Rock and Roll Hotel is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the local indie music site, Instrumental Analysis with a set by electronica songstress Jette Kelly, who has shared the stage with bands like The Chemical Brothers and Scissor Sisters. She’ll be joined by Bellman Barker and two former Three Stars Lejeune and Le Loup. 9:30 p.m., FREE before 9 p.m., $10 after.

Saturday

>> Phoenix Arizona’s Dear and the Headlights just played Lollapalooza and are coming through town touring with Virgina’s MAE and As Tall as Lions. They’ll be performing indie-pop tracks from their latest album Small Steps, Heavy Hooves tonight at the 9:30 Club. 9:30 p.m., $15.

>> The Cribs have followed in the footsteps of Brit-punk leaders Franz Ferdinand touring with the band and topping the UK charts with their very upbeat dance tracks, such as the infectious “Hey Scenesters!” Their latest album Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever was even produced by Alex Kapranos. They’ll be at the Black Cat main stage with White Rabbits and Takka Takka. 9 p.m., $12.

Sunday

>> Not into speedy Jamaican dancehall? Morgan Heritage, a family outfit, will offer the slower tempo roots reggae style that has entranced many since the 1970s, at the Crossroads, in Bladensburg.

Steve Kiviat contributed to this week's agenda.

Photos from MySpace.com/TokyoPoliceClub, Muse, and J Beckman.