TOKiMONSTA Wednesday:
>> Vocalist and former D.C. resident Sy Smith is teaming up with her Foreign Exchange touring band mate, Zo! for two shows at Blues Alley in support of her latest release, Fast and Curious. $25. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
>> The Brainfeeder label has been responsible for a good amount of quality hip-hop-based electronic music over the past few years. L.A.-born and bred Jennifer Lee, a.k.a. TOKiMONSTA, has been one of that imprint’s marquee names. She’ll be performing at U Street Music Hall along with Suzi Analog. $12 in advance / $15 at the door. 9 p.m.
Friday:
>> Having been blind nearly all his life, Raul Midón‘s development into a well-regarded vocalist and guitarist is even that more amazing. The New Mexico native and “Sunshine” singer will be at The Howard Theatre where he’ll perform from his Latin-influenced repertoire. $15 in advance / $20 at the door. 8 p.m.
>> Latin funk band Grupo Fantasma is the headliner but they’ll be joined by local emcee/producer Oddisee, who’s just released a new album, People Hear What They See. He’ll also have a backing bad for this show at the Black Cat. $15 in advance / $18 at the door. 9 p.m.
>> You don’t necessarily think soul music when you hear that an artist is from the Netherlands. However, Mar is out to change that. The Dutch vocalist will be performing at Montserrrat House with his longtime friend and collaborator, Full Crate, and opener DJ Cam Jus. $10 in advance. 9:30 p.m.
Saturday:
>> After being delayed due to the death of Beastie Boy Adam “MCA” Yauch, the “Def Jam 25” will happen tonight at the Lincoln Theatre. A panel discussion will feature founding members of Def Jam’s corporate team as well as former Def Jam artist Buggs (of D.C.’s Junkyard Band) and De La Soul’s Maseo. Headlining the musical performance portion of the show will be EPMD and several local acts including Gods’illa, Uptown XO and Poem-cees. $35 in advance / $42.50 at the door / $50 box seats / $85 for ticket and book Def Jam: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label. 7 p.m.
>> British singer Michael Kiwanuka is making a name for himself with his stylistic homage to Bill Withers, among others. He’ll be headlining at the Rock and Roll Hotel. $16. 7 p.m.
>> Melanie Fiona and Dwele headline the “Pink and White Affair” and will be joined by Familiar Faces and Black Alley at National Harbor’s Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. $50 in advance. 8 p.m.
