MONDAY >> Those looking to kick the month off with a bang might be out of luck, as it looks like there’s not a whole lot going down tonight. Still, it’s not a total wash, as all the usual suspects — the Black Cat, DC9, the Velvet Lounge and the Rock and Roll Hotel — will have their bars open and waiting for the District’s disillusioned masses. >> DJ Jahsonic has a new Monday night…

>> Velvet Lounge brings the noise tonight as French electronic music pioneer Richard Pinhas Duo takes the stage, along with Silver Spring’s Insect Factory. Call (202) 462-3213 for time and pricing, though Velvet’s shows usually start around 9 and cost under $12. >> The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker bring a little funk and whole a lotta soul to Iota tonight. 9 p.m., $10. >> Dana Whitaker stops by Busboys and Poets for an upbeat…

FRIDAY: >> Please Hammer, don’t hurt ’em. Landmark R&B radio station WPGC celebrates 19 years of playing 18 jams in a row with a concert at the Verizon Center that features LL Cool J, MC Hammer, Chuck Brown, EU, Naughty By Nature, Bow Wow, MC Hammer and Lisa Lisa. Apparently Cult Jam had previous commitments. $45 – $70, 7 p.m. (Kyle Gustafson) >> You may have missed La Didone last weekend, but if you…