Photo of Jessie Ware by Kate Moross

TUESDAY

One of Song of the Day columnist’s favorite artists of 2012, Jessie Ware, has miraculously not sold out the 9:30 Club off the strength of her smooth R&B/pop album Devotion (not to be confused with that other Devotion). This can only be attributed to the fact that this full length actually hasn’t received an American release. It’s doubtful that she’ll remain in a ~1000 capacity venue for much longer, so catch her now with Rochelle Jordan. $18, 7:00 p.m.

>> Rock and Roll Hotel: Emilie Autumn. $20, 7:00 p.m.

>> Smash Records: California X, Priests, Gouge Away. $5, 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

The prolific and charismatic Morrissey has sold out the Strathmore and really, should we have to explain to you the genius of Morrissey? No, I don’t mean Aaron (although I shouldn’t have to explain that either, right?) All tickets from his cancelled December 7th show will be honored and apparently he has buried the hatchet with his Kate Bush-esque former tourmate Kristeen Young as she’s opening for him again on this outing. Sold Out, 7:00 p.m.

>> Black Cat: The Amazing, Mittenfields. $12, 8:00 p.m.

>> DC9: Freakwater, Grain Thief. $12, 9:00 p.m.

THURSDAY


Atlanta quartet Gringo Star isn’t the only band out there with a name that’s a joking reference to the Beatles drummer but The Beach Boys is the ’60s band that appears to be more of a reference point for this group. The high pitched vocals and “whoa-wah-oh-wah-ohs” recall the Wilson brothers even when buried under fuzz and distortion such as on, “Make You Mine.” Midnight Spin and America Hearts open the show at the @ Black Cat. $12, 8:00 p.m.

>> 9:30 Club: Thievery Corporation. First of three nights. All sold out. 7:00 p.m.


FRIDAY

They’ve been around for over a decade and have gone through many different stylistic iterations, but the fuzzy dream pop of the mid 2000s seems to have suited Blonde Redhead the best. That said, apparently they’re testing out new music this tour and we’re psyched to see what sorts of tunes they’ll be bringing to U Street Music Hall. Exitmusic opens. $25, 7:00 p.m.

>> Comet Ping Pong: Days Run Away, Lowercase Letters, Margot MacDonald. $10, 10:00 p.m.

>> Jammin‘ Java: Rhett Miller and Black Prairie. $15-$25, 8:00 p.m.



SATURDAY

As the inauguration draws closer and the celebrities start to descend upon the District (Ke$ha, anyone?), the best musical event tonight will actually be a DJ set by our other favorite animal rights activist, Moby. Don’t expect singing, but some remixes of his songs might be in the cards and U Street Music Hall co-owner Will Eastman will provide an equally lively set of his own (as he does.) Sold Out, 10:00 p.m.


SUNDAY

A few years ago, Ellie Goulding experienced a meteoric rise to stardom, impressing us when she was merely selling out Rock and Roll Hotel (as bands do before going straight to Merriweather-sized venues, it seems). She’s sold out the Fillmore and we’re wondering if she still even emails her fans to go on runs anymore! Knowledgeable commenters? Sold Out, 8:00 p.m.

>> 9:30 Club: Planned Parenthood and Rock the Vote present Plan to Rock! with Delta Rae, Q-Tip. $75, 6:00 p.m.

>> DC9: United Nations, Black Clouds, Old Lines. $10, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY

For an event that isn’t a ball that charges a bajillion dollars (okay, probably more like a hundred) and an invite to boot, check out an event that’s away from the madness in D.C. and see Erin McKeown at Iota. The Virginia native is a firecracker onstage, thoroughly entertaining as she channels both the zoot suit era and the lively mountain folk music. 
Jenn Grant opens. $15, 8:00 p.m.