Monday
>> Benjy Ferree continues to make a bid for the title of hardest working man in D.C. rock ‘n’ roll with a performance of his raucous and rootsy tunes on the Black Cat backstage. The former Three Stars subject will be joined by The Griefs 9 p.m., $8.

>> It’s a busy week of high profile acts at the 9:30 Club this week. It all starts tonight with the “Hip Hop Live” tour, sponsored by Flow.TV, which features Talib Kweli, David Banner, and B.O.B. w/ Rhythm Roots Allstars. 7 p.m., $25.

Tuesday
>> It seems that many local bands end up breaking up after a member leaves town; that’s the case with the most recent casualty, Julie Ocean, who say they can’t do it with members living in different parts of the country. One band that proves the opposite is The New Year, who write songs via correspondence, sending tapes of ideas around to their far flung members until they come together to record them. They’re touring in support of their latest, eponymous, release, and will be at DC9 with The Ugly Suit. 8:30 p.m. $10 advance, $12 at the door.

>> Indie-rock wunderkind Ben Kweller may seem like he’s been around forever, but he’s still practically a fresh faced kid at 27. He’s on tour in preparation for the 2009 release of his next record, so you can be sure to hear lots of new material at his show at the Rock and Roll Hotel this week. He’s traveling with Aussie folkies Whitley. 7:30 p.m., $20.

>> DMBQ are a raucous Japanese hard rock outfit fond of Led Zeppelin. Expect loud solos at the Velvet Lounge. 9 p.m., $12.