We successfully sailed the ocean blue and are back with this week’s shortened music picks.
TUESDAY
>> It’s an early show/late show kind of night at the 9:30 Club (directions from DCist Maps). Come by at 6 p.m. to catch Anna Nalick, the songstress TV networks love to dramatize commercials with, for $15. Pound a Red Bull and stay for the late show as Blues Traveler gets all your harmonica lovin’ ya yas out. $25, 10 p.m.
>> Fox chose baseball over Prison Break last night, but fear not — there’s a Scofield in town to ease the transition. Jazz guitarist John Scofield is at Falls Church’s State Theater (map) with “trance” blues man Otis Taylor. $20, 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
>> We know she fell into The Gap, but let’s see if Liz Phair still has any of that Exile in Guyville edge. With Matt Pond PA at the 9:30 Club. $25, 7:30 p.m.
>> Pitchfork hates The Warlocks. Sometimes though, that’s a good reason to give a band a chance. With The Bellrays and Gris-Gris at the Black Cat (map). $12, 8:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
>> We first fell in love with Owen Wilson when he uttered the words, “I’ll tell you one thing that really drives me nuts is people who think that Jethro Tull is just a guy in a band.” If flute rock still sends you to a happy place, then catch Owen’s fever and check them out at DAR Constitution Hall. $50 to $80, 8 p.m.
>> You can also check out The Nethers, featuring former members of The Carlsonics, at the Warehouse, as they release their new album. 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
>> When Def Leppard douses the crowd with sugar, Bryan Adams will be waiting in the wings to beg forgiveness. With a head-scratching double bill, Def Leppard and Bryan Adams come to the Nissan Pavilion tonight. Don’t forget to leave early. $20 to $49.50, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
>> Touring in support of one of our favorite albums this year, the New Pornographers come to 9:30 tonight. This band may have started as a project, but it’s proven its staying power their third album. The show’s sold out, so give Craig a whirl. 9 p.m.
>> The Architecture in Helsinki show last week was lack-lustre. Perhaps the band that they’re constantly compared to will leave us feeling more positive about rollicking bands with wacky lyrics. The Fiery Furnaces at the Black Cat, $15, 8:30 p.m.
>> And if you’re free earlier, go see The Caribbean play their perfectly quirky indie pop at an in-store show at Revolution Records. But first check out their website. It’s quirky, too. 6 p.m.
