The Ponys play the Black Cat Backstage tonight with Jay Reatard. $10, Doors at 9 p.m. The Ponys are one of those buzz bands that seem perennially plagued with the “next big thing” tag. Hailing from Chicago, a city full of legends of all sorts and more than a few hype-worthy up-and-comers, theirs is a difficult task. But 2006's Turn the Lights Out picked up where Celebration Castle left off and took it one step......

You've heard it all a million times before — nobody dances at shows here! People don't get into the music! There's just no soul in D.C.'s music scene! The Hall Monitors heard your cry and happily came to answer the call with their brand of throwback garage rock & soul reminiscent of the guitar and Motown greats that made most of us (well, OK, me at least) learn to love music in the first place.......

Monday >> The hordes will flock to DAR Constitution Hall this Monday night to mark the return of Death Cab to D.C. with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. They recently added a second, Tuesday night show, but feel free to take your pick, as tickets are still available for both days. $34, 8 p.m. >> It’s black Monday in the district, as the nominal antithesis of the White Stripes, The Black Keys, complete another 2-day......

FRIDAY >> Start the night off right at the DCist Happy Hour at 51st State. We'll all be there to celebrate our nation's veterans in the traditional manner: by drinking heavily. >> Who doesn't love a DJ who posts iPod playlists on the Internet so you can recreate a great night of dancing anytime, anywhere (especially when those playlists include choice selections like Kaiser Chiefs, The Rapture and James White and the Blacks)? Come celebrate......

A day late, but no tickets short. The 9:30 Club finally released its grip on a slew of sought after tickets yesterday (no, not Death Cab). Spit shine your credit card and get yours before they’re gone. >> Run – don’t walk – for indie rock. The Decemberists’ Picaresque has been one of the most talked about albums of 2005, and they’re bringing their tales of pirate ships and barrow boys to the 9:30......

We swear to God, D.C. is the only town where every main street looks like a ghost town during the nights when prez and vice prez debates take place. You know what? You deserve a night out if you watched that entire snoozefest on C-SPAN yesterday evening. Have at it: The bluesy-rock act the Black Keys hit up the 9:30 Club. The Hill's Third Annual Political Book Fair takes place at Trover Shop, 221 Pennsylvania......