When the Drive-by Truckers rolled into the 9:30 Club on July 15, 2006, it was the closest I’ve ever come to actually losing consciousness at a rock show. The gig was beyond sold-out, more vacuum-packed with sweaty bodies than any other supposedly sold-out 9:30 show I can remember. On top of that, the show fell on one of those spongy, airless summer nights that that can make the period between Independence Day and Labor... more ›

>> Artomatic continues with a bevy of daily events. Tonight Ellyn Weiss leads a "Colorfield Intermix Tour of Artomatic", showing visitors works influenced by the Colorfield painting tradition. Even if you're not well versed in art movements, it's a good chance to get an overview of this month-long art extravaganza. [2121 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Va., Free, 8:30 p.m.] >> Trumpeter and composer Chris Botti brings his pop and jazz standards to the Warner Theater.... more ›

We can't promise you'll enjoy yourselves as much as these guys, but here are a few picks for this Tuesday night. >> Ben Katchor, a multi-talented performer, artist and author, comes to D.C. tonight with a presentation that "elevates the slide show to a form of performance art." We've seen some pretty good slide shows, but Katchor's work, which includes fantastical takes on everyday life, has drawn rave reviews. In fact, he was the... more ›

>> D.C. Improv highlights students who spent a month at the Improv's Comedy School. The evening, lead by MC Matt Kazam, could be a great way to catch one of Washington's rising comics -- 17 trainees will take the stage. [1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, $10, 8:00 p.m.] >> Local techno rockers Trans Am can be counted on to deliver an eclectic mix of music and fans. See the trio, together for over 10 years,... more ›

From DCist contributor Catherine Andrews: more ›

Hopelessly cynical hipster kids can get a dose of feel-good, irony-free music tonight with the Polyphonic Spree concert, going on at the 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW). Twenty-five bandmates, dressed in technicolor floor-length robes, indoctrinate audience members into their wonderful world of musical puppies and rainbows. The Texas-based group, building on the success of their first album, "The Beginning Stages of ...", has found some critical success with their second effort, "Together We're Heavy." DCist, always on the lookout for some good, clean, cultish fun, will be in attendance. It'll be just like the Sun Myung Moon bizarro crowning ceremony on the Hill, except with catchy music and fewer Congressmen. $18. more ›