Photo by urbangarden

MUSIC: The Pacific Northwest comes to Northwest. The Thermals are at the Black Cat with two other Portland bands, The Shaky Hands and Point Juncture. 8 p.m., $13 tickets are still available.

PANEL: The Sixth and I Historic Synagogue hosts the Slate Political Gabfest tonight, with Slate political commentators Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz. They’ll be focusing on the changes in Washington with the Obama administration as well as our lovely economic situation. Q&A will follow the discussion. $10 in advance; $12 day of the event. 7 p.m.

MUSIC: Detroit native Rodriguez, the ’70s folk-soul artist who’s been rediscovered after the recent re-release of two of his 30 year-old albums, is at Rock and Roll Hotel tonight with support from The War on Drugs and Donny Hue and the Colors. $15, 8 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR: If you’re not afflicted with Caps Fever and are still keeping up with ABC’s increasingly mystical Lost, you might want to stop by the pre-season finale happy hour tonight at The Reef, hosted by Washington Post bloggers Jen Chaney and Liz Kelly. Drink specials run from 5 to 7 p.m., and include such concoctions as the Dharma-tini, Jughead Juice, Jin and Tonic, Jack (Shephard) and Coke and Sex on the Beach (With Sawyer).

SPORTS: But forget all that, it’s game seven against the Penguins! If you’re hoping for a lively spot to watch the game out, the lounge at the Hotel Helix is hosting a Caps viewing party with special deals for Twitter users. Just mention you saw their Tweet to get 1/2 price Captain & Cokes, burgers and wings.