Erik Rico Wednesday:
>> Tabi Bonney is one of D.C.’s most notable artists right now, and he’ll be using his clout to advance the effort of voting rights for the District. He’ll be performing on the west steps of the Capitol with several other artists, including Kyonte. Free, 5:30 p.m.
>> Left Coast duo Blu & Exile had one of the best albums of 2007, Below the Heavens. They’ll be headlining a bill at Liv that will also feature Three Stars alum Flex Mathews, Damu the Fudgemonk, Ardamus, and DJ Underdog. $15 in advance, 9 p.m.
Thursday:
>> New Orleans-bred singer Teedra Moses broke onto the scene several years back with the help of Raphael Saadiq. She’ll be at Bohemian Caverns with Three Stars alumna Muhsinah. $18 in advance, 9 p.m.
>> Part of the “Engage” hip-hop festival, “Cakes & Kisses” will feature The Five One, RAtheMC, and Lyriciss at Asylum. Free, 9 p.m.
Friday:
>> LACED is back with the “Evolution of Culture” art show. Along with showcasing the works of local artists, the night will also feature music by Rangashree Varadarajan, V:Shal Kanwar, DJ Adrian Loving, and DJ I-Wah. Wisconsin Overlook (2136 Wisconsin Avenue NW) will be the venue. $10, 6 p.m.
>> The “Engage” festival’s second event is the Mindpower Freestyle Cypher at Chief Ike’s. Free, 8 p.m.
>> Vocalist Monday Michiru has been active on the acid jazz and soulful house scenes for years now. She’ll be performing two shows on both Friday and Saturday nights at Bohemian Caverns. $22.50 in advance, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
>> U.K. soul artist Omar is stateside for a set at the Warehouse Loft (411 New York Avenue NE). $20-$40 in advance, 9 p.m.
>> The “Disco City” party returns to the Rock and Roll Hotel‘s Hotel Bar with DJs Chris Burns and Maximillion Dunbar spinning dance classics from the 1970s and 1980s. Free, 9:30 p.m.
>> DJ Nitekrawler‘s monthly “Moneytown” party is back at Dahlak (1771 U Street NW) with guest DJ Jared Boxx out of New York. Free, 10 p.m.
Saturday
>> The Hip-Hop Cinema Cafe will be presenting the documentary Bomb It at the Historical Society of D.C.. Free, 2 p.m.
>> The final “Engage” event goes down at the Nyumburu Cultural Center on the University of Maryland’s campus. “Rap Leagues” will feature a freestyle battle ($200 prize) along with acts Rosetta Stoned, The Five One, and G-Five Clive. $5 in advance/$10 at the door/$10 freestyle battle registration, 7 p.m.
>> DJ Sun, of the Mushroom Jazz series, will be at the Eighteenth Street Lounge. $TBA, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday:
>> Crooner Robin Thicke and Oscar and Grammy-winning songstress Jennifer Hudson will be at Constitution Hall for one night only. $64-$74, 7:30 p.m.
Monday
>> Nu-Jazz/electronic soul rising star, Erik Rico (pictured), will be taking part in the latest edition of “In The Artist’s Studio” at Busboys and Poets‘ 14th Street NW location. $10 in advance, 9 p.m.
