FRIDAY: >>Do you like Hall and Oates and Haddaway? Who doesn't? The Black Cat is hosting Crap, a dance night of bad music on purpose. We advise loosening your Macarena muscles and preparing your ears for "singers" like Don Johnson, Eddie Murphy, and Bruce Willis. 10 pm, free. SATURDAY: >>There are more art openings than we can shake a sculpture at today, so check out our Arts Agenda for a rundown. >>Anything called "Underwear Party"... more ›

October is apparently the month of our discontent. After weeks of build-up about being excited to see Baltimore pop-punk outfit Karmella's Game play the Rock N Roll Hotel, the band sent a note the afternoon of the show saying that, due to circumstances beyond their control (including the headliner's broken-down van), the concert was cancelled. I wept bitter tears. You would, too, if you'd only gotten one chance to see the band in all their... more ›

What can we say about Phoenix? They were wonderful last year, and their second trip to D.C. upheld that high standing. A small but enthusiastic crowd greeted the four boys of Phoenix, joined for the performance by an incredibly impressive drummer and a new keyboardist (filling in while their normal man on keys tends to his newborn). Touring to promote their new album, It's Never Been Like That (out in stores May 23), the band played a satisfying mix of old and new, making the most of their poppy, decade-blending brand of rock throughout the show. more ›

This review is by DCist Staff Writer Jacques Ntonme. It is common for rockers to dabble in guitar albums. The Metallicas and Van Halens of our period, however, rarely truly achieve the guitar album because they get caught up in silly solos, vamping, or their own long hair. Other heirs to the empty throne of Hendrix, such as Bloc Party, rock but lack radically novel ambitions. Perhaps it’s because they’re focusing on making rock music... more ›

This is for all of those musicians out there. You've only got a few more days to get your submission in for the third annual Six Points Music Festival, showcasing live music at venues throughout the D.C. area April 6 - 8. Get those tracks loaded onto MySpace, pony up your $5, and enter for your chance to play at this very cool festival. Participating venues include DC9, Iota, Jammin' Java, Rock N Roll Hotel, Staccato Lounge, The State Theater, Strathmore, Velvet Lounge, Whitlow's, Clarendon Grill, Galaxy Hut and more. You've got until this Sunday (January 15) to send in your submissions. For more information, visit www.sixpointsmusicfestival.com. more ›

MONDAY: >>Lucinda Williams brings her raspy voice to the D.C. tonight. Her Tom Petty-inspired brand of roots rock can be heard on her latest album, Live At The Fillmore. Or you can catch the real thing tonight at the 9:30 Club. $35, 7:30. >>Grab your Coke, gel your hair, and spend the evening with the man who made teenagers and soccer moms wear out their voting fingers in 2003. Clay Aiken at Wolf Trap, $25... more ›

Travis Morrison is probably on the road right now, somewhere between Atlanta and Florida, getting ready to play yet another show in front of his, um, shall we say, devoted fans. For the past 10 years he was the front man for the much loved D.C. emo/power pop/punk quartet The Dismemberment Plan, but recently took the big leap and went solo. His debut album, travistan, is out in stores and avilable from Barsuk records. A... more ›