Meredith Bragg

MONDAY
According to his own records, Meredith Bragg will play with a full band tonight for the first time in nearly three years. He’ll inhabit the Black Cat Backstage tonight with new material (Bragg finished a new album in December), performing for his neighbors before heading to SXSW. It will be a quiet show, with carefully chosen lyrics and gently strummed guitars, but a excellent way to cushion the blow of a Monday. Oh So Peligroso opens, doors at 9:00 p.m.

TUESDAY
Need some time to think about life? Do it with a talented pair of introspective troubadours as the Black Cat hosts “The Black Cat: An Evening with Matt Pond and Rocky Votolato. Pond typically fronts matt pond PA, but breaks here to fly solo, and Votolato abandons his rock band roots to work the room with an acoustic guitar. 8:00 p.m., $13.

DC9: Murs with Whole Wheat Bread, Ab-Soul, DJ Foundation, 8:00 p.m., $16.

WEDNESDAY
Looking for a way to have all of your senses destroyed in one go? Lurk outside the 9:30 Club for a ticket to the sold out Crystal Castles show (just as it was last year). With Teengirl Fantasy, doors at 7:00 p.m.

For a less intense (and actually achievable) evening, move a few doors down to the Velvet Lounge for neo-soul with Dreaded Experience, joined by Milkman’s Union and A Million Years. 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Loretta Lynn will visit the 9:30 Club with Secret Sisters this evening. Let’s be honest — she’s a legend. She is country music, and has been for 50 years. How many chances will you get to see her, especially in a venue this size? 7:00 p.m., $55.

But if you just can’t stand the idea of country music, even performed by one its greats, hit the U Street Music Hall‘s 1 Year Anniversary Party. Jesse Rose, Justin Martin and Nadastrom will be on deck for the celebration. But be warned — the RSVP list is full, and there’s no presale. 9:00 p.m. $10 at the door.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

FRIDAY
Check in on the Seth Hurwitz-supported Justin Jones and the Driving Rain with homegrown talent Laura Tsaggaris and Brandon Minow at Iota. While Jones’ alt-country may have the hype, Tsaggaris’ brand is the true draw. 9 p.m., $12.

Rock and Roll Hotel: Swift Technique, A Cool Stick, Soul Cannon, Ponderosis. 8:00 p.m., $10

SATURDAY
Tim Barry, who used to front Richmond punkers Avail, brings his solo folkish stylings to the Red Palace. Jenny Owen Youngs and Josh Small open. 8:00 p.m., $10.

SUNDAY
Back from an indefinite hiatus that began in 2002, Montreal band Godspeed You! Black Emperor visits the 9:30 Club with Eric Chenaux, and, more likely than not, a projectionist and at least nine musicians in tow to present the politically charged, orchestral rock that their fans have come to love. 7 p.m. Sold out.