Dionne Farris performs at Liv on Wednesday.
Tuesday:
>> The precursor to the Can a Sista Rock a Mic? Festival (CASRAM) will be at Ben’s Next Door and feature local vocalist Lauren White. Free (21 & up), 8 p.m.
Wednesday:
>> Back in the 1990s, Dionne Farris first came into public view as a singer in Arrested Development. She went solo and hit it big with the single, “I Know.” Appearing at Liv as a part of CASRAM and with Leah Smith, Farris will perform some of her old material along with new tracks from her forthcoming album, On Top of the World. $15 in advance, 7:30 p.m.
>> Sy Smith got her start in D.C.’s go-go scene and has gone on to become a force on the indie soul circuit with three full-length albums under her belt. She’ll be back home making her first solo appearance at Blues Alley for two shows. $25+$12.50, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Thursday:
>> It hasn’t even been a month since they were last in town but the guys from Reflection Eternal are back at the Black Cat for the evening. Joining them will be local favorite, Tabi Bonney. $20 in advance/$25 at the door, 8 p.m.
Friday:
>> CASRAM continues with “Lady X,” a showcase of female visual and performing artists at solSpace (8504 Fenton Street, Silver Spring). Featured will be Shantell Martin, Megan Livingston and Carolyn Malachi. $10, 8 p.m.
>> Bay Area native Goapele is another one of the more prominent female vocalists on the independent soul scene. She’ll be at the 9:30 Club. $30, 8 p.m.
Saturday:
>> CASRAM’s “Summer Lovefest” brings together talented female artists for a show at downtown Silver Spring’s Ellsworth Drive Stage (916 Ellsworth Drive). Slated to perform are Alison Carney, Black Alley, Deborah Bond, Kimberly Nichole, Princess of Controversy, Ra the MC, Shae Fiol and Yahzarah. Free, 2 p.m.
>> She might only be a teenager but Tampa rapper Dominique Young Unique doesn’t seem to approach her music with any trepidation. Backed by some boombastic sounds, she’ll be at DC9. $8, 11 p.m.
Monday:
>> It seems like it was just yesterday he was starring on the updated version of the Canadian teen drama, Degrassi High, but Drake has progressed nicely into the world of hip-hop. So nicely, in fact, he’s sold out his show at the 9:30 Club. The usual alternative ticket acquisition methods are in effect, though. Sold out, 8 p.m.
