We talked to DC9 booker Steve Lambert about the shows over the past ten years that stand out in his mind and his hopes for the future of the small venue.

The Apes are not afraid to be loud. They are not afraid to be weird. They are not afraid to be abrasive. Should you be afraid of The Apes? Only if you need your music to be pretty and unobtrusive. At a time when it seems like a lot of bands want to be pleasant, and seem content to provide listeners with some vaguely edgy but ultimately bland background sounds, The Apes refuse to bleed…

FRIDAY: >> Howard University alum Eric Roberson performs tonight at the Black Cat along with Emily King. Doors open at 9 p.m. $17. >> It’s pretty much the end of times: Vanilla Ice will be at Foggy Bottom bar McFadden’s tonight, “drinking, partying, and hosting the night” starting at 10 p.m. $5 Jager bombs and $2 Bud and Bud Light bottles are little enticement to make this event anything more than laughable, but maybe if…

FRIDAY: >> From the amount of Evites and mass emails running around inviting folks to giant group outings to see Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, we’re guessing that’s what a lot of you are doing tonight. As of now, only the 5:15 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. showings at Gallery Place still have tickets available, but the Loews Georgetown has plenty more options. Jagshemash! >> Paging John Hodgman! Director…

Compiled by Amanda Mattos and Jacques Ntonme Monday >> Call it jazz, call it moods; we call it fun. DCIC and The Evens are at Fort Reno tonight. 7 p.m., Free. >> It’s another solid Monday night at the Black Cat’s Backstage with Let’s French and These United States (a band that shares members with Three Stars alumni The Apparitions). 9 p.m., $6. >> Tickets are still available to catch our favorite moody songstress, Fiona…