Early in last night’s set at The Birchmere, jazz vocalist par excellence Cassandra Wilson announced that she was on tour despite not having an album to support (in fact she has released thirteen albums during her stellar career). As a result, last night’s audience was witness to a lighthearted and informal evening of music that was as much jam session as it was a concert. Wilson and her first-rate band came out without a set…

>> We’ve checked out Page France a couple of times and are sure you’ll have a good time if you head down to the Red and the Black tonight. They’re playing with Austin’s excellent Peel for a 9 p.m. show, only $8. >> The action at SILVERDOCS continues, and if you’ve been having trouble getting advance tickets to evening screenings and aren’t willing to wait in the stand-by lines, consider taking advantage of the…

>> Tonight a jazz institution takes the stage at Blues Alley as The Yellowjackets begin a 4-night stint. The quartet, which is in its third decade of music making, will play daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. There is a $35 cover + $10 food and drink minimum. Tickets are available through the club’s web site. >> On Thursday, The Minor Thoughts Quintet visits Twins Jazz. This local quintet plays a mix of standards…

MONDAY: >> In one of the strongest bills of the summer, the Pixies and Bloc Party (at left) take the stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Gates are open at 5:30 p.m. >> Local rockers Greenland and City-State hit DC9 with Richmond band Conshafter for $6. TUESDAY: >> Arlington punk quartet Four Letter Lies plays with local glam rockers Death By Sexy at the Black Cat. 9 p.m., $5. THURSDAY: >> Bloc Party, post sharing the…