Weekly Music Agenda
The Scissor Sisters
One of the few break out acts of New York's early aughts explosion, The Scissor Sisters have had quite a successful run since breaking through with their 2004 self-titled album. Though the band's popularity in the States has waned some, their penchant for the outre glitter and glamor of the 70s club scene arguably helped spawn a monster here just a few years later. The band will do its best to inject some pizazz into the stuffy DAR Constitution Hall. With DJ Sammy Jo. $38.50, 7:00 p.m.
>> 9:30 Club: Tears for Fears, Wainwright. $45, 7:00 p.m.
>> Wolf Trap: Train, NeedToBreathe (note: this lack of word separation is the band's preference, not ours). $30-45, 8:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
While many regarded this year's Shame, Shame as a sleeper in an otherwise excellent catalog, Dr. Dog's live presence continues to get stronger with each visit. The band has outgrown the modesty of a venue like Iota, but tonight, lead singer Scott McMicken will perform solo for what is sure to be a shambolic, memorable performance consisting of Dr. Dog tunes (one assumes, anyway) along with a preview of his forthcoming collaboration with friend Mike Visser. $12, 8:30 p.m.
>> Wolf Trap: Rodrigo y Gabriela, Xavier Rudd. $25-40, 8:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
A slow night in town for everyone besides fans of Hasidic reggae. The one and only Matisyahu comes to the 9:30 Club alongside the mensches in Moon Taxi. $35, 7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY
Comprised of former members of The Explosion, Darkest Hour and Trial by Fire, Beasts of No Nation have a pedigree that would make any discerning harDCore connoisseur take notice. Though tonight's show at DC9 marks their live debut, the band's Myspace has been active for some time, all but ensuring some lively crowd participation from the onset. With SEAS and Domino Team . $8, 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
In the music industry, few traditional signs of success still hold the same cultural relevance they once did. Number one albums? Any ol' fly by night outfit can have one of those. But one time-tested indicator remains: the "an evening with..." concert. With its implied intimacy and promise of stool sitting, the designation all but ensures a night to remember. Perennial class act Tony Bennett will host such an evening at Wolf Trap, though he's unfortunately succumbed to the recent trend of legendary crooners milking the ol' American songbook. At least he's taking cues from the ultimate edition. $25-48, 8:00 p.m.
Woody Allen once said that "Those who can't do teach. Those who can't teach, teach gym." The same sentiment is often applied to music critics, largely regarded as failed musicians that could never convince their bassist to come to practice (DCist staff being the exception to the rule). The Cheniers' David Malitz might prove to be a noteworthy exception; a scribe who can actually play. Malitz, who spends his days reviewing bands for The Washington Post, is also the lead singer/guitarist of The Cheniers, an Arlington three-piece whose infectious, laid back jams are parsimoniously described on its site as "repetition, some distortion." The band will open a great night of music at The Black Cat that includes Shortstack and Blood Feathers. $10, 9:00 p.m.
>> Rock and Roll Hotel: Marah, America Hearts, The Beatin's. $15, 9:30 p.m.
>> Birchmere: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, $45, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
The Yo Gabba Gabba! Clan
>> 9:30 Club: The Official Birthday Party for Chuck Brown with D Floyd, Ms Kim, Lissen, Be'La Dona. $25, 9:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
With a line-up that includes Clipse, Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan performing Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers) in its entirety, it's hard not to get excited about this year's Rock The Bells. A little less enticing -- outside of the potential verbal haranguing from Ms. Lauryn Hill -- is the steep ticket price, which starts at $66 for the lawn and maxes out at a hundred and fifty smackeroos. At the Merriweather Post Pavilion. Doors at 11:00 a.m.
>> Wolf Trap: Donna Summer. $25-48, 8:00 p.m.
>> Black Cat (Backstage): Magic Bullets, Foul Swoops. $10, 9:00 p.m.