TUESDAY
Van Hunt was recently highlighted in Express’ recent Fall Music Preview as one of the must see shows of the fall. The bluesy multi-instrumentalist with the smooth R&B voice will be at the Birchmere tonight. $25, 7:30 p.m.
>> Iota: Tristan Prettyman, Chris Kasper. $18, 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Fang Island started impressing fans and critics alike when they started touring nationally over the past year. There’s something to be said about a unique outfit that combines math rock percussion, prog rock guitars and harmonies that sound like they could have come off of the last Fleet Foxes record. Get to Red Palace early for Imperial China. $10 in advance / $12 day of show, 8:30 p.m.
>> 9:30 Club: Mates of State, Suckers, Yawn. $25, 10 p.m.
THURSDAY
When we saw Glasser at SXSW this year, we were blown away both by her cold yet ethereal vocals and by the artistry of her performance. We’re psyched that she’s at the 9:30 Club despite a lukewarm reception last time she was in town. She’ll be opening for Elbow tonight. $35, 7 p.m.
>> Red Palace: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., People Get Ready. $12 in advance / $14 day of show, 8:30 p.m.
>> Jammin’ Java: Miniature Tigers, Blackberry Belles. $10 in advance / $13 day of show, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY
This is the last real week for great outdoor shows, as fall is now upon us. Maybe it will actually make sense this time around for the harmonizing mountain men of Fleet Foxes to wear those wool hats. Some of our favorite (formerly) local sons, The Walkmen, will be opening at Merriweather Post Pavilion. $40/$25, 6 p.m.
>> Red Palace: Megafaun, Matthew White. $12, 10 p.m.
>> 9:30 Club: The Head and the Heart, Thao and the Get Down, Stay Down, The Devil Whale. Sold out, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY
They can’t officially call it an honest-to-goodness Kyuss reunion tour without original guitarist Josh Homme (and bassist Nick Oliveri is likely now to go to jail for a very long time) but Kyuss Lives!, the set of classic stoner rock songs from the rest of the original members, is set to come to the 9:30 Club this Saturday. The Sword opens. $30, 7 p.m.
>> Birchmere: Melissa Ferrick, Ria Mae. $25, 7:30 p.m.
>> Iota: Cobra Collective, The Dustys, Cinnamon Band. $10, 9 p.m.
>> Black Cat: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Hooray For Earth, Beige. $12/$14, 9 p.m.
SUNDAY
There is pretty much no way to go wrong with show picks tonight. While we doubt that Wilco will repeat their three-hour set from last year since they’re playing an outdoor show at Merriweather Post Pavilion, the band’s new album (which is currently streaming on NPR) has received better press than anything they’ve done since A Ghost Is Born. If you’re still on the fence, Nick Lowe is opening. $40/$30, 5:30 p.m.
One of the most dynamic live acts we’ve seen this year also had one of the best albums that we’ve heard this year. Damian Abraham of Toronto’s sprawling Fucked Up excels at whipping the crowd into a frenzy while singing and screaming along to some of the more memorable lyrics from this year’s David Comes To Life. The King of the Beach himself, Wavves, will be opening — the last time he came through, fans launched beach balls through the crowd. We don’t expect that this Black Cat show will be any different. $16, 8 p.m.
Since releasing Pieces of the People We Love five years ago, The Rapture has lost a member and lead singer Luke Jenner has become a father. As such, the time lapse makes sense, but the band that once opened for Daft Punk and topped Pitchfork’s Best Albums list in 2003 will be back at U Street Music Hall with their D.C. debut of tracks from In the Grace of Your Love. $15 in advance/$18 day of show, 9 p.m.
