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 – $48, 8:00.
TUESDAY:
>>No, they’re not a Doors cover band. Surviving members Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek, joined by The Cult’s Ian Ashbury to fill Jim Morrison’s shoes, are on tour performing The Doors songs under the moniker Doors of the 21st Century (or, D21C). It’s a risky endeavor, but so far people dig it. See for yourself at the 9:30 Club. $55, 7:30.
WEDNESDAY:
>>It’s been 31 years since the last New York Dolls album, Too Much Too Soon. See if they’ve still got what it took to influence the Sex Pistols, and why Buster Poindexter should seriously consider a facial. The band is on tour to promote their new studio album, scheduled for release next spring. $35, 9:30 Club, doors at 7:30.
>>Neil Diamond’s been selling out shows for 5 decades without slowing down. Are you a believer? Bring your mom to the MCI Center and find out. $42.50 – $85, 8:00.
>>If you’re punk rock enough not to work a 9 to 5, head over to Nissan Pavillion for the Vans Warped Tour. In its eleventh year, the Warped Tour is offering up bands like The Offspring, The Dead 60s, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and MxPx. Pull out your checkerboard slip on sneakers and enjoy the show. $29.50, 10 AM.
>>We all go a little crazy sometimes. Brush it off and SMiLE with one of the most influential songwriters in rock and roll. Brian Wilson at Wolf Trap. $25 – $38, 8:00.
THURSDAY:
>>If you like throwback rock and Volkswagen commercials, head to the 9:30 Club to catch Kings of Leon and The Secret Machines. Whether Aha Shake Heartbreak or Now Here Is Nowhere has been your commuter soundtrack of choice, both bands are known for solid live performances. The show’s sold out, but Craig might have some options. 7:30.
FRIDAY:
>>If you’re not afraid to admit that you get some of your music recommendations from The WB, warm up your swaying and hand-holding muscles, and head to 9:30 to see Ray LaMontagne. Check Craigslist for tickets to the sold out show. 9:00.
SATURDAY:
>>Two nights to Whip It good. Get ready and let Devo remind you that you don’t need eyeliner to rock. Saturday (9:00) and Sunday (7:30) at the 9:30 Club. $55.
>>She got us to spin the bottle in the 90s. See what Juliana Hatfield’s been doing with her time since at IOTA. $15, 9:30.
>>Fresh from college, Tommy Lee and the rest of Motley Crue are sure to bring some unrest to the Nissan Pavilion tonight. As an added bonus, Avril Lavigne’s fiancé and Mickey Dolenz dead-ringer Deryck Whibley (and the rest of Sum 41) is opening. $20 – $78.50, 6:00.
SUNDAY:
>>Do you love rock n roll? Show up at Ashburn’s Belmont Country Club, when Joan Jett & The Blackhearts come to town. Don’t let the irony of Joan Jett playing at a Country Club pass you by. Loudon Summer Music Fest w/Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, $15, 5:00.
