MONDAY
The longest day of the year occurred last week, but now that Fort Reno is here, summer has really started. Same rules apply: no glass bottles, no drugs, no alcohol and no charge. Valley Tours, Railsplitter and recent Three Stars subject Beasts of No Nation open the season. 7:15 p.m.
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to head elsewhere after Fort Reno, Fucked Up will be playing what is sure to be a memorable set at the Rock and Roll Hotel. The Toronto act had already gained some notoriety for their larger than life stage presence, but they also have equally ambitious material. This year’s David Comes To Life is an eighteen-song rock opera that pairs throaty shouting with music both psychedelic and raw. Jeff the Brotherhood and Regents open. $15, 8:30 p.m.
Jammin Java: Sloan, Hot Kid. $15, 8 p.m.
TUESDAY
It’s a contest of which drummer is the happiest at the sold out 9:30 Club show tonight. Kim Schifino of poppy partygoers Matt & Kim has often been deemed the smiliest drummer in indie rock (or perhaps the world). However, Westin Glass of The Thermals also has an effusive stage presence that sometimes overshadows the two members that actually write the songs. See for yourself if you can spot an extra ticket. 7 p.m.
Birchmere: Todd Rundgren. $39.50, 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
One of the most interesting new acts in D.C. is The Gift. The songs on Mostly In Sickness combine heavy hitting drums and guitars with low tuning with the visceral vocal stylings that Beck Levy showcased when she was in Turboslut. Their album release show will also include sets from Lady Piss and Suns of Guns open at the Black Cat Backstage. $8, 8 p.m.
THURSDAY
Don’t be fooled by the name, Pinche Gringo is actually from North Carolina. He is also his own very impressive one-man garage rock band, bringing forth all of the grit and power of four people. He’ll be at the Velvet Lounge tonight with Beach Bloods and Adam Thorn. $8, 10 p.m.
Fort Reno: Oh So Peligroso, Hundred Acre Wood, Elephant Pistol. Free, 7:15 p.m.
FRIDAY
If Billy Corgan and James Iha can come through town with their own projects, then why not Jimmy Chamberlin? The newest act that counts him as a member, Skysaw, will be at the Black Cat tonight. Cobra Collective and The Chance open. $13, 9 p.m.
Birchmere: Eric Roberson, Abby Dobson. $29.50, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Does R. Kelly really need an introduction? If this clip doesn’t convince you that the notorious R&B star is worth the price of admission, then do your homework and listen to his latest album, Love Letter or go watch Trapped in the Closet again before heading out to the Verizon Center. Or, on second thought, just watch Trapped in the Closet and listen to his latest album if ticket prices in the triple digits make you faint. $78-$103, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY
Although they lost rhythm guitarist John Hansen late last year, longtime D.C. staples and DIY new wavers The Slickee Boys will return for a rare show to the 9:30 Club where they have played an obscene number of shows during their existence. $15, 7 p.m.
Velvet Lounge: The Big Drum in the Sky Religion, Blue Sausage Infant, Degollado, Borborites. $8, 9:00 p.m.
