Weekly Music Agenda
MONDAY
>> Local journo-rock band The Surge have a forthcoming EP (working title: Why Don't Say They Tell You), a pretty thrilling rhythmic rock sound, and a slot tonight on the Black Cat's backstage. They're playing with NYC's Ribbons, a two piece from the Lou Reed & Spencer Krugman school of vocals. $8, 9 p.m.
>> It's a busy week for big names playing small rooms. DC-natives the French Kicks are playing DC9. Like the equally puzzling Stereo Total show at the Black Cat's backstage later this week, it hasn't yet sold out. They're playing with one of DCist's very first favorite bands, Greenland. At $12, this show is a steal. 9 p.m.
TUESDAY
>> Local luminaries Extra Golden consist of two Kenyan benga musicians and two Anglo-American indie-rockers who have embraced African sounds. They've just released their third effort, Thank You Very Quickly, which the DCist staff gives two sincere thumbs up. They’ll be at Comet Ping Pong from 9 pm on. $12
>> DC9 is doing a hell of a job booking these days. The (unfortunately cancelled) buzzier-than-thou Harlem Shakes, the French Kicks and The Appleseed Cast? Well done, guys. The indie rock mainstays from Kansas are joined by An Horse, an Australian duo that's enjoying some meteoric praise these days; also on the bill, one of DC's best named bands: Solar Powered Sun Destroyer. Music starts at 8 p.m. sharp. $12.
>> Tickets are still available for Ladytron & The Faint at the 9:30 Club! Maybe people aren't quite willing to commit to getting shook that hard on a Tuesday night? We suggest they all reconsider. $25, 7 p.m.
>> It's a very plinky-plunky Canadian evening at the Black Cat. Toronto's Great Lake Swimmers will quietly strum their way into your heart with the help of Ontario's Kate Maki, who describes her own sound as "happy hardcore." $10, 9 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
>> Do you love garage rock? The Woggles and The Hall Monitors (***) have been towing the line for excellence in the genre in D.C. for a while now. We'll make the bold claim that seeing a lineup with these two bands will never disappoint. They're on the Cat's backstage, $10, 9 p.m.
THURSDAY
Stereo Total
>> Guitarist/singer Habib Koité is best known for dueting with Bonnie Raitt, but expect him to emphasize Malian stylings tonight. The Ivory Coast’s Dobet Gnahoré has a striking voice that she uses over African meets folk acoustic strumming. They will be at Lisner Auditorium, 21st & H Sts NW at 8 p.m.
>> Velvet Lounge has The Bang (a supergroup of former Three Stars musicians), The Differents, Teletextile, and Fan-Tan. 9 p.m., $8.
FRIDAY
>> Part of D.C.'s truly excellent alt-country scene, Wes Tucker and the Skillets are releasing their new album, The Scorpion and the Dove, this weekend at Iota. Iota is pretty much ground-zero for the aforementioned scene, so if you're ever longing for the sound of banjo or guitars that make you wanna cry, you should set your compass to Clarendon. $12, 9 p.m.
>> Kill Rock Stars likes local songstress Thoa Nguyen as much as we do. They're releasing her debut album, and she's releasing her sound on the mainstage at the Black Cat this weekend. $13, 9 p.m.
>> Dengue Fever, a Los Angeles band with a Cambodian pop singer will be on a bill with Chicha Libre, a Brooklyn combo into psychedelic Peruvian sounds at the State Theatre in Falls Church.
>> "Celia the Queen," a movie documentary about the late salsa legend Celia Cruz will be showing as part of Filmfest DC at 8:45 at the Regal Gallery Place.
>> Lilly Allen (and openers Natalie Portman's Shaved Head) sold out the 9:30 Club long ago. But as Ms. Allen has been publicly considering ending the musical portion of her career, seeing her charming live show might be a fleeting opportunity. Consult Craig for some options.
SATURDAY
>> The Black Cat's Second Saturdays series continues its streak of booking fantastic local acts. Buildings features two drum kits and a ton of sound. Each show we've seen of theirs has impressed us even more. They're opening for Ra Ra Rasputin, the go-to source for a little funk in your rock. $8, 8 p.m. Backstage.
SUNDAY
>>"Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love," a movie documentary about the Senegalese star’s work with Egyptian arranger Fathy Salama and Brit singer Peter Gabriel will be showing as part of Filmfest DC at the Regal Gallery Place at 2:15 p.m.
>> Lucero are southern rock band from Memphis, TN. No hyphenates, no hybridization. Just straight forward songs influenced by the region they're born from. Black Cat, $14, 8 p.m.
Steve Kiviat contributed to this week's agenda.