MONDAY:
>> The definite must-see show this evening is sure to be Q and Not U’s performance at Fort Reno. As we reported earlier, the band is breaking up, and this concert will be one of their last. But if you can’t make it tonight, don’t worry too much – they’re playing shows at the Black Cat September 22 and 23. Tonight, the politically-charged hip hop group Son of Nun opens, and the music gets started around 7:15 p.m.
>> If you don’t feel like watching an outdoor concert in the hot, wet blanket that is D.C.’s humidity, we highly suggest you make it out to the 9:30 Club to catch Tegan and Sara, who play witty, catchy and accessible folk rock. Their shows are worth it alone for the adorable stage banter between the two sisters. Openers Communique go on at 8:45 p.m., and Tegan and Sara will take the stage at 10. $15.
TUESDAY:
>> De La Soul returns to D.C. at the 9:30 Club. We hope they’ll be performing a few tracks off last year’s excellent “The Grind Date.” Had there been a roof on 2003’s now-defunct Live On Penn outdoor music festival, De La Soul would have most certainly blown it off. These guys know how to do a live performance, rest assured. Tickets are $25, and beatboxer extraordinaire Rahzel will be along as well.
>> Fresh off his brand-new album “Be,” and with two hot radio singles
stuck in his cap, Common comes to Dream. It’s likely he’ll be playing quite a bit of material off his two month old release (which has garnered a lot of love both on the radio and from critics), so it’ll be an extra treat for fans of Kanye West’s production work. $10.
>> It’s a DJ showdown! Over at Saint-Ex’s Gate 54, the bluestate blogger/DJs will present their “bluestate battle royale 2005.” Each DJ will pick a theme — NYC vs. DC, Manchester pop, and Nordic tunes — and spin the night away. As always, there’ll be tons of giveaways. 9 p.m. to close.
WEDNESDAY:
>> Long-running Scottish rockers Teenage Fanclub are back at the 9:30 Club, showcasing material from their first studio album in five years. Their latest offering is pure indie pop at its finest, and we’re sure their live show will be tops. Last time we saw them – eight years ago or so – they were opening for a little band called Radiohead at the 9:30 Club, and even though we were young, musically uneducated, and besotted with Thom Yorke, Teenage Fanclub made an impression on us. $15.
>> If you’re feeling a little less Scottish and a little more country this evening, we encourage you to check out D.W. Groethe, a working cowboy from Montana who sings about the everyday life of a rancher on the northern Great Plains. We’re betting “Home Home on the Range” won’t be on the set list, though. The Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, 6 p.m., free.
THURSDAY:
>> If you’ve got a fetish for a) cheesy 80s music and b) Tom Cruise, we’re thinking you’ll be at the 9:30 Club this evening when Berlin hits the stage. Yes, they’re still alive, and yes, they’re still touring. Watching every motion in this foolish lover’s game… $25.
FRIDAY:
>> Popular post-punkers (hurrah for alliteration!) Kaiser Chiefs hit the 9:30 Club tonight. Their infectious melodies and buzzsaw guitars will hook you right away. $15.
SUNDAY:
>> Perfect for a lazy Sunday – the McLean Community Center offers up weekly concerts at 3 p.m. in McLean Central Park. This Sunday it’s the Navy Commodores, the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, who will be playing classic big band tunes.
(With additional items from DCist contributor Sam Biddle)
(Image by Valerie Soles, taken from the Dischord web site)
