MONDAY

A night of shoegaze, distortion and experimentation is in the works tonight at the Velvet Lounge, as Phonic Riot, Trophy Wives and Dark Sea Dream play. It’s possible that these are the best local artists we haven’t profiled in Three Stars. Yet. (Except for Trophy Wives who are, in fact, from Louisville, Kentucky.) $8, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY

Admittedly, Reggie Watts‘ performance isn’t quite entirely musical — but he plays the piano, sings and beatboxes. It isn’t entirely comedy either, although he’ll switch up voices and crack people up with a combination of absurd and all-too-true observational humor. This will be his first of five performances in four nights at the Woolly Mammouth Theatre Company and standing room for tonight has already sold out. $35-$45, 8 p.m.

>> Iota: Jessica Lea Mayfield, Jonny Corndawg. $15, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

The Chance just got some love from the Washington City Paper’s One Track Mind column and now they’ll be playing at the Black Cat in celebration of their album release with the talented cello/guitar duo Janel & Anthony. $10, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY

It’s a double dose of Merge Records songwriters at Iota. David Kilgour (of influential New Zealand post-punk band The Clean) will open for Richard Buckner, whose latest album Our Blood has been as well received as any of the eleven in his catalog. $16, 8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

John Prine has been actively writing country and folk songs for over roughly four decades for both himself and other singer-songwriters such as David Allan Coe. He’ll be at Wolf Trap with another acclaimed singer-songwriter, Richard Thompson. $42 in-house / $25 lawn, 8 p.m.

>> Red Palace: Tim Kasher, Aficionado. $12, 9 p.m.

>> Black Cat: Modern Man, The Dustys, Harper Blynn. $10, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY

It’s sort of bewildering, inspiring and astounding that the Chuck Brown is 75 years old and still playing go-go with an energy that puts much younger artists to shame. For the Godfather’s 75th birthday celebration, Bootsy Collins will serve as the host at the 9:30 Club. $30, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

One of the many celebrations taking place in honor of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication will be happening at the 9:30 Club. The Hip Hop Caucus will be bringing a lot of great acts like Mr. Cheeks, Laelo Hood, Violet Says 5, Substantial and Awthentik (with Biz Markie DJing the whole event), and proceeds from the show will benefit the Hurricane Katrina Commemoration March. $12, 7 p.m.

>> DC9: Office of Future Plans, The Pauses. $8 in advance / $10 day of show, 8 p.m.