Fans of live music in the District tend to have a real soft spot for the Velvet Lounge near 9th and U Streets NW. It's a tiny venue with a reputation for hosting experimental acts no one else will, and for employing one of the best sound engineers in town in Rob Curtis. But no one who tries to keep track of who is playing at the Velvet Lounge has ever had a single nice......

... to come to their 3rd Wednesday Happy Hours. And if you aren't yet as excited about the Capital Fringe Festival as we are, let it be known that the time to wave those freak flags high is nigh. Here's the deal: From July 20 to 30, 2006, the District will host its very own, first-ever Fringe festival, in the tradition of Edinburgh and Edmonton. Imagine a city-wide arts festival that leans on the crazy......

Venues aren't exactly action-packed this week, but there are a number of opportunities to see some bands hovering just beneath the radar. And there's Blowfly (more below). Monday: The Black Cat show looks promising. The keyboard-heavy pop band, Karmella's Game, a DCist favorite from Charm City, takes the stage with interesting Chicago (Evanston?) act The Reputation. On the backstage. $6. Tuesday: Sadly, Ladybug Mecca, of Digable Planets, has cancelled on the Black Cat. There is,......