Lightning Bolt

TUESDAY

The aura surrounding Rhode Island’s Lightning Bolt’s live show is that of breathless reverence; some speak of it with an enthusiasm generally reserved for religious experiences. While the band’s glorious racket has never quite moved me to transcendence, it is something worth seeing at least once. Beloved local prog-poppers Hume open along with Les Rhinocéros. 8:30 p.m., $12.

The dearth of good young bands in DC is perpetually exaggerated; head to the Black Cat (backstage) for three current examples of how this city’s music scene continues to thrive despite the vocal naysayers: Foul Swoops, Priests, and Fell Types. 8:00 p.m., $8.

>>Birchmere: Steve Earle, The Mastersons. 7:30 p.m., $59.50.

WEDNESDAY

Love him or hate him, they don’t quite make them like Anton Newcombe anymore. The mercurial Brian Jonestown Massacre lead singer has been writing psychedelic paeans to the rock gods of another generation–Lennon, Jagger, Reed–for nearly twenty years now. He has never come close to matching the greatness of his heroes but his valiant attempts have helped them amass a devoted cult of true believers. At 9:30 with Magic Castles. 7:00 p.m., $25.

THURSDAY

The pleasures of Kelly Clarkson‘s brand of empowerment pop is undeniable. Such is not the case with Grey’s Anatomy lottery winners The Fray. Luckily, Jiffy Lube Live! has eased up on their tailgating policy. With Carolina Liar. 7:00 p.m., $26-85.

FRIDAY

Often imitated, nothing comes close to the famously soothing pipes of Rev. Al Green. Grab a picnic basket and head out to the great lawn of Wolf Trap; if that doesn’t help you score some points, nothing will. With Taj Mahal. $25-45.

SATURDAY

On an otherwise quiet Saturday night, local troubadour Justin Jones is at IOTA tonight, a more intimate spot than his next local appearance. John Bustine opens. 9:00 p.m., $12.

SUNDAY

Grisham

A self-proclaimed vanity project, Jack Grisham’s LOST Soul (featuring the music of T.S.O.L. and The Joykiller) will bring its distinct brand of niche punk nostalgia to DC9 along with Dot Dash, Sister Ex. 9:00 p.m., $12.

>>Black Cat (backstage): A benefit for Right Rides DC with Coup Savage & the Snips, Queer Pressure, Hand Grenade Job. 8:00 p.m., $10. >

>>Verizon Center: Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, Melanie Fiona. 7:00 p.m., $50.55-171.05.