So, it’s kind of a slow week for music in D.C. Labor Day weekend is beckoning, 9:30 is dark most of the week, and Black Cat is closed for a few days to make repairs. But give DCist lemons, and DCist makes lemonade, unearthing these gems for this last week of August.
MONDAY:
>> The early 1990s were full of quasi-generic melodic soft rock acts. We won’t say that Toad the Wet Sprocket stood head and shoulders above the crowd, but we will say that Toad managed to put together some accomplished albums, and a few sneaky hits that still pop into our heads, apropos of nothing, and won’t leave. Seeing lead singer Glen Phillips at Jammin’ Java should be a treat. $15.
TUESDAY:
>> The Warehouse has an intriguing show lined up with New Electric, a band with jazz roots, as well as two members of the hardcore-ish Nakatomi Plaza. The band takes the stage with Polar, and crazy Richmond electronic act Souvenirs Young America. $6.
>> There’s also the always badass Bluestate crew, hitting the decks at Saint Ex around 9 in the PM.
WEDNESDAY:
>> It’s a night of straight up local rock as Butros Butros (a self-described hillbilly rock ‘n’ roll group with an international politics-type theme), The High Signs, and Barakus (new EP in hand) play DC9. Only $7 for several hours of no-foolin’ guitar rock.
THURSDAY:
>> For a change of pace, and a smooth end to August, check out bluesy jazz pianist Mose Allison at Georgetown’s Blues Alley.
FRIDAY:
>> It’s our designated Dischord night of the week as Medications (who we saw not long ago at Fort Reno) play what should be an all-fixed-up Black Cat. They bring along their playing partner from the fort, Mary Timony and Anousheh Khalili in a show that benefits Ramona’s Way. $8.
SATURDAY:
>> It’s the ten-year anniversary show for Lovitt Records, featuring a host of accomplished bands, including Engine Down (in their second to last show ever), Del Cielo, Fin Fang Foom, and others. A can’t miss night at Black Cat. $10.
>> As we accidentally mentioned last week, Will Hoge is playing at 9:30 club with Bicycle Thieves and Army of Me.
SUNDAY:
>> Finish the week off with a breath of fresh air, as the National Symphony Orchestra plays an outdoor concert on the west lawn of the Capitol. The event is free and begins at 8 p.m.
