FRIDAY
??1964 ?The Tribute? kicks off the weekend at the Birchmere. A spot-on replica of the Beatles in their innocent pop phase, ??1964? not only plays the teenybopper smash hits, but also mimics the head bobs and on-stage banter of the Fab Four.
Local veterans The Grandsons play solid throwback music that seamlessly shifts from pop to R&B to rock in a single song. Headlining at Iota, their latest LP won a WAMMIE for roots rock album of the year. Fellow locals The Big Sky open.
Headlining 9:30 Club, Philly??s Jedi Mind Tricks have long been favorites of the underground backpacker hip-hop scene. Unlike many of their peers who have a mind for the mainstream, Jedi Mind Tricks seem content to keep producing their heady and forceful rap for their diehard fans.
Another in a long line of bands formed out of the ashes of the local hardcore scene, Medications (featuring former members of Faraquet) play angular rock with more of a melodic approach. Headlining at Black Cat with local legend Mary Timony, this show is a benefit for Ramona??s Way, a non-profit that provides counseling and services to battered women.
SATURDAY
Head to Black Cat to help local label Lovitt Records celebrate their 10th anniversary. Lovitt stars and Richmond emocore veterans Engine Down are playing their second-to-last show, but expect to hear plenty of indie talent both new and old from the Lovitt stable, including Ben Davis, Fin Fang Foom, and Del Cielo.
If your tastes run more towards mainstream heartland rock, Will Hoge at 9:30 Club is right up your alley. With a made-for-radio style and a knack for catchy hooks, Hoge may outgrow the club scene shortly. Local rockers Army of Me are a perfect warm-up act for Hoge??s sound.
Around the corner from 9:30 Club, DC9 hosts Electrotease??s Underwear Party IV: Undress to Impress. Featuring adult entertainers, burlesque performers, and the hottest electro tracks, the night benefits D.C. Pulse magazine. Get there before 11 p.m. to avoid the $10 cover and pick up free schwag from M.I.A. and Fischerspooner.
Keith Sweat hit it big in the late 80s and early 90s with huge hits like ??Make You Sweat.? Performing at the DC Armory tonight, Sweat is still making the ladies swoon, but the titles of some his latest albums (??Still In the Game,? ??Didn??t See Me Coming,? and ??Rebirth?) seem more like ??I??m still alive!? press releases than musical statements.
SUNDAY
We have a case of mistaken identities at the Birchmere and 9:30 Club tonight. Virginia Coalition headlines the Birchmere playing fun party music perfect for the frat scene that has championed them. We??re just not sure how VACO??s energy will translate to the Shushmere??s ??down in front? policy.
Conversely, the often-raucous 9:30 Club tones the beer sloshing down to host a subdued double bill featuring John Hiatt and Shawn Colvin. Both are accomplished singer/songwriters who can captivate audiences of their baby-boomer fans with their deep catalogues of folk and Americana gems.
