FRIDAY: >> DCist favorites The French Kicks are at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight with The Childballads (the Bon Savants cancelled). $13, 9:30 p.m. >> Exotic Fever Records is keeping the spirit of the D.C. underground scene alive almost singlehandedly, and this weekend they’ll celebrate their seven year anniversary with an ecclectic festival to showcase their artists. Tonight it’s Mass Movement of the Moth, New Idea Society, Den of Thieves, Kathy Cashel, Worn In…

DCist caught up with Pete Bauer of The Walkmen this weekend as the band is about to start touring for their excellent new album, A Hundred Miles Off. The Walkmen play Thursday night at the 9:30 Club, and while we wish them all the luck in the world and a sold out crowd, there’s sure to be a palpable absence of DCist readers present, as we’re hosting Unbuckled, simultaneously. Update: After posting this interview, Hamilton…

Anybody living in the city with a couple of kids knows how hard it is to maintain any sort of indie cred. You can hardly be showing up at the Black Cat every night when little Sam or Sue needs a bottle and a viewing of Sesame Street. Well, lucky for you, here comes Pancake Mountain to the rescue! The offbeat local cable channel that hosts musical performances that both parents and kids can enjoy…

From DCist contributor Ryan Avent MONDAY: >> Monday is an excellent time to visit Fort Reno as Garland of Hours (featuring noted DC cellist Amy Domingues and a Fugazi rhythm section) take the stage. They’re joined by DCist favorite The Aquarium and by local songwriter-slash-St. Ex bartender Paul Michel. The show is free as always and begins about 7:15. Click here to read last week’s interview with Paul Michel. >> If tranquil melodies are your…

FRIDAY: >> Everybody knows that the only true thing going on tonight is the DCist happy hour! From 5-8 p.m., DCist editors and contributors will be at Biddy Mulligans on Dupont Circle, starting our weekend off with a Guinness or four. Definitely drop on by with some friends for a chat, a rant, or to confirm that we are indeed real, live people as opposed to automated Gothamist bots. >> Additionally, Hot Hot Heat are…