MONDAY
>> A big DCist whale cake anniversary shout-out to the Black Cat, which celebrates its sweet sixteen this evening with an intimate backstage performance by former D.C. psych-rockers Dead Meadow, who are joined by The Shirks. DJs will be spinning over in the Red Room to celebrate as well. If this turns out to be anything like Samantha Baker‘s big day, it could turn out to be one crazy night. 9 p.m., $10.

>>Artful indie poppers The Pomegranates hail from Cincinnati, but recorded their most recent record right here in the D.C. area at Inner Ear. They’ll be back in town at DC9 with Phantogram and Power Pirate. 8:30 p.m., $8.

TUESDAY
>>Jay Farrar’s post-Uncle Tupelo trajectory has been somewhat less meteoric than his erstwhile companion Jeff Tweedy, but he’s been doing a lot of solid work with his now-longtime band Son Volt, which has tended to show him as the far more country half of the pair. The band is currently on tour in support of their sixth LP, American Central Dust, and find themselves at the 9:30 Club with Sera Cahoone. $20

>>Local act The Orchid will be gazing at their Chucks at the Red and the Black, along with The Modern Society. 9:30 p.m., $6.