Weekly Music Agenda
Metalocalypse creator Brendan Small
>> Fans of Adult Swim's Metalocalypse will want to be at the 9:30 Club tonight for a show that should firmly straddle the line between RAWK and kitsch, as the show's creator,Brendon Small, the man behind Dethklok, will unleash a fury of heavy metal thunder on D.C. backed by The School of Rock All-Stars, which should just make the whole thing as hopelessly adorable as it will be ear-drum shattering. In the opening slot is Tragedy, who give the music of the Bee Gees just what it was always asking for: a metal tribute. 7 p.m., $15.
>> We'll admit to being completely unfamiliar with every name associated with tonight's show at DC9, but the whole thing is a benefit for an "epic documentary" about riding lawnmower races, which seems worthy enough. We're guessing they're not going to get any John Deeres up in the club, but with any luck you should be treated to some hilarious clips. The film is by Michael Ratel, and is called On Your Mark, Get Set, MOW (brilliant, by the way), and he's lined up four bands to play for the cause, Pup Tent, Pheous, Tim Bracken, and Janel and Anthony. 8:30 p.m., $10.
TUESDAY
>> Tres player and vocalist Juan de Marcos Gonzalez helped put together the Cuban-based Buena Vista Social Club. Now, he’s back with the Afro-Cuban Allstars, a slightly younger combo of Cuban refugee musicians who live around the world. Expect booming horns, lilting vocals, and that distinctive Cuban clave rhythm on piano, bass, and percussion. Lots of percussion. At Strathmore at 8 p.m. $25-$52.
>> This last isn't actually a concert, but we love Girls Rock! DC so much, we have to mention their events. In this case, it's an Intro to DJ-ing class at the Black Cat Backstage. And sorry fellas, this one's ladies only. 9 p.m., free.
Exit Clov
>> When last DCist caught up with local fave Exit Clov, it was just a couple of weeks ago in Austin. They're back here at home on the heels of a successful showing at SXSW, and will be fronting a backstage show at the Black Cat with Three Stars alums The Black and White Jacksons and Typefighter. 9 p.m., $10.
THURSDAY
>> Another great night of local music can be had at the Black Cat backstage on Thursday as another Three Stars alum band, The Caribbean play, along with DCist Unbuckled alums Olivia Mancini and The Housemates. The Black Cat is billing them as Olivia Mancini and The Mates, which is either a typo, or somebody's moved out. (We guess they've moved on from the "Terrible Two" title.) But the main attraction is Impossible Hair, a band we dug when they played the Red and The Black last summer, and who are celebrating the release of their new record, set to drop on April Fool's Day, What is the Secret of Impossible Hair. 9 p.m., $8.
>> After a break to start families and release solo CDs, Colombia’s best-known alternative rock en Español band, Aterciopelados, is back on tour with their latest ‘2008 album Rio. They will be at the State Theatre in Falls Church. 8:30 p.m., $26.
FRIDAY
>> 90's alterna-stars (or one-hit wonders, depending on where you were sitting and how cynical you were) Superdrag reunited a couple of years ago, and hot on the heels of an appearance at SXSW are on the road promoting a brand new record. Check out the new stuff, or wait patiently for them to play "Sucked Out", at this early show at the 9:30 Club. 6 p.m., $18 9:30.
>> Looking for something a little smaller and more local? A trio of local acts are playing at Comet Ping Pong on Friday night, including Blues Control, The Cheniers, and Protect-U. 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
>> Mates of State have carved out a niche for themselves in that tried and true rock genre of the male/female duo, creating infectious organ & drum pieces with irresistible harmonies. They're on tour with the Black Kids, who may not have any desire to teach your boyfriend how to dance with you, but will try to get his feet moving anyway. Sunbears open at the 9:30 Club. 8 p.m., $20.
>> Local indie rockers Middle Distance Runner are well known for their steady gigging at clubs around the area, but this weekend they'll be playing at a somewhat more unusual venue: The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt. The concert is part of a worldwide celebration called Yuri's Night, celebrating man's first foray into space on April 12, 1961. And, for those of you not into cheering on those dirty Reds, it just so happens that the first space shuttle flight was also on April 12, in 1981, so celebrate that instead if you like. Parties are happening all over the planet from April 4-12, and the Goddard party this week features MDR along with DJ Scientific. 8 p.m., $10 advance, $20 at the door.
>> Two local bands join forces with a band from way up in Alberta Canada at the Rock and Roll Hotel. Vox Pop bring their rootsy, country-ish sound to join forces with the more indie rock style of fellow locals The B-Film Extras. The Canadians in question are The Rural Alberta Advantage. 8:30 p.m., $10.
SUNDAY
>> You may remember Joan Osborne from such mid-90s modern rock radio hits as "One of Us" and... well, probably just that. What you may not know that Osborne has been consistently releasing new material ever since that breakthrough, including last year's Little Wild One. Now, if you didn't know that, you'll probably have little interest in seeing her at the Birchmere this weekend, but for those of you who've been following along, you know what to do. Dan Dyer opens. 7:30 p.m., $35.
Steve Kiviat contributed to this week's agenda.