Everybody’s favorite Portland-based literary music makers, The Decemberists, have had to cancel their Long And Short Of It tour, just two dates in. One of the band members has been ill, and as it turns out, hadn’t gotten as well as they’d hoped in time to tour. That includes the expansive four-night residency they’d scheduled at the 9:30 Club for this weekend. If you’d already bought tickets, you can get a refund at your…

Tomorrow night, two of DCist’s favorite bands are taking the Black Cat’s main stage by storm. What kind of storm? Well if it’s anything like what we’ve seen from these guys in the past, it’ll be a storm of hilarity, energy, and very fancy hair. Because these two bands feature some serious characters with some serious personalities, we asked them to “review” each other’s new albums — The Dance Party’s Friction! Friction! Friction!, which is…

>> A singer-songwriter showcase featuring Martin Royle of Washington Social Club, Mick Coogan of The Dance Party and Stephen Kilroy of Middle Distance Runner is being billed by MDR as “Steve, Martin tonight at the Black Cat!” Which is technically true, though we’re guessing the show will be a little more earnest guitar playing and a little less Wild and Crazy Guy. Black Cat’s back stage. $8, 9 p.m. >> Redskins CB Carlos Rogers…

MONDAY >> The City Veins are a strong local outfit that’s been making their debut around town over the course of the past few months. They just formed in March and are already more mature and ready to bring the rock than a lot of bands with a lot more stage time. And hey, they have a blog! See what you’re missing tonight at Solly’s Tavern on U Street. 10 p.m. >> Do you…

As I went up the steps to the Dance Party show at the Black Cat, I could hear the noise pouring out of the swinging doors. The stairwell echoed with shrill cheers of teenage girls, like a bygone episode of TRL. Instead of a Carson Daily or hot pop singer, lead singer Mick Coogan stood his ground in a bright lime green shirt. He thrust his guitar to and fro, shaking furiously onstage and delivering…