Gang Gang Dance. Photo by Leslie van Steltein.MONDAY
It takes a certain type of audaciousness to put a hype man on the payroll, and yet it’s hard to imagine some bands without them. Gang Gang Dance, being artsy Brooklynites, have upped the ante with Taka Imamura, who acts as its spiritual guide or vibes manager. Nice work if you can get it. The band is in town promoting Eye Contact, its most accessible release to date, a fact that may or may not relate to the recent surplus of positive vibes. With Bubbles, DJ Xiao Yang and DJ Jewd Law at Rock and Roll Hotel. 8:30 p.m., $15.
>> Fort Reno: The NRIs, The Gift (read our recent interview), The Union of Sgt. Teddy. 7:30 p.m. Free.
TUESDAY
Pat Benatar hasn’t stopped touring much since her ’80s heyday, but it’s rare she opts for the 9:30 Club over a more traditional summer amphitheater/state fair outing. Touted as “The Elements of Five” tour, she’ll be performing alongside her longtime producer and guitarist Neil Giraldo, who if the Pat Benatar fan club is to be believed, “is like fine wine who only gets better with age.” Daughters, lock up your mothers! 7 p.m., $45.
>> Wolf Trap: Lucinda Williams, Amos Lee. 8 p.m., $25-42.
>> Black Cat: Meredith Bragg, Matthew Hemerlein. 8:30 p.m., $10.
>> Rock and Roll Hotel: Cibo Matto, Tony Castles. 8 p.m., $20.
WEDNESDAY
With a forecast that promises oppressive heat, there could be no better way to cool down than a mid-week trip to Wolf Trap for the smooth sounds of Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. 8 p.m., $25-42.
>> 9:30 Club: The Glitch Mob, Phantogram, Com Truise. 7 p.m., $20.
THURSDAY
The recent news of Wolf Parade‘s indefinite hiatus is unfortunate, but those who follow the career of its principal songwriter Spencer Krug knew that he’d quickly immerse himself in other projects. On Thursday, he’ll be at The Black Cat’s Backstage with Moonface, who already has two releases to its name on Jagjaguwar, including the colorfully titled Dreamland EP: Marimba and Shit-Drums. With Flow Child. 9 p.m., $12.
>> Fort Reno: SPRCSS, The Ambulars, Fell Types. 7:30 p.m. Free.
T-Model Ford FRIDAY
T-Model Ford is a lifer. Presumed to be in his 90s — his exact age is open for debate — this old-fashioned Delta blues man continues to tour the country armed with an electric guitar and a lifetime’s supply of material. Authenticity can be difficult to quantify, but it’s nearly impossible to come away from one of his sets an unbeliever. At Velvet Lounge, 10 p.m., $8.
>> Rock and Roll Hotel: Swirles, Psychedelic Horseshit, Wild Fruit. 9 p.m., $12.
>> Iota: Heartless Bastards. 9 p.m., $15.
SATURDAY
Noon:30 is one of D.C.’s best-kept secrets, which is something of a mixed blessing — though it’s not due to our lack of trying to get the word out. On this otherwise quiet Saturday night, judge for yourself at the Velvet Lounge, along with Humdrum and Kate Charnock. 10 p.m., $8.
>> Wolf Trap: Emmylou Harris and her Red Dirt Boys. 8 p.m., $25-42.
SUNDAY
Wiz Khalifa‘s Rolling Papers World Tour takes to the Merriweather Post Pavilion and considering its blunt title (pun very much intended), one expects security to have its hands full. Those who make it inside will be treated to a strong line-up that includes Big Sean, Curren$y and Big K.R.I.T., among others. 3:30 p.m., $35-45.
>> The Red Palace: William Elliot Whitmore, Brandon Butler. 8 p.m., $12.
