MONDAY
>> Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts return to D.C., and this time they’re playing at a larger, more Metro-accessible venue. While critics don’t exactly love the new album, Let’s Just Be, Arthur puts on a great live show. Check him out at the 9:30 Club with Stars of Track and Field opening. 7:30 p.m. $15.
TUESDAY
>> Local upstarts Le Loup, fresh off signing with Hardly Art, are opening for The Rosebuds, the band constantly competing with Mates of State for indie rock’s favorite husband/wife duo. At Rock and Roll Hotel, $10, 9 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
>> The Boston-based quintet The Sterns will play DC9 with Maryland’s The Skydivers and E. Joseph. $8.
THURSDAY
>> We’ll use this space to say how surprised and upset we are that Melinda Doolittle got kicked off American Idol. Seriously, America. What’s wrong with you? Melinda owned last week and you sent one-hit wonder Blake and the very mediocre Jordin Sparks through to the finale? You suck. But don’t worry, Melinda. Chris Daughtry is proof that you don’t have to win Idol to be a winner. Daughtry plays a sold out show at the 9:30 Club tonight with Day of Fire and Cinder Road. As our hero The Todd would say, Tough-Break Five!
