Jeru the Damaja

Tuesday:
>> Local artist Bomani Armah will be putting on a summer celebratory event, National Watermelon Day. Other performers on hand at Bloombars will include Christylez Bacon (***), Drew Anderson, Shelly Bell and many more. Free, 7 p.m.

Wednesday:
>> Back in 1994, Brooklyn’s Jeru the Damaja had one of the most revered albums of the year with The Sun Rises in the East. He’ll be in D.C. as a part of “Beat Grinder” at Liv along with Flex Mathews, Maverick, Kokayi, Nick tha 1da, Dunc (of DTMD), Eurok, Surock, Jon Laine, Damu the Fudgemunk and DJ Underdog. $15 in advance, 8 p.m.

Thursday:
>> Soul songstress Leela James released her third solo album this year, My Soul. She’ll be at the Black Cat along with Angela Johnson. $22 in advance/$25 at the door, 8 p.m.

>> “Cakes & Kisses” welcomes Homeboy Sandman to D.C.’s Asylum for a show with Chris Barz, Porche’ 9-11 a.k.a. P9E, Stef, Blvd-B and Lady Dy. $10, 9 p.m.