Eric Hilton and Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation. Photo courtesy of Fresh Clean Media.

MONDAY

He’s a celebrated bartender at the 9:30 Club and the inaugural artist on their record label. Now, Three Stars alumnus Justin Jones and his band have a residency down the street at DC9. In fact, the residency started in December, so take advantage of early January’s concert lull and catch him tonight. Free. 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

Combining Angolan kuduro beats with more modern electronic dance music has made Buraka Som Sistema a force in their native Portugal. The four-DJ collective will be at U Street Music Hall tonight (not the 9:30 Club as originally advertised) with opener Willy Joy. $15, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

So, you forgot to buy tickets to any of the shows of Thievery Corporation‘s three-night stint at the 9:30 Club? To quote the Dismemberment Plan, “This can’t be new to you by now.” But they’ve always got a fun Ferris Wheel of guests cycling on and off the stage for their show, so consult Craig if you’re suddenly remembering how much fun you had last time. Novalima opens. Sold out, 7 p.m.



THURSDAY

Not all side projects are created equal. While bands may aspire to the heights of the New Pornographers and Grindermans of the world, we end up with just as many forgettable acts. Who among us remembers (or even wants to) The Finger? We have higher hopes for Yip Deceiver (featuring of Montreal members Davey Pierce and Nicholas Dobbratz) who will be at the Velvet Lounge tonight. Drawbridges, The Absent Center and the Velvet Ants open. $8, 9 p.m.

Kennedy Center: Yoko K. Free, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY

DTMD has the distinction of having released Jacarl Melton’s favorite album of 2011 and tonight they’ll be opening at the Black Cat for Tabi Bonney. $15, 9 p.m.

Velvet Lounge: Meow vs. Meow, Vinny Vegas, Pompeii Graffiti. $8, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY

Don’t let the rocking out of Cults’ album cover full you, the San Diego band’s live show is a perfectly manicured affair with timed swaying and sweet pop melodies. When I caught their set back in March, I was not having it, but their cuteness has clearly charmed the rest of the music loving world. Both Black Cat shows with Dirty Fences are sold out. You know what? Good for them. 6 and 9 p.m.

Iota: Tom McBride, Kingsley Flood. $12, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

We profiled hard rocking locals Gist some time ago in Three Stars, but lead singer Nayan Bhula also has a more relaxed side that he demonstrates in his band the NRIs. Tonight they’ll be at Galaxy Hut with Loser Leaves Town. $5, 9 p.m.