George Smallwood Tuesday (12/18):
>> All The Best Kids are a hip-hop band formed earlier this year boasting members from the East Coast and Midwest. They’ll be headlining this DC9 show with Uptown XO and The Whole Damme Delegation are also on the bill. $8. 8 p.m.
Friday:
>> Amel Larrieux has possessed one of the best voices in R&B for the past 20 years, first as the female lead on Groove Theory hits like “Tell Me” and then as a solo act with “Get Up.” She returns to D.C. for a show at the Howard Theatre. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the door. 8 p.m.
>> Black Alley has a recurring “Hipster Heights: Blipster Nights!” set at Liv. 10 p.m.
Saturday:
>> “Axel F” is getting into the spirit of the season and will be hosting its “Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Holiday Party!” at Liv. As usual, DJs Jahsonic, Adrian Loving and Stylus will be bringing the gifts of musical funkiness produced between 1977 and 1987. Admission $5. 10 p.m.
Sunday:
>> Grammy-winning songstress Melanie Fiona has made a name for herself rather quickly with tracks like “Fool For You,” a duet with Cee-Lo Green. The Toronto native will be a part of “R&B Live” at the Howard Theatre. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 8 p.m.
December 27:
>> Without a doubt, Eric Roberson is the indie soul scene’s leading man. The New Jersey-born, Howard-educated singer’s 2011 album, Mister Nice Guy, marked 10 years of independent releases and fans couldn’t have been happier. Roberson will be at the Howard Theatre for the evening. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the door. 8 p.m.
>> When DCist interviewed PPU Records’ Andrew Morgan in 2010, he discussed one of his artists, George Smallwood. In a 2009 interview, Smallwood discussed the revival of his career due to rare record enthusiasts. The Hyattsville soulman will be coming out of a self-imposed hiatus for his show at Tropicalia where Morgan and Future Times‘ Max D will be performing. Admission $5. 9 p.m.
December 28:
>> Working as a commodities broker in the mid-1980s, Keith Sweat wasn’t a star of any sort. But by 1987, Sweat was well on his way to selling four million copies of his debut album, Make It Last, and becoming a leader of the New Jack Swing movement. The “I Want Her” and “Twisted” singer will be at the Howard Theatre. Tickets $45 in advance, $49 at the door. 8 p.m.
>> Local dance music DJ heroes Sam “The Man” Burns and Chris Burns face off in this edition of “Red Fridays” at U Street Music Hall. Admission $10. 10 p.m.
December 30:
>> Grammy-nominated R&B singer and Clinton, Md. native Tank takes to the Birchmere stage. Tickets $55. 7:30 p.m.
>> The Philly-based husband-wife team of Kindred the Family Soul has been entertaining crowds for nearly a decade, having made a big splash with the track “Far Away.” They’ll be at the Howard Theatre. Tickets $32.50 in advance, $37 at the door. 8 p.m.
December 31:
>> With their regular gig as the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on break for the holidays, The Roots are travelling down I-95 to the Fillmore Silver Spring for a New Year’s Eve show. Tickets $75. 9 p.m.
>> If you can’t make it out to The Roots’ show, don’t fret. Questlove will be trading his drumsticks in for turntables later that evening to help revelers bring in 2013. Joining him for two levels of music at Liv/Tap & Parlour/Bohemian Caverns complex will be DJs 2-Tone Jones and Underdog as well as other live bands. Tickets $50 in advance. 9 p.m.
January 1, 2013:
>> It’s been a banner year for hometown hero, Wale who was recently nominated for a Grammy award for best hip-hop song. In a budding tradition, he’ll have a New Year’s Day show, this time at the Fillmore Silver Spring. Tickets $35. 8 p.m.
