>> The 3rd annual Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Festival kicks tonight off at the Rock and Roll Hotel. Bahamadia and Emoni Fela among others will be performing tonight, stay tuned for a full preview from us later. 9 p.m., $12.

>> Like we mentioned in the jazz agenda, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim is one of the most influential jazz musicians to come out of South Africa, and tonight he'll be at Blues Alley for a solo performance. Sets are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m , $25 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> The Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language film in 2005, The Sea Inside, starring Javier Bardem, isn't what you might call a "feel good" movie, but it does have a surprisingly life affirming message for a film that's entirely about euthanasia. 7 p.m. at the AFI Silver Theater.

>> New York based singer/songwriter Ali Eskandarian has an August residency every Wednesday this month at The Red and the Black. Tonight's openers include Nicole Atkins and Three Stars/Monopoli Alum Alfonso Velez. 9:30 p.m., $10.

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