This is my list of upcoming shows that interest me, with the caveat that my taste in music is, well, eclectic. In addition, while some of this music interests me because I have seen it before and know that I want to see it again, other things may have been recommended by friends or simply caught my fancy given my mood at the time. I try to update this frequently enough that it is actually useful and I try to include whatever info I have. I also try to get it from reliable sources, but no source is perfect. And, I myself am capable of mistakes. Therefore, it may be worth a check with the venue before planning your life around what you see here. Also check back here closer to the show, as I do go back and correct entries if I learn that they are wrong. Got comments or reactions? Shows I should add? Write to me.(After deleting the spaces and spare mark).

Interested in what I actually see?

October 12 Sunday: Galactic plays the 9:30 Club with Crown City Rockers. Galactic is a jazz/funk jam band. Special guests Shamarr Allen on trumpet and Corey Henry on trombone will play with them. Crown City Rockers play hip hop music with live instrumentation. Doors are at 7 pm. Tickets are $25.

October 12 Sunday: Rise Against plays Rams Head Live with Alkaline Trio, Thrice and The Gaslight Anthem. All play some version of punk. Doors open at 6. Tickets are $30. This show is all ages. Rise Against will also do an instore performance at noon at Soundgarden. Soundgarden is located at 1616 Thames Street in Baltimore, Maryland.

October 13 Monday: Dead Confederate plays the Talking Head with Sonic Bloom and Julie Ocean. Dead Confederate plays interesting psychedelic rock. Sonic Bloom is an "experimental/psychedelic rock quartet." Door open at 9, show is at 10. Admission is $10.

October 13 Monday: Langhorne Slim plays the Black Cat with Heartless Bastards. Langhorne Slim plays folk. Heartless Bastards are a garage rock band with blues influences. Show is at 8. Admission is $13.

October 14 Tuesday: Legendary Shack Shakers play the Rock and Roll Hotel with Pine Hill Haints and The Seven Signs. Legendary Shack Shakers are a high energy combination of country, rock, punk and blues. Pine Hill Haints play a combination of bluegrass, honky tonk and country that they call Alabama ghost music. The Seven Signs is a documentary about the South by J.D. Wilkes, the frontman for the Legendary Shack Shakers. Doors open at 8:30, show is at 9:30.

October 14 Tuesday: Memphis Gold plays a Millenium Stage show at the Kennedy Center. Memphis Gold plays blues guitar. Millenium Stage shows start at 6 pm and are free.

October 14 Tuesday: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at the DC Nine is sold out.

October 15 Wednesday: Shearwater plays a Millenium Stage show at the Kennedy Center. Shearwater plays art rock. Millenium Stage shows start at 6 pm and are free.

October 15 Wednesday: JJ Grey and Mofro play the State Theatre with Hill Country Review. Mofro plays "front porch soul." Hill Country Review is a blues band with Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars, Garry Burnside, Kirk Smithhart and Daniel Robert Coburn.

October 16 Thursday: Monotonix plays DC Nine with Pattern is Movement and Imperial China. Monotonix plays rock. Pattern is Movement is an indie rock duo with math tendencies. Imperial China plays experimental rock. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. This is an 18+ show.

October 16 Thursday: The Duhks play Iota Jupiter One. The Duhks play acoustic music, including elements of soul, gospel, folk, samba, old time country string music, zydeco, and Irish dance music. Jupiter One plays indie rock. Show is at 9 pm. Admission is $15.

October 16 Thursday: Arbouretum plays Metro Gallery with Sri Aurobindo and The Why Because. Arbouretum plays psych folk. Sri Aurobindo plays psych rock. The Why Because also plays psychedelic music. Metro Gallery is located at 1700 North Charles Street.

October 16 Thursday: Secret Machines play the 9:30 Club. Secret Machines are a three piece rock group with psychedelic tendencies. Tickets are $20.

October 17 Friday: Bob Drake's Cabinet of Curiosities plays Orion Sound. Bob Drake is an avant garde musician. The Cabinet of Curiosities is his band. The music has been described as "Way off-kilter Americana, singer-songwriter, fingerstyle, alt-rockabilly pretentious crap!"

October 17 Friday: The DaveDovePaul Duo plays the Lighthouse with The Why Because, Janel and Anthony and Gamelan Mitra Kusuma. The DaveDovePaul Duo plays free noise. The Why Because is an improvisational collective. Janel and Anthony play original experimental music for cello and guitar. Gamelan Mitra Kusuma is an ensemble that performs Balinese music and dance. The Lighthouse is located at 1421 Buchanan Street in Northwest DC.

October 17 Friday: Chuck Brown Band plays the Music Center at Strathmore with Huggy Low Down. Chuck Brown is the godfather of go go, but has also been known to play some blues. Huggy Low Down is apparently a comedian. Tickets are $25 to $35. The Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland.

October 17 Friday: Little Feat plays the 9:30 Club with The Bridge. Little Feat combines blues, R&B, country, New Orleans funk, and rock and roll. The Bridge is a jam band that incorporates everything from hip hop to bluegrass. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $35.

October 17 Friday: Robert Lighthouse plays the Old Bowie Town Grille. Robert Lighthouse plays blues guitar. Show is at 8:30. Old Bowie Town Grille is located at 8604 Chestnut Avenue in Bowie.

October 18 Saturday: Kayo Dot plays Orion Sound. Kayo Dot is "an experimental rock/modern composition ensemble."

October 18 Saturday: Yeveto plays Honfleur Gallery. Yeveto is an instrumental rock band. For this show they will perform a live soundtrack to The Adventures of Prince Achmed, an early animation classic by Lotte Reiniger. The show is at 7:30 and is free. Honfleur Gallery is located at 1214 Good Hope Road in Southeast DC.

October 18 Saturday: The Fordists play the Red and Black Bar with Akimbo and Salome. The Fordists play rhythmic and funky punk rock. Akimbo combines rock, punk and metal. Salome plays doom and metal. The Red and Black Bar is located at 1212 H Street in Northeast DC.

October 18 Saturday: Kiva plays Old Bowie Town Grille. Kiva plays acoustic world beat music. Show is at 8:30. Old Bowie Town Grille is located at 8604 Chestnut Avenue in Bowie.

October 18 Saturday: Brave plays Jammin' Java with Todesbonden. Brave plays progressive rock. Todesbonden is a metal band with Celtic and world influences. The is an early show, doors are at 5:30 and the show starts at 6 pm. Tickets are $10. Jammin' Java is located 227 Maple Avenue in East Vienna, Virginia.

October 19 Sunday: Galactic plays the 8X10 with DJ Natto (Galactic sax man Ben Ellman). Galactic is a jazz/funk jam band. They will feature Shamarr Allen on trumpet and Corey Henry on trombone. Tickets are $25.

October 20 Monday: Little Ed and Blues Imperials play the 8X10. Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials play Chicago blues. Doors open at 8.

October 20 Monday: DMBQ plays the Ottobar with Monotonix, Vincent Black Shadow and Double Dagger. DMBQ is a hard psychedelic rock band from Japan. Monotonix plays rock. Vincent Black Shadow plays heavy psychedelic rock. Double Dagger plays punk. Doors open at 8, show is at 9.

October 21 Tuesday: DMBQ plays the Velvet Lounge with Awesome Color and Pit Er Pat. DMBQ is a hard psychedelic rock band from Japan. Awesome Color is a power trio. Doors open at 9, show is at 9:30. Admission is $10.

October 21 Tuesday: Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band plays the 8X10. Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band is a three person country blues band that tends toward the energetic side of the genre.

October 21 Tuesday: California Guitar Trio plays All Saints Episcopal Church. California Guitar Trio plays complex compositions on acoustic guitars. All Saints Episcopal Church is located at 108 West Church Street in Frederick, Maryland.

October 22 Wednesday: Stinking Lizaveta plays Sonar with Black Cobra, Dark Castle and more. Stinking Lizaveta plays instrumental "doom jazz," Black Cobra plays doom and sludge. Dark Castle plays doom and metal. Doors open at 8:30. Admission is $10.

October 22 Wednesday: Derek Trucks Band plays the Avalon Theatre. Derek Trucks plays slide guitar in an eclectic collection of music. The Avalon Theatre is located at 40 East Dover Street in Easton, Maryland. Tickets are $50.

October 23 Thursay: Dexter Romweber Duo plays the Red and Black Bar with 7 Door Sedan. Dexter Romweber Duo plays a mix of rockabilly, swing, surf instrumental, and punk lounge. 7 Door Sedan is an indie band. Admission is $10.

October 23 Thursday: Squirrel Nut Zippers play the State Theatre. Squirrel Nut Zippers play swing, jazz and other styles.

October 23 Thursday: Los Straitjackets play the Barns at Wolf Trap with Laika and the Cosmonauts. Los Straitjackets play instrumental surf music. Laika and the Cosmonauts are a Finnish surf band. This is a general admission dance. Tickets are $18.

October 23 Thursday: Derek Trucks plays the Music Center at Strathmore. Derek Trucks plays slide guitar in a variety of genres. Tickets are $23 to 48. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland.

October 23 Tuesday: Kelly Bell Band has a CD release show at the 8X10 with The Blue Method and All Mighty Senators. Kelly Bell Band plays funky blues. The Blue Method plays funk and soul. All Mighty Senators play rock and soul music.

October 24 Friday: World Inferno Friendship Society plays the Black Cat with Hot Pursuit, The Revelevens and guests. World Inferno Friendship Society plays cabaret punk. The Revelevens play horror punk. Show is at 10 pm. Tickets are $12.

October 25 Saturday: It looks like Jaimoe's Jasssz Band at the State Theatre is cancelled. Jaimoe is a drummer with the Allman Brothers. His band plays jazz jams. This is an early show, doors open at 6. Show is at 7. Tickets are $22.

October 25 Saturday: World Inferno Friendship Society plays the Ottobar. World Inferno Friendship Society plays cabaret punk. Doors open at 9, show is at 10. This is an all ages show.

October 25 Saturday: Blues Traveler plays the Ramshead Tavern. Blues Traveller is a jam band. Show is at 7 pm. Tickets are $65, and the Ramshead probably still won't let you dance.

October 25 Saturday: Ruthie and the Wranglers play Surf Club Live with Billy Coulter Band. Both bands play roots rock.

October 26 Friday: Deerhoof plays the 9:30 Club with Experimental Dental School and Flying. Deerhoof is an experimental rock band. As are Experimental Dental School and Flying. Tickets are $15.

October 26 Sunday: Lee Scratch Perry plays Sonar. Lee Scratch Perry is a reggae and dub pioneer, and a character. Doors open at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the show.

October 27 Monday: Landspeedrecord plays the Talking Head with Good Times Crisis and The Andalusians. Landspeedrecord plays indie rock. Good Times Crisis is a rock band featuring Bill Corsello of Monkeyspank on guitar and vox. Doors open at 8, show is at 9. Admission is $8.

October 27 Monday: Sanjay Mishra plays Blues Alley with Scott Ambush on bass. Sanjay Mishra mixes instrumentation from both the Eastern and Western Hemisphere with modern rhythms. Shows are at 8 and 10. Tickets are $18.

October 27 Saturday: Zappa Plays Zappa comes to the Birchmere. Zappa Plays Zappa is Dweezil Zappa and other great musicians playing the music of Frank Zappa. Tickets are $115. No. Really.

October 27 Saturday: Blues Traveler plays the State Theatre. Blues Traveller is a jam band. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $35.

October 28 Sunday: Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile play Lisner Theatre. "Edgar Meyer, master of the double bass, and Chris Thile, mandolin virtuoso, draw inspiration from bluegrass, folk, country and classical traditions." Show is at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 to $35.

October 29 Wednesday: Bouncing Souls play the Black Cat with Strike Anywhere, The Casting Out and Gimme Drugs. All play punk. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $15.

October 29-30 Wednesday and Thursday: Slightly Stoopid plays the 9:30 Club. Slightly Stoopid describes their music as "a fusion of acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, and punk." Tickets are $25.

October 30-31 Thursday and Friday: John Hammond plays An Die Musik Live. John Hammond plays solo-acoustic blues. Show is at 8 pm. Tickets are $35. An Die Musik Live is located at 409 North Charles Street in Baltimore, Second Floor.

October 31 Friday: Oxter plays Joe Squared with special guests. Oxter plays instrumental jazz and rock. Joe Squared is located at 133 West North Avenue in Baltimore.

October 31 Friday: Charm City Roller Girls present the Bruisers Ball at the Ottobar with Junkrod Joe and the Cadillac Hearse, The Miss Fits, Headwounds and a dj set by Hollowboy. Junkyard Joe and the Cadillac Hearse plays psychobilly. The Miss Fits are a Misfits cover band. Headwounds play punk.

October 31 Friday: The Nighthawks plays the Greenbelt American Legion Hall with an opening act yet to be created. The Nighthawks play blues rock. The Greenbelt American Legion is located at 6900 Greenbelt Road.

October 31 Friday: Junior League plays Iota with The Resurrectionists. Junior League plays roots rock. As do The Resurrectionists. Admission is $12.

November 1 Saturday: The Red Masque plays Orion Sound with Thee Maximalists. The Red Masque plays prog and avant rock. Thee Maximalists play improvised rock, with a variety of members.

November 1 Saturday: Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad plays the Windup Space with Davey G. and the Keyboard and Bene Gesserit Witch. Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad plays rock with humor. Davey G. and the Keyboard is a one man keyboard act. Bene Gesserit Witch is the "world's only Dune band." The Windup Space is located at 12 West North Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland.

November 1 Saturday: Matisyahu plays Rams Head Live with Flobots. Matisyahu plays reggae. Flobots play hip hop backed by live music. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25 in advance.

November 3 Monday: Henry Rollins does his spoken word thing at the Birchmere. The man can rant.

November 3 Monday: Matisyahu plays 6th & I with Mishka. Matisyahu plays reggae. Mishka plays reggae rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $35 and are available from 6th and I box office. 6th and I is located at 600 I Street in Northwest DC.

November 4 Tuesday: The Bad Brains play the 9:30 Club. The Bad Brains are a famous hardcore punk band. This is an early show. Doors open at 5. Tickets are $25.

November 4 Tuesday: Today is the Day plays the club stage at Sonar with Weedeater, Triac and 4th Horseman. Titd is an experimental metal band. They will be playing live synched to the band's new horror film "Axis of Eden." Weedeater plays doom rock. Triac is a grindcore band. 4th Horseman plays metal. Admission is $12.

November 5 Wednesday: Pelican plays the Black Cat with Kayo Dot and Stephen Brodsky. Pelican plays fairly heavy instrumental rock. Kayo Dot is "an experimental rock/modern composition ensemble." Stephen Brodsky plays psychedelic pop. Show is at 8 pm. Admission is $12.

November 5 Wednesday: Government Mule plays Rams Head Live with Back Door Slam. The truth is, I don't like Government Mule much. It's okay, they don't need me. But I mention this show to tell you that if you are going to this show, you really should get there in time to see Back Door Slam open. They play blues rock, and the guitar player is great. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $27.50 in advance, which may well be the only way to buy them.

November 5-6 Wednesday and Thursday: Bob Weir and Ratdog play the Warner Theatre. Bob Weir and Ratdog play dead tunes, blues and rock.

November 6 Thursday: Coco Montoya plays Ramshead Tavern with Popa Chubby. Both play blues guitar. Shows are at 6 and 9. Tickets are $26.50.

November 6 Thursday: The Mountain Goats play the 9:30 Club with Kaki King. The Mountain Goats play urban folk. Kaki King is a singer songwriter. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $18.

November 7 Friday: Vincent Black Shadow tour kick off party at the Talking Head with Endless Boogie and Arbouretum. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9. Admission is $8. Vincent Black Shadow plays heavy psychedelic rock. Endless Boogie plays blues rock. Arbouretum plays psych folk.

November 7 Friday: Susan Tedeschi plays Rams Head Live with James Hunter. Susan Tedeschi plays blues and soul. James Hunter plays R&B and soul. Tickets are $32.50 general admission, $35 in the bleachers.

November 7 Friday: Coco Montoya plays the State Theatre with Popa Chubby. Both play blues guitar. Tickets are $20.

November 7 Friday: Cephas and Wiggins play Honfleur Gallery. Cephas and Wiggins are a guitar and harmonica duo playing the Piedmont blues. Show is $10. Honfleur Gallery is located at 1214 Good Hope Road in Southeast DC.

November 8 Saturday: Dexter Romweber Duo plays Dangerously Delicious Pies. Dexter Romweber Duo plays a mix of rockabilly, swing, surf instrumental, and punk lounge. Not sure which location.

November 8 Saturday:Telesma plays Metro Gallery. Telesma plays "electro-acoustic psychedelic world dance music." Metro Gallery is located at 1700 North Charles Street in Baltimore.

November 8 Saturday: HCON2008: The Human Conduct Musical Spectrum at Current Gallery with The Convocation, The New Flesh, Microkingdom, Wax & Wane, Hollywood, The Ruined Frame, Small Sur, Gaybomb, Fun Hot Dog Guts, Jim Swill, Gene Gregorits, Beans and more. Event starts at 7 pm. Current Gallery is located at 300 South Calvert Street in Baltimore.

November 8 Saturday: Hot Buttered Rum plays the 8X10. Hot Buttered Rum plays bluegrass.

November 8 Saturday: Carl Filipiak plays Oliver's Carriage House. Carl Filipiak plays guitar, including a fair bit of Hendrix. Doors open at 7, shows start at 7:30. Admission is $20 and includes hors d'oeuvres and sodas, coffee, water and desert. Beer and wine and available for sale. Oliver's Carriage House is located at 5410 Leaf Treader Way in Columbia.

November 9 Sunday: Reverend Horton Heat plays the 9:30 Club with Nashville Pussy and Reckless Kelly. Reverend Horton Heat plays psychobilly. Nashville Pussy plays rock. Reckless Kelly plays country rock. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25.

November 9 Sunday: John Brown's Body plays the State Theatre with Mishka and Lionize. John Brown's Body is a reggae based jam band. Mishka plays reggae rock. Lionize mixes reggae and rock. Show is 8:30. Tickets are $15.

November 11 Tuesday: Colour Revolt plays the Ottobar with guests. Colour Revolt plays Southern indie rock.

November 12 Wednesday: Al and the Transamericans play the Ramshead Tavern with The Brakes. Al and the Transamericans plays roots rock, alt country and americana. The Brakes are a fairly mellow rock band. Show is at 8 pm. Tickets are $20.

November 13 Thursday: Al and the Transamericans play the 8X10. Al and the Transamericans plays roots rock, alt country and americana.

November 13 Thursday: Calexico plays the 9:30 Club with Bowerbirds. Calexico is an eclectic roots rock band. Bowerbirds play acoustic folk. Doors are at 7 pm. Tickets are $17.

November 13 Thursday: Flipper at Sonar is cancelled.

November 13 Thursday: Inti-Illimani plays the Birchmere. Inti-Illimani is a chilean band that explores traditional music from Latin America. Tickets are $35.

November 14 Friday: Dub is a Weapon plays 8X10 with Can't Hang and Late Night Breakfast. Dub is a Weapon plays live dub. Can't Hang plays reggae rock. Late Night Breakfast combines hip hop and live music.

November 14 Friday: Brightblack Morning Light plays the Talking Head with Fursaxa and Zomes. Brightblack Morning Light plays folk and psychedelic music. Fursaxa plays "acid folk." Zomes is the solo project of Asa Osborne, guitarist of Lungfish. Doors open at 9pm, show is at 10pm. Admission is $10.

November 15 Saturday: Tea Leaf Green plays the Recher Theatre. Tea Leaf Green is a rock based jam band. Tickets are $15.

November 15 Saturday: Hillbilly Jazz plays the Old Bowie Town Grille. Hillbilly Jazz is Chick Hall, Jr. and Jim Stephenson playing Americana, jazz and country. Show is at 8:30. Admission is $5. Old Bowie Town Grille is located at 8604 Chestnut Avenue in Bowie.

November 15 Saturday: Bad Liquor Pond plays the Talking Head with Slow/Dynamite and Moscow Telephone. Bad Liquor Pond plays psychedelic rock. Slow/Dynamite describes their music as "tribal punk marches." Doors open at 9, show is at 10. Admission is $8.

November 15 Saturday: Little Red and the Renegades play the The 219 in Alexandria. Little Red and the Renegates play zydeco. The 219 is located at 219 King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.

November 15 Saturday: Johnny Winter plays the Birchmere with Gina Sicilia. Johnny Winter plays blues rock.

November 16 Sunday: Susan Tedeschi plays the bandstand at the Birchmere with James Hunter. Susan Tedeschi plays blues and soul. James Hunter plays R&B and soul. Tickets are $35.

November 17 Monday: All invented instrument show at the Lighthouse with Paul Metzger and Tim Kaiser and others to be announced. The Lighthouse is located at 1421 Buchanan Street in Northwest DC.

November 17 Monday: Shemekia Copeland plays Ramshead Tavern with KJ Denhert. Shemekia Copeland sings the blues. KJ Denhert calls her music "urban folk and jazz." Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $30.

November 18 Tuesday: Iron & Wine plays Rams Head Live with Blitzen Trappen. Iron & Wine is Sam Beam playing folk rock. Blitzen Trappen is an experimental folk band. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 day of show.

November 19 Wednesday: Michael Franti and Spearhead play the 9:30 Club. Michael Franti and Spearhead are a jam band with hip hop and funk elements. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $35.

November 19 Wednesday: Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman plays Sonar with special guests to be announced. Tom Morello was the guitar player for Rage Against the Machine, and now plays acoustic folk. Doors open at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 advance.

November 19 Wednesday: Loudoun Wainwright III plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. Loudon Wainwright is a songwriter, folk singer and humorist. Tickets are $22.

November 20 Thursday: The Radiators play the State Theatre. The Radiators combine rock and traditional New Orleans musical styles. Show is at 8:30. Tickets are $22.

November 21 Friday: Loudon Wainwright plays the Ramshead Tavern. Loudon Wainwright is a songwriter, folk singer and humorist. Show is at 7 pm. Tickets are $26.50.

November 21-22 Friday and Saturday: Umphrey's McGee plays 9:30 Club with American Babies. Umprhey's McGee is a jam band with touches of prog. American Babies plays acoustic roots music. The show on the 22d is an early show and doors open at 7.

November 22 Saturday: Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers play the Birchmere with Cathy Ponton King. Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers play blues rock. Cathy Ponton King is a blues singer songwriter. Tickets are $25.

November 22 Saturday: Keller Williams plays the Ramshead Tavern with a set of "Grunge Grass" in which Keller, Claude Auther on bass, and Jay Starling on dobro play bluegrass versions of alternative radio hits of the 90's. Show is at 9 pm. Tickets are $35.

November 22 Saturday: The Dreamscapes Project plays Jammin' Java. Dreamscapes Project plays "folk core." Doors open at 9:30. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

November 22 Saturday: MT6FEST IV:2008 at the Hexagon with Heroin UK, Can Openers, Abiku, Rosemary Krust, Engine, Needle Gun, Bad Liquor Pond, Agrarians, Newagehillbilly, Chief Pokawa and more. The Hexagon is located at 1825 North Charles Street.

November 26 Wednesday: Hackensaw Boys play the State Theatre. Hackensaw Boys play energetic string music. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 on the day of the show.

November 26 Wednesday: The Bridge CD release party at Ramshead Live with Ekoostik Hookah. The Bridge is a jam band that incorporates everything from bluegrass to hip hop. Ekoostik Hookah is an eclectic jam band as well. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $15.

November 26 Wednesday: BB King plays the Birchmere. BB King plays blues guitar. Tickets are $135.

November 28 Friday: Hackensaw Boys play the 8X10. Hackensaw Boys play energetic string music.

November 29 Saturday: Chuck Brown plays two shows at the Ramshead Tavern. Chuck Brown is the godfather of go go. The Ramshead will have a dance floor for these shows. Shows are at 7 and 10:30. Tickets are $35.

November 29 Saturday: All Mighty Senators play Recher Theatre with Jah Works and Kelly Bell Band. All Mighty Senators play rock and soul music. Jah Works plays reggae. Kelly Bell Band plays funky blues.

November 29 Saturday: Smoking Polecats play with Mary Shaver and Marianna Previti at Surf Club Live. Smokin' Polecats play the blues and Mary Shaver and Marianna Previti sing them.

November 30 Sunday: Fishbone plays the State Theatre with Heavy Mojo and Natives of the New Dawn. Fishbone plays a fusion of ska, punk rock, reggae, funk, heavy metal and more. Heavy Mojo plays hip hop and rock. Show is at 8. Tickets are $17.

December 1 Monday: The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza at the Music Center at Strathmore is cancelled.

December 1 Monday: Hot Tuna plays the Birchmere. Hot Tuna plays electric and acoustic versions of traditional blues songs. Tickets are $35.

December 3 Wednesday: Fishbone plays the Recher Theatre with Heavy Mojo and Natives of the New Dawn. Fishbone plays a fusion of ska, punk rock, reggae, funk, heavy metal and more. Heavy Mojo plays hip hop and rock. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the show.

December 6 Saturday: Suicidal Tendencies play Sonar with Madball and Whole Wheat Bread. Suicidal Tendencies plays thrash metal and hardcore. Madball is a hardcore band that started as an Agnostic Front side project. Whole Wheat Bread mixes punk and hip hop. Doors open at 8, show is at 9. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door.

December 6 Saturday: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals play the 9:30 Club. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals play rock with some blues to it. This is a late show, doors are at 10 pm.

December 11 Thursday: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones play the Birchmere. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones play jazz, bluegrass and everything else that can be played on a banjo. Tickets are $59.50.

December 11 Thursday: Hot Tuna plays Ramshead Tavern. Hot Tuna plays electric and acoustic versions of traditional blues songs. Tickets are $49.50.

December 13 Saturday: Ghostland Observatory plays the 9:30 Club. Ghostland Observatory combines electronics, rock and soul. Doors open at 7 pm.

December 13 Saturday: Tab Benoit plays the State Theatre. Tab Benoit plays blues with a touch of the swamp. Tickets are $16 in advance, $21 on the day of the show.

December 13 Saturday: Tom Principato plays Oliver's Carriage House. Tom Principato plays blues rock. Doors open at 7, shows start at 7:30. Admission is $20 and includes hors d'oeuvres and sodas, coffee, water and desert. Beer and wine and available for sale. Oliver's Carriage House is located at 5410 Leaf Treader Way in Columbia.

December 26 Friday: New Potato Caboose plays the bandstand at the Birchmere with special guests. New Potato Caboose was an early Dead-inspired jam band. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.

December 28 Sunday: The Nighthawks plays Surf Club Live with Kelly Bell Band. The Nighthawks play blues rock. Kelly Bell Band plays funky blues. Show is at 8 pm.

December 29 Monday: The Damned play the Black Cat with Theo and the Skyscrapers and Electric Frankenstein. The Damned play psychedelic punk. Theo and the Skyscrapers play a mix of new wave and metal. Electric Frankenstein plays punk rock. Show is at 8. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 on the day of the show.

December 29 Monday: Clutch plays the 9:30 Club with Russian Circles, Viking Skull and Caverns. Clutch is a hard rock band with blues influences. Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental rock and metal band. Viking Skull is a metal band. Caverns plays experimental punk.

December 31 Wednesday: Telesma plays Joe Squared. Telesma plays "electro-acoustic psychedelic world dance music." Joe Squared is located at 133 West North Avenue in Baltimore.

January 2-3 Friday and Saturday: Gogol Bordello plays the 9:30 Club. Gogol Bordello plays gypsy punk. Tickets are $27.

January 3 Saturday: Red Stick Ramblers play the Spanish Ballroom. Red Stick Ramblers play a mixture of Cajun fiddle tunes, Western Swing and traditional jazz of the 1920's and 1930's.

January 3 Saturday: Leon Redbone plays the Birchmere. Leon Redbone plays jazz and blues standards from the early 20th century.

January 4 Sunday: Leon Redbone plays Ramshead Live. Leon Redbone plays jazz and blues standards from the early 20th century.

January 9-10 Friday and Saturday: Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder play the Birchmere. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder play bluegrass. Tickets are $35.

January 15 Thursday: Al Di Meola World Sinfonia .09 at Ramshead Tavern. Al Di Meola plays jazz guitar. Show is at 8 pm. Tickets are $41.

January 16-17 Friday and Saturday: Johnny Winter plays the Ramshead Tavern. Johnny Winter plays blues rock guitar. Show is at 8:30. Tickets are $45.

January 24 Saturday: Tea Leaf Green plays the 9:30 Club. Tea Leaf Green is a rock based jam band.

January 24 Saturday: International Guitar Night at Gordon Center with guitarist/singer Cecilia Zabala from Argentina, French steel string master Pierre Bensusan, renowned classical guitarist/composer Benjamin Verdery from New York and Brian Gore. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 on the day of the show. Gordon Center is located at 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue in Owings Mills, Maryland.

January 25 Sunday: International Guitar Night at the Barns at Wolf Trap with guitarist/singer Cecilia Zabala from Argentina, French steel string master Pierre Bensusan, renowned classical guitarist/composer Benjamin Verdery from New York and Brian Gore. Tickets are $24.

January 28 Wednesday: Sonny Landreth plays the Ramshead Tavern. Sonny Landreth plays slide guitar. Show is at 8 pm. Tickets are $33.50.

February 14 Saturday: Tommy Lepson plays Oliver's Carriage House. Tommy Lepson plays R&B and soul. Doors open at 7, shows start at 7:30. Admission is $20 and includes hors d'oeuvres and sodas, coffee, water and desert. Beer and wine and available for sale. Oliver's Carriage House is located at 5410 Leaf Treader Way in Columbia.

February 18 Wednesday: Jorma Kaukonen, Robben Ford and Ruthie Foster plays the State Theatre. Jorma Kaukonen and Robben Ford play guitar, in this case blues guitar, and Ruthie Foster sings the blues. Show starts at 8:30. Tickets are $36.

March 5 Thursday: The Wiyos play Iota with Steppin in it. The Wiyos play country blues, swing, jugband, hillbilly and ragtime tunes. Steppin In It plays blues, bluegrass, funk and zydeco.

March 5 Thursday: Beausoleil avec Michel Doucet play at general admission dance at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Beausoleil avec Michel Doucet play cajun music. Tickets are $25.

March 31 Tuesday: Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars play the Music Center at Strathmore. Juan de Marcos and the Afro Cuban Allstars play Cuban music. Tickets are $25 to $52. The Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland.

April 5 Sunday: McCoy Tyner Quartet plays the Music Center at Strathmore. McCoy Tyner plays jazz piano. Show is at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 to $68. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland.

April 10 Friday: Chuck Brown plays a general admission dance at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Chuck Brown is the godfather of go go. Show is at 8 pm. Tickets are $30.

April 11 Saturday: A tribute to Allen Toussaint at the Barns at Wolf Trap featuring The Nighthawks, Mary Ann Redmond Band, The Grandsons, Junkyard Saints, Tommy Lepson, January Allstars, Jon Carroll and more. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.

April 29 Wednesday: Ch ick Corea & John McLaughlin Five Peace Band play the Music Center at Strathmore. The Five Peace Band is made up of Chick Corea on keys, John McLaughlin on guitar, Kenny Garrett on alto sax, Christian McBride on bass and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. Together they play jazz and fusion. Tickets are $45 to $82.

The Birchmere is the latest and largest incarnation of the same club that has been with us for years. Most shows are in the concert hall, but some are in the bandstand, which has a dance floor, but less seating. The Club has strict rules about being seated and quiet during concert hall shows and enforces them. The rules are slacker in the bandstand, which is also available if you need to talk or smoke during a show in the concert hall. If you arrive before the concert hall doors open they hand out numbers for a place in line if they like you or ignore you if they don't, but I assume they'll give you one if you demand it. It is adviseable to get there before the concert hall doors open in order to get the best seats, especially if you have a group that wants to sit together. The Birchmere opens at 5, the doors to the concert hall open at 6 and most shows start at 7:30. Food is passable bar food, but steep, and the beer selection is good. Tickets are available through Ticket Master, or with a $3 service charge from the box office, which is open from 5 to 9 on show nights. The Birchmere is located at 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. 703-549-7500.

The Black Cat gets rated the place in DC that the bands most like to play and the good vibes hang over for the audience. A very easy venue to get along with. Be warned that shows tend to start late, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when they do not close until 3. The new location has a concert hall upstairs, and a smaller performance space and a cafe with decent food downstairs. The Black Cat is located at 1811 14th Street NW. 202-667-7960. Tickets available from Ticketmaster or without service charge from the box office, which is open from 8 to midnight. The Black Cat says that it is an all ages venue, but it actually requires parental permission for anyone under 18.

Blues Alley is a small jazz club in Georgetown. Capacity is about 125. Georgetown rent is covered with two to three shows a night (8 and 10, or 8, 10 and 12), a random $2.50 per person surcharge, and a requirement that each person spend at least $10 on their overpriced food and drinks. On the other hand, the view of the stage is great. Hours are daily, 6 to 12:30. Full dinner menu available at the 8 pm show, light fare for the later shows. Food really has not impressed me. Blues Alley is located behind 1073 Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest DC. 202-337-4141.

Carter Barron Amphitheater is a U.S. Park Service facility in Rock Creek Park. It is an outdoor facility that has seating for about 4,200 and some picnic areas inside. Despite the picnic areas they do not allow cans, bottles, hard coolers or picnic baskets. The box office is open from noon to 9pm on event days only. The address is 4850 Colorado Avenue (near 16th). The concert line is 202-426-0486. For park information call 202-895-6000.

Surf Club Live is a long-established venue in Prince George's County, now under new ownership. It is fairly large, has table seating, bar seating, a dance floor, and an area with pool tables. The general decor is "dive." Beer is fairly reasonable, but appears to cost more during shows than other times. Food is virtually non-existent, though you can get a basket of chips or a bag of nuts in moments of desperation. It is located at 4711 Kenilworth Avenue in Bladensburg Maryland. 301-927-6310.

DAR Constitution Hall is a concert hall owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is a rather large hall and some of the seats up on the sides are really bad. There are usually bars in the lobby, but you cannot take a drink to your seat, with the result that the lobby is incredibly crowded before the show and during intermission. The web site claims that light fare is served at all events, but they must have hidden it well. Tickets are available only through Ticketmaster unless the promoter has made other arrangements. There is no box office. Constitution Hall is located at 1776 D Street in Northwest DC.

DC Nine is where Asylum used to be. Music is upstairs, in an area that has somehow gotten smaller. The stage is tiny, and about six inches high, and some of the places in front of it are at the top of a long stairway. There is a bar, and some places to sit. DC Nine opens at 7 Thursday though Saturday and at 8 the rest of the week. Shows start at 9:30. There are no advance tickets. All shows are 21+. DC Nine is located at 1940 9th Street in Northwest DC. 202.483.5000.

The 8X10 has resumed its former name and apparently has new ownership and booking staff. The renovation from the original Eight by Ten eliminated the middle wall, moved the stage to the middle and made it larger, added a balcony that goes down both sides and across the back and added new, vastly better, bathrooms. Not clear what the new ownership means for beer and food. The dance floor is spring-loaded: serious structral paranoids will stand directly in the center. All shows are 18+. Those under 21 pay $3 extra at the door. Tickets available from the box office for reasonable fees from 11 am to 11 pm, and for unreasonable fees from Ticketmaster. The address is 8 and 10 East Cross Street in Federal Hill across from the Cross Street Market. 410-625-2000.

Fletchers is tiny, (capacity 325), but it has good spirit. Doors open at 9 and the shows start at ten (at least when IMP does them). Fletcher's is located at 701 S.Bond Street in Fells Point. 410-558-1889. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and from Soundgarden.

Fort Reno Park is, for all intents and purposes, a big field on Chesapeake Street between Nebraska and Wisconsin Avenues near the Tenleytown Metro. Shows are from 7 to 9:30 and are free though donations are always welcome. No glass, alcohol, or drugs are allowed.

The Galaxy Hut is an incredibly tiny place (the capacity sign says 48) located at 2711 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington near the Clarendon Metro. They have a good beer selection. Most shows are $5. They also serve food of some sort. 202-333-3114.

The Grog and Tankard is a relatively small club (capacity about 150) with an even smaller stage. It is located at the very northern end of Georgetown at 2408 Wisconsin Avenue NW. 202 333-3114.

Iota Club and Cafe is a relatively small but comfortable venue. They have a good beer selection, a constantly changing and relatively reasonable menu and a full bar. The Cafe opens at 5 and live shows usually start after 9. All shows at Iota are 21+. It is located at 2832 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington near the Clarendon Metro. 703-522-8340.

Lisner Auditorium is a concert hall on the campus of George Washington University. It is theater seating, and it is small enough that none of the seats are really bad. There is usually a small bar, and they sell very limited snacks, candy bars mostly. Tickets are available from the box office and from Ticketmaster. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday 11 through 5. It does not accept credit cards. It is also open starting approximately 60 to 90 minutes before each performance. There is a $1 per ticket service charge at the box office. Lisner Auditorium is located at 730 21st Street in Northwest DC. 202-994-6800.

Madam's Organ is a cozy little venue located at 2461 18th Street NW, in Adam's Morgan. Go see the mural that has the neighborhood up in arms. She doesn't look topless to me, but what do I know? 202-667-5370.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is a classic pavilion-- 5,200 reserved seats in front, lawn for 10,000 in back, that is definitely showing its age. The lawn is so steep that at times it is dangerous, and yet so badly designed that when everyone on the lawn stands up none of the short people can see. They sell lousy beer and worse wine inside, but have added an actual bar. No outside food or drink other than sealed bottles of water is allowed. After years of being run by Clear Channel, the Pavilion is now run by IMP, which appears to be an improvement. Doors open 1 and 1/2 hours before show time. In Columbia, just drive up 95 or over on 175 and get in the traffic jam. The parking lots open at 5 for most shows. The price of parking is included in the ticket. Tickets are available through Ticket Master and from the box office on show days. 410-715-5550.

The 9:30 used to be a too cool for its own good club over on F Street with the singular claim to having a stage located in a place where almost no-one in the club could see it. The move to the old WUST hall at 815 V Street NW is an improvement both in livability and in attitude, but don't expect down home friendliness. All shows are all ages. An IMP venue. Doors open at 7:30 during the week, 9 on Fridays and 7 on Saturdays. Show times vary depending on the number of bands and can be found on their web site. The food is actually quite edible. Capacity is about 1,200. Tickets are available from Tickets.com, from Ticketmaster, or from the box office, which is open from noon to 7 on week nights, but until 11 if there is a show, and 6-11 on saturday and sunday nights when there are shows. The 9:30 number is 202-393-0930

Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge is a relatively new pavilion out near Manassas run by Cellar Door. Pavilion seating is plentiful and the lawn seating is pleasant and actually allows you to see and hear the show. They serve outrageously expensive beer and equally expensive food, and limit carry ins to one sealed water bottle. Remember to bring that bottle, because their water is literally not potable. They allow you to bring in a blanket, and will rent you an "appropriate" chair. Shows start at 8 unless otherwise specified. The box office is open from noon to intermission on show days. Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster. Parking is included in the price of the ticket, and there are not really any other options. Be warned that it can sometimes take hours to get out of the lot. And, honestly, they are not so good at getting you into it either. Take I-66 to exit 43B or 44 and follow the signs from there. 703-754-6400.

Oregon Ridge is a State Park located north of Baltimore off of I-83 at 13401 Beaver Dam Road. Is basically a stage at the bottom of a long hill with woods on each side of the slope. Food and beer depend on who is producing. The park does not allow you to bring in either bottles or cans, but does allow coolers. The box office is open only on the day of events. To get there take I-695 to I-83 North and take exit 20B to the Park, or take exit 20A to free parking and a shuttle at Hunt Valley Mall. Their web site says that you need to pay for parking in advance in order to park at the Park but this depends on the promoter, as does the availability of the shuttle. For information call 410-539-5474.

Orion Sound Studios are located at 2903 Whittington Avenue in Baltimore. The sound is excellent, but the venue is small and lacks some of the amenities that one ordinarily finds - like chairs. They also do not sell food or drink, but apparently do not mind if you bring your own. (Or your own chair, for that matter, if the show is not crowded). All shows are all ages.

Ottobar is now in the old Club Midnite at 2549 North Howard Street in Baltimore. It is much roomier than the old one, has a real stage, and it is easy to get to the bathrooms. Other than that, the same spirit is in effect, and there is still no food. Most shows are 18 and over. The doors open at 9 and the show starts at 10 unless other times apply. Tickets are often available through Mission Tix and also from the upstairs bar. 410-662-0069.

Pier Six Concert Pavilion is a concert pavilion operated by Clear Channel. It is located on the Inner Harbor off of President Street, which is on the right after you pass Harborplace and the National Aquarium. The pavilion is relatively small, and the lawn is even smaller. (If you think of your own lawn you may not be far off). They really don't seem to fuss much about the difference between the pavilion and the lawn - or at least they did not the night that I was there. They do not allow glass containers or alcohol. Gates open one hour before the shows. Tickets are available from the box office, which is open from noon until 9 on concert nights and from ticketmaster. Having gotten myself into their parking once, my advice is don't. It is outrageously expensive, and despite the fact that the lots are tiny, it takes forever to get out. 410-659-7100.

The Ramshead Tavern has long been known as a bar and restaurant but only recently added the concert hall. Seating is at tables and tickets are sold by seat, so have your group organized when you go to buy the tickets. Also, a lot of Ramshead shows sell out, so it is worth buying early. The Ramshead has recently gotten approval for an expansion that will add to the stage and add 100 seats. Only time will tell whether they will be added in front of the stage. Food in the concert hall is bar food and the prices are not low but not outrageous. A more varied menu is available in the restaurant, but they do a heavy business, so there is no guarantee that you can get seated and eat before the show. The most annoying thing about the Ram's Head is that they only serve their own beer in the concert hall, and they won't let you go out and buy real beer in the bar. (Well, okay, they said I could buy one. Thanks a lot!) Also annoying is the fact that they will not let anyone dance. All shows are 21+. Tickets are available from the Ramshead, in person, by phone, or from their website. You should be aware that the Ramshead's posted prices do not include an additional 10% tax that they say is imposed by the State and the City of Annapolis. Have never run into that elsewhere. The box office number is 410-268-5111. The Ramshead is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. 301-261-1118/410-268-4545

The Ramshead Live is an offshoot of Rams Head Tavern, but a much larger venue. It holds about 1500 people in three levels and has screens thoughout the venue for areas without a full view of the stage. Lots of food, including three kiosks and the full Rams Head menu available from the bar, at least until whatever time the restaurant closes. It is the world of hidden charges, though. Tickets listed as $18 at the door cost me $21.40, the coat check was $3, and beer, while not outrageous, was a bit high for Baltimore. There is also the fact that the $3 for the coat check doesn't even buy you a couple extra people at the end of the show to help you get your coat. Wouldn't hurt them to tell the garage in the building what time the show will end either. A couple more years, and maybe they will learn how to run a venue.

Recher Theatre is located at 512 York Road in Towson. It was once a movie theater, and except for taking the seats out, leveling the floor and adding a bar, not a lot of changes have been made. The beer selection is not great, and the prices have risen with the redecoration. Food is available, but I haven't tested it. They also charge for water. You must be 18 to go to shows here and admission is $5 extra for people who are not at least 21. Tickets are available at the club, at Record and Tape Trader locations in Maryland, and at Ticketmaster. 410-337-7178.

Rock and Roll Hotel is a new venue in the Atlas district with a capacity of about 400 downstairs with the music and a bar upstairs. They now serve food. Apparently it used to be a funeral home, which may explain all the black paint. Rock and Roll Hotel is located at 1353 H Street NE, between 12th and 13th streets. Union Station is the closest Metro and about 15 blocks from the venue. They suggest that you do not walk that, but take a cab. In general, walking around the area is best done with friends. 202-388-7625.

Roots Cafe is located in St. John's Church, a rundown church at the intersection of 27th and St. Paul Streets in Baltimore. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks are available for sale cheap. All ages are welcome. Shows start at 8 pm. and end by midnight. Admission is always $10.

The Sidebar is a tiny little bar right near the old Ottobar at the corner of Lexington and Guilford. All shows are 18+ unless they are not. If there are three or four bands, doors will generally open at 9, and the show will start at 9:30, except when they don't. Drink prices are extremely reasonable but the beer selection is not great. I wouldn't expect to find any food there. 410-659-4130.

Sonar is a newly expanded Baltimore bar with two venues and a lounge. The Main Stage looks like a huge basement, doesn't quite have enough bars, and really needs an air cleaning system. It holds about 1,000 people. The Club holds 300. And the lounge, which is available during concerts, holds 150. Tickets are available without charge from the box office, and also from Record and Tape Traders and TicketMaster. The box office is open from 9 to 1 any night that the club is open. Sonar is located at 407 East Saratoga Street in Baltimore. 410-327-8333. Parking is plentiful

The Spanish Ballroom is architecturally not unlike a high school cafeteria, but with more interesting trim and a much better floor. It is all about dance floor and music there is virtually always for a dance. It is alcohol and smoke free, and any food and drink that are available are not permitted on the dance floor - which is most of the venue (7,500 square feet). For information on what is happening at the ballroom, see Dancing in the Park. The Spanish Ballroom is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. 301-492-6282.

The State Theatre is a venue in an old movie theater in Falls Church. It is by far the best of the renovated theater venues I have seen. The downstairs goes up in four levels with seating on the back three (though that may vary) and the balcony retains the theater seating, with room for 215 in the balcony, for a total capacity of 800. The combination means that the stage is actually visible from almost anywhere, even if you are as short as I am. And the sound is excellent. They have a somewhat limited menu, but serve real food, not just snacks. Most, if not all shows are 18+ and there is a $3 tax if you are under 21. Tickets are available from the box office and online from the State Theatre's web site. Box office hours are 12 to 5 Monday through Friday and 6:30 to 11:30 on show nights. The State Theatre is located at 220 N. Washington Street in Falls Church. 703-237-0300.

The Talking Head has moved and is now in a space in or next to Sonar. Doors to the club open at 9:30, shows start around 10 for four or more bands, and around 10:30 for fewer. They are located at 407 East Saratoga Street in Baltimore. 410-962-5598.

The Thirteenth Floor is in the Belvedere Hotel at 1 E. Chase Street, which is at the corner of Chase and Charles. Shows are at 9:30. View is spectacular, Decor hotel bar with a twist of the bizarre. I.e. leopard spot carpeting. Beer selection sucks and is expensive. Full bar. Crowd very mixed, not necessarily quite what you would expect from the bands, but not quite what you would expect from a hotel bar either. Dance floor size varies with the size of the band, and is limited by an extremely ill placed stairway. 410-783-1332.

The Velvet Lounge is a tiny club one block from the 9:30 Club at 915 U Street. Music is upstairs, and the cover is not usually more than $10. The lounge opens at 8pm or so and closes at 2am during the week, 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Music starts when it starts, which will probably not be before 9, but is usually by 10, at least during the week. Shows are 21+ unless they are not. 202-462-3213. Ownership of the Velvet Lounge has changed/is changing at the beginning of 2008, but it is hoped that it will not cause much of a change.

The Warner Theatre is a grand old theatre located at 513 13th Street in Northwest DC. It seats 1847, slightly over half on the floor, the rest in balconies and boxes. Lately they are apparently starting to look for renovation money, as they are having a lot of comedy and music. They serve alcohol, and let you bring it to your seat, but the prices are steep and the lines are long. Don't show up hungry. Tickets are available at the box office or through TicketMaster. The phone number is 202-783-4000.

Wolf Trap is the ultimate outdoor venue in this area, but don't expect to see anything rowdy there. Acoustics in the pavilion are great, sound and view from the lawn are good if you show up early to get a good spot. Wolf Trap allows food on the lawn in any kind of container, and beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, in glass or in plastic. So relax and drink champagne in glasses while you watch the show, it doesn't bother them. There are rules though: this is a federal facility and they still follow the rule of zero tolerance for drugs. Oh yeah, and you can't get married on the grounds. There are no age limits, but you need a ticket for every human being, no matter how young. During colder parts of the year Wolf Trap shows are at the Barns, which are nearby. You can't bring your own there, but they do have a fair selection, and the surroundings are pleasant. Tickets are available from Tickets.com, on-line, or without charge from the box office which is open from 10 to 6 during the week, from noon to 5 on the weekend, and until 9 on show nights. Wolf trap is located in Virginia right off of the Dulles toll road. 703-938-2404

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