Weekly Music Agenda
TUESDAY
>> Two members are better than none as Gary Louris and Mark Olson from alt-country act The Jayhawks come to the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m., $25
>> Andy Zipf, who we interviewed almost four years ago, still meanders around town playing his moody indie pop songs, and we still continue to support this. He'll be with a full band at the Black Cat backstage. 9 p.m., $10.
WEDNESDAY
>> No, smoky songstress Sara Bareilles didn't win that Grammy on Sunday. But as consolation, she's sold out the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m.
>> It seems like Philly act Hoots & Hellmouth just came through here with their bluegrass-inspired, romping, stomping, are-you-sure-these-guys-aren't-from-Tennessee? show. Not that we're complaining. This time through they're at the Rock and Roll Hotel. 8 p.m., $10
>> Lenka Kripac, the lead singer/songwriter from Aussie band The Decoder Ring, will be at DC9 performing under her first name, Lenka. Lenka's solo material sounds less post-rock (although the influence is still there) and more experimental, recalling Bjork more than Godspeed You! Black Emperor 18+, 9 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
>> Excellent Virginia singer/guitarist Erin McKeown gives the best reason in some time to make the trip out to Vienna. The pint-sized singer's energy is utterly infectious and her jazzy sass will provide for for great entertainment and better songs at Jammin' Java. 8 p.m., $10.
THURSDAY
>> Malian singer/songwriter Rokia Traoré features a Billie Holiday style cover of Gershwin in addition to some edgy Malian electric guitarwork. Not to mention her standard octave-ranging vocalizing in her native tongue and French (as displayed on her latest album, Tchamantche). She will be at the Barns of Wolf Trap. 8 p.m., $25
>> Ex-locals (The Sounds of) Kaleidoscope will be at the Black Cat in their current incarnation to deliver songs clearly inspired by '60s pop music but leaning more heavily on experimental riffing and feedback. 9 p.m., $8.
>> When John Foster isn't blogging for various local websites, doing design work or bringing his favorite bands into DC, he picks up an acoustic guitar and performs under the moniker Sad Crocodile ...a moniker that isn't an inaccurate description of his music's mood. He'll be at the Velvet Lounge . 18+, 9:30 p.m., $7.
FRIDAY
>> It’s a Three Star Friday and two of our former Three Stars acts will be at the Rock and Roll Hotel. The hard charging New Rock Church of Fire will be joining the percussion-heavy loops of Imperial China. 9 p.m., $10
>> The third Three Stars act, The Dance Party is out at Jammin' Java, where they’ll bring their headbands, spandex and infectious dance-pop hooks out to the kids in Vienna. 6 p.m., $15
>> Cuban singer Cucu Diamantes, from New York band Yerba Buena (who deal in Latin-funk, salsa and more) got a lot of attention for her American flag dress at an inaugural ball. Now she's back pushing a new solo cd. Richmond salsa band Bio Ritmo will be opening at the Black Cat. 9 p.m., $15 in advance, $18 day of show.
Janel & Anthony, by Dan Sharnoff
>> There will be Valentine's Day specials everywhere, but the idea of solo and duo artists performing and improvising together sounds like a nice little twist on the usual chocolates and roses. Cellist Janel Leppin and former Three Stars subject Anthony Pirog play together as Janel & Anthony. Steel pedal player Susan Alcorn and experimental New York artist Andrea Parkins round out the bill. They'll be creating weirdly beautiful music all night at the Velvet Lounge. 18+, 10 p.m., $10.
>> Go-go heavyweights Mambo Sauce will be putting on a late show at Jammin' Java. Can anyone else remember the last time we've had so many Jammin' Java shows in one of our weekly music agendas? They're loaded this week. 10 p.m., $12
SUNDAY
>> When an event is publicized on three different venues' websites, our interest is piqued. Concerts First will be presenting "The Next Big Thing" featuring over 20 local alternative and punk acts. This does not look to be a battle of the bands but an event sprawled between the 9:30 Club, Rock and Roll Hotel and DC9. 11 a.m., $15.
Steve Kiviat contributed to this week's agenda.