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?

September 2 Thursday: Explosions in the Sky plays 2640 Space. Explosions in the Sky is an instrumental post rock band. Doors open at 7, show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door and are available from Missiontix and Red Emma's Cafe. This is a dry show. 2640 Space is located at 2640 St. Paul Street in Baltimore.

September 4 Saturday: Papadosio plays the 8X10 with Segway. Papadosio is an instrumental jam band combining roots, eclectic traditions and electronica. Segway combines electronica and funk.

September 5 Sunday: Stan Ridgway plays Iota. Stan Ridgway "blends country-blues twang, a lounge-music vibe, movie-score kitsch and hard-driving theatrical psychedelia." Show is at 8. Admission is $15.

September 5 Sunday: Hank III and Assjack play the 9:30 Club. Hank III and Assjack play country, "hellbilly" and metal, usually in about that order. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $20.

September 5 Sunday: Mambo Combo plays Harborplace. Mambo Combo plays Latin music, including soca and samba. Show is at 5 and is free. Show is near the intersection of Pratt and Light streets.

September 8 Wednesday: Akron/Family plays the Black Cat with Sleepy Sun. Akron/Family is an experimential psychedelic folk band. Sleepy Sun plays psychedelic blues rock. Show is at 8. Tickets are $15.

September 9 Thursday: Colour Revolt plays backstage at the Black Cat with Turbo Fruits. Colour Revolt is an indie rock band. Turbo Fruits plays rambunctious "barn rock." Show is at 9. Admisstion is $10.

September 9 Thursday: Eric Lindell plays the Recher Theatre. Eric Lindell is a singer songwriter who plays blues and rock. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of the show.

September 10 Friday: Anti-Flag plays UXO tour on the National Mall with Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine, The Coup, Tim Barry of Avail, Outernational, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, Among Criminals and Attic Dancers. Have been unable to find information about times or admission. Show is at Henry Bacon Field at the intersection of 23rd & Constitution Avenues in Northwest DC.

September 10 Friday: Donna the Buffalo plays the 8X10 with Hoots and hellmouth. Donna the Buffalo is a jam band that combines cajun, zydeco, rock and reggae. Hoots and Hellmouth plays Americana.

September 10 Friday: Blues Traveler plays on the plaza at Power Plant Live. Blues Traveler is a jam band. Show is free. Gates open at 6. Show is at 8. This is a 21+ show.

September 10 Friday: Double Dagger plays Comet Ping Pong with Hume and Sick Weapons. Double Dagger is a three piece post punk band, Hume plays experimental folk. Sick Weapons play punk. Comet Ping Pong is located at 5037 Connecticut Avenue in Northwest DC.

September 11 Saturday: HampdenFe st with Double Dagger, Arbouretum, Sick Weapons, Weekends, Deep Sleep, Yeveto, landspeedrecord!, Lesser Gonzales Alvarez and more! Festival is from 11 to 7 on the Avenue (36th Street) in Hampden, Baltimore.

September 11 Saturday: Jack Dupon plays Orion with Shawn Persinger is Prester John. Jack Dupon is a French psychedelic prog band. Shawn Persinger is Prester John plays progressive acoustic guitar.

September 11 Saturday: Stockholm Syndrome plays the 8X10. Stockholm Syndrome founded by Jerry Joseph and Dave Schools. Eric McFadden will also play with them.

September 11 Saturday: Bouncing Souls play the Black Cat with Defiance Ohio and The Great Explainer. Bouncing Souls play punk. Defiance Ohio plays acoustic punk. The Great Explainer plays post hardcore punk. Show is at 9. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 the day of the show.

September 11 Saturday: Can't Hang plays The Avenue at White Marsh. Can't Hang combines reggae and rock. Show is from 7 to 9. The Avenue at White Marsh is located at 8125 Honeygo Boulevard in Baltimore.

September 12 Sunday: Tortoise plays the Black Cat with Imperial China. Tortoise is an instrumental post rock band. Imperial China plays a mix of punk, electronica and rock. Show is at 8. Tickets are $15.

September 12 Sunday: Takoma Park Folk Festival featuring Appalachian music with Walt Michael and others at Abbott Stage at 1:30, Shango Band on the Field Stage at 2, Elikeh at the Field Stage at 3, The Grandsons at the Grove Stage at 4, Rick Franklin & his Delta Blues Boys on the Abbott Stage at 4, ilyAIMY on the 7th Heaven Stage at 4, and more. Festival is from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm at Takoma Park Middle School, which is located at 7611 Piney Branch Road in Takoma Park, Maryland.

September 13 Monday: Ozomatli plays Rams Head On Stage. Ozomatli blends Latin salsa, hip hop, jazz and funk. Show is at 8. Tickets are $29.50.

September 16 Thursday: Pimps of Joytime play Jammin' Java with MOJO and Funk Ark. Pimps of Joytime play funk music laced with soul, punk, Latin, afrobeat and rap. Funk Ark plays Afrobeat. Show is at 8:30.

September 17 Friday: Superchunk plays the 9:30 Club with Tommy Keene and Let's Wrestle. Superchunk is an indie rock band. Tommy Keene is a singer/songwriter. Let's Wrestle plays rock.

September 17 Friday: Higher Hands play The Avenue at White Marsh. Higher Hands combine funk and hip hop. Show is 7 to 9. The Avenue at White Marsh is located at 8125 Honeygo Boulevard in Baltimore.

September 17 Friday: The Gourds play the State Theatre. The Gourds are an alt-country band. Tickets are $16.

September 18 Saturday: The Muffins play La Maison Francaise as part of the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music with Hume, Vector Trio and Pilesar. The Muffins play prog. Hume plays experimental folk. Vector Trio plays "music for three voices, contextualized by cultural disharmony." Pilesar is the home recording project of experimental musician Jason Mullinax. This show starts at 3:30. If I figure out tickets, I'll add the information. La Maison Francaise is the French Embassy and is located at 4101 Reservoir Road in Northwest DC.

September 18 Saturday: Magma plays La Maison Francaise as part of the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music. Magma is a French progressive rock band founded by Christian Vander. This show is at 8. If I figure out tickets, I'll add the information. La Maison Francaise is the French Embassy and is located at 4101 Reservoir Road in Northwest DC.

September 19 Sunday: Baltimore celebrates the dedication of the Frank Zappa statue with a free concert and a cheap after party. Concert starts at noon with Arbouretum and more, and Dweezil plays Zappa after the dedication at two. Both the dedication and the concert take place by the Southeast Anchor Branch Library at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and South Conkling Street in Highlandtown. Later, there is a "Zappa Highlandtown Arts District After Party" at The Patterson with Big in Japan, Telesma, Indra Lazul and DJ El Suprimo. Doors open at 6, show is at 7. Admission is $5. The Patterson is located at 3134 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore.

September 19 Sunday: Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music at Fairfax Old Town Hall with Illusion of Safety (Chicago), The Cornel West Theory (DC), Controlled Bleeding (NY), Astma (Alexei Borisov & Olga Nosova) (Russia), Fuse Ensemble (DC), Nobu Stowe . Lee Pembleton Project (Japan/LA/NY/Baltimore/Italy), Corridors (NYC), Colla Parte (Perry Conticchio, Rich O.Meara, Daniel Barbiero) (DC), RDK+Insect Factory (DC), Aster . Eli Keszler & Ashley Paul (Providence), Mercury Fools the Alchemist (DC), Matta Gawa (DC), Kingdom of Sharks (VA), Dave Vosh (DC) and Borborites (DC). Show is 11 am to 11 pm. Fairfax Old Town Hall is located at 3999 University Drive in Fairfax, Virginia.

September 19 Sunday: Widespread Panic Pier 6. Widespread Panic is a jam band with some blues influences. Tickets go on sale Friday July 30. Gates open at 5:30. Tickets are $46.50.

September 19 Sunday: Joe Lewis Walker featuring Murali Coryell plays the Rams Head On Stage with Andy Poxon Band. Joe Lewis Walker and Andy Poxon play blues guitar, but Joe Lewis Walker has been at it much longer. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $20.

September 20 Monday: Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music at Strathmore Mansion with Trophies (Baltimore/Brooklyn), Gestures (DC) and Lost Civilizations (DC). Show is at 8.

September 21 Tuesday: Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music at Strathmore Mansion with Fennesz (Austria), Arturas Bumsteinas + Janel & Anthony (Lithuania/DC) and Low End String Quartet. (DC) Fennesz is an Austrian guitarist active in electronic music. Arturas Bum.teinas is a composer of acoustic and electronic music. Janel and Anthony play experimental folk and ambient music. Low End String Quartet is a string quartet with additional bass and a guitar in place of the traditional violin and viola.

September 21 Tuesday: Anti-Flag plays the Ottobar with The Menzingers and guests. Both Anti-Flag and The Menzingers play punk. Doors open at 7, show is at 8.

September 22 Wednesday: Andrea Centazzo plays a Millenium Stage show at the Kennedy Center as part of the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music. Andrea Centazzo is an Italian-born American percussionist and composer of minimal music. Millenium Stage shows start at 6 pm and are free.

September 23 Thursday: Imperial China plays the Velvet Lounge with Miracles and Tereu Tereu. Imperial China plays a mix of punk, electronica and rock. Miracles plays experimental rock. Tereu Tereu plays noisy pop. Doors open at 7. Show is at 9. Admission is $8.

September 23 Thursday: Bobby Bare, Jr. plays Iota with Blue Giant. Bobby Bare, Jr.'s "music is Southern and it rocks, but it's not Southern rock." Blue Giant combines country, rock and psychedelic music. Show is at 8:30. Admission is $12.

September 23 Thursday: Tom Tom Club plays the Rock and Roll Hotel with Caravan of Thieves and The Tony Castles. Tom Tom Club is a new wave band formed in the 80's by bassist Tina Weymouth and drummer Chris Frantz. caravan of Thieves plays gypsy influenced acoustic swing. The Tony Castles play pop. Doors open at 7, show is at 8.

September 24 Friday: Merzbow+Richard Pinhas (Japan/France) play La Maison Francaise as part of the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music with Blue Sausage Infant (DC) and TL0741 (DC). Merzbow is the father of Japanese noise music. Richard Pinhas is an experimental guitarist. "The sound of BSI encompasses brutalist noise, dark drones, pounding neo-tribalism, krautrock-flavored psychedelia, cut-ups, and bleak ambience." TL0741 plays "crusty hypnotic effluent sonic anxieties." Show is at 8. La Maison Francaise is the French Embassy and is located at 4101 Reservoir Road in Northwest DC.

September 24 Friday: Live art installation by Arrington de Dionyso with performance by his new project Malaikat Dan Singa at Comet Ping Pong. Malaikat Dan Singa is an Indonesian pop band. Comet Ping Pong is located at 5037 Connecticut Avenue in Northwest DC.

September 24 Friday: The Radiators play the 8X10. The Radiators play New Orleans rock and roll.

September 25 Saturday: Miriodor plays La Maison Francaise as part of the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music with Univers Zero. Miriodor combines jazz, progressive rock and chamber music. Univers Zero is an instrumental Belgian band known for playing dark music heavily influenced by 20th century chamber music. Show is at 7. La Maison Francaise is the French Embassy and is located at 4101 Reservoir Road in Northwest DC.

September 25 Saturday: Wavves plays the Ottobar. Wavves is a lo-fi punk band. Doors open at 9, show is at 10.

September 26 Sunday: Stanton Moore Trio plays the 8X10. The Stanton Moore Trio is Stanton Moore on drums, Robert Walter on keys and Will Bernard on guitar playing jazz, funk and rock. Anders Osborne is playing with them for most of this tour, but apparently not this show. Show is at 8. Tickets are $20.

September 26 Sunday: BlackDiamondSkye comes to Patriot Center with Alice in Chains, Deftones and Mastodon. Tickets go on sale Friday May 28 at 10 am and are $49.50 to $59.50.

September 27 Monday: Wavves plays the Rock and Roll Hotel with Christmas Island and Laughing Man. Wavves is a lo-fi punk band. Christmas Island blends pop and punk. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 on the day of show.

September 29 Wednesday: Dead Confederate plays the Rock and Roll Hotel with Mt St Helens Vietnam Band. Dead Confederate plays rock with elements of psych and Southern. Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band plays indie rock. Doors open at 8. Show is at 8:30. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 on the day of the show.

September 29 Wednesday: Swans play the Black Cat with Baby Dee. Swans were a New York no wave band. Baby Dee is an American performance artist, Harpist and accordionist, and Singer-songwriter. Show is at 8. Tickets are $20.

October 2 Saturday: Chopteeth play the Black Cat. Chopteeth is a large Afrobeat band. Show is at 9. Tickets are $15.

October 3 Sunday: Big Bad Voodoo Daddies play Rams Head On Stage. Big Bad Voodoo Daddies are a swing revival band. They are really too danceable to play On Stage. Show is at 8. Tickets are at $49.50.

October 5 Tuesday: Little Feat plays the Avalon Theatre. Little Feat plays New Orleans style rock. Show is at 8. Tickets are $55. The Avalon Theatre is located at 40 East Dover Street in Easton, Maryland.

October 6 Wednesday: Uz Jsme Doma plays the backstage at the Black Cat. Uz Jsme Doma is a Czech prog band. Show is at 9. Admission is $15.

October 6 Wednesday: Arbouretum plays Metro Gallery with Caltrop and more. Arboretum combines folk and psych rock. Caltrop mixes blues, prog, psych and metal. Show is at 8. Admission is $8.

October 6 Wednesday: Slayer plays First Mariner with Megadeth and Anthrax. All play heavy metal. Tickets are $32.50 and $42.50. First Mariner Arena is located at 201 West Baltimore Street in Baltimore.

October 6 Wednesday: Indigenous plays the 8X10. Indigenous plays blues rock.

October 8 Friday: Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad plays the Windup Space with The Rock n Roll Freakshow, Bobby Lee and the Sympathizers and http://www.beefplatter.com /thegopills.html">The Go-Pills. Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad plays rock, with antics. The Rock N Roll Freakshow mixes stunts and comedy with a "strong influence to demand audience participation," Bobby E. Lee and the Sympathizers play bluegrass and Americana. The Go Pills play rock even though they have an electric ukulele player.

October 9 Saturday: Uz Jsme Doma plays Orion. Uz Jsme Doma is a Czech prog band.

October 9 Saturday: The Subdudes play the Birchmere. The Subdudes blend blues, gospel, funk and R&B. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.

October 9 Saturday: Elikeh plays a dance party at The Patterson. Elikeh is an Afropop band. Show is at 8. Admission is $10. The Patterson is located at 3134 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore.

October 9 Saturday: Mambo Sauce plays Jammin' Java with The Five One. Mambo Sauce mixes soul, hip hop and go go. Doors open at 10.

October 10 Sunday: The Subdudes play Rams Head On Stage. The Subdudes blend blues, gospet, funk and R&B. Show is at 8. Tickets are $35.

October 12 Tuesday: Victor Wooten and JD Blair play Rams Head On Stage. Victor Wooten is a great bass player. JD Blair is a great drummer. Together, they play whatever they want. Show is at 8. Tickets are $49.50.

October 13 Wednesday: Victor Wooten and JD Blair play the Birchmere. Victor Wooten is a great bass player. JD Blair is a great drummer. Together, they play whatever they want. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $35.

October 14 Thursday: Carolina Chocolate Drops play the bandstand at the Birchmere. Carolina Chocolate Drops play traditional African American string music. Door open at 6, show is at 7:30.

October 14 Thursday: Agnostic Front plays DC Nine with Mother of Mercy and Alpha & Omega Agnostic Front is a hard core punk band. Mother of Mercy plays hardcore and metal. As does Alpha & Omega. Doors open at 6, show is at 7. This is an all ages show. Tickets are $15.

October 15 Friday: The Thermals play the Black Cat with Cymbals Eat Guitars. The Thermals are an indie punk band. Cymbals Eat Guitars play indie rock. Show is at 9. Tickets are $15.

October 15 Friday: Blues and Brews at the 8X10 with Bobby Parker, Big Daddy Stallings and Black Falls.

October 15 Friday: Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers play the Birchmere with Deanna Bogart. Jimmy Thackery plays blues guitar. Deanna Bogart plays blues, boogie woogie piano, and saxophone. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.

October 16 Saturday: Red Elvises play Iota with Mulebone. Red Elvises combine surf music and traditional Russian music. Mulebone plays roots blues. Admission is $15.

October 16 Saturday: Entrance Band plays Windup Space. Entrance Band plays psychedelic rock. Show is at 10.

October 19-20 Tuesday and Wednesday: Buddy Guy plays the Birchmere. Buddy Guy plays blues guitar. Shows are at 7:30. Tickets are $69.50.

October 21 Thursday: Faun Fables play Orion with Rasputina. Faun Fables plays psych folk. Rasputina plays chamber rock.

October 21 Thursday: The Wiyos play the State Theatre. The Wiyos play old-timey music. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8:30. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

October 22 Friday: Helmet plays the Club Stage at Sonar with Intronaut and Fight Amp. Helmet is an alternative metal band. Intronaut plays progressive metal. Fight Amp plays sludge metal. Show is at 8. Tickets are $20.

October 22 Friday: Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Martin Sexton play Rams Head Live with Hill Country Review. Robert Randolph and the Family Band play gospel based rock. Hill Country Review plays "neo-southern blues-rock with a harder, faster edge." Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25.

October 22 Friday: SOJA plays the Recher Theatre with Mambo Sauce and The Movement. SOJA plays reggae. Mambo Sauce mixes soul, hip hop and go go. The Movement mixes rock, reggae and hip hop. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show.

October 23 Saturday: Paste Magazine tour at Rock and Roll Hotel with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Langhorne Slim, Jesse Sykes and Phil Wandscher and Mimicking Birds. All do some variation on alt-country, some more alt and some more country. Doors open at 7. Show is at 8. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door.

October 23 Saturday: Yonder Mountain String Band plays the 9:30 Club. Yonder Mountain String Band plays energetic bluegrass.

October 23 Saturday: Jake Shimabukuro plays an all ages matinee at Rams Head On Stage. Jake Shimabukuro plays ukulele. Show is at 1 pm. Tickets are $30.

October 26 Tuesday: Social Distortion plays the 9:30 Club with Lucero and Frank Turner. Social Distortion plays punk rock. Lucero mixes punk, country and rock. Frank Turner mixes punk, country and folk.

October 26 Tuesday: Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves play Jammin' Java. Eli "Paperboy" Reed plays soul. Show is at 8.

October 27 Wednesday: Hill Country Review plays DC Nine. Hill Country Review plays "neo-southern blues-rock with a harder, faster edge." Doors open at 8. Show is at 9. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door.

October 29 Friday: Laurie Anderson plays the Ina and Jack Kay Theatre at Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Laurie Anderson is a spoken word artist and musician. In this show she will be performing "Delusion," which contains both of these elements. Show is at 8. Tickets are $42.

October 29 Friday: Can't Hang plays The Avenue at White Marsh. Can't Hang combines reggae and rock. Show is from 7 to 9. The Avenue at White Marsh is located at 8125 Honeygo Boulevard in Baltimore.

October 29-30 Friday and Saturday: Robert Randolph and the Family Band play the 9:30 Club. Robert Randolph and the Family Band play gospel based rock.

October 30 Saturday: Yonder Mountain String Band plays Rams Head Live. Yonder Mountain String Band plays energetic bluegrass.

October 30 Saturday: Chuck Brown plays the Music Center Strathmore with Christylez Bacon. Chuck Brown is the godfather of go go. Christylez Bacon is a progressive hip hop artist. Show is at 8.

October 30 Saturday: The Pietasters play the 8X10 with The Toasters. Both play ska.

October 31 Sunday: Legendary Pink Dots 30th Anniversary Tour comes to DC Nine. The Legendary Pink Dots are an experimental rock band. Doors open at 8:30, show is at 9. Tickets are $15.

November 1 Monday: Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush play Rams Head On Stage. Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush play hard rock. Show is at 8. Tickets are $35.

November 2 Tuesday: Deer Tick plays the Black Cat. Deer Tick is an indie folk band. Show is at 8. Admission is $16.

November 2 Tuesday: Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush play the Birchmere. Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush play hard rock. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.

November 3 Wednesday: Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett play the Barns at Wolf Trap. Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett are the guitar players from Little Feat. Show is at 8. Tickets are $25.

November 5 Friday: Roky Erickson plays the Black Cat. Roky Erickson got his start as the guitar player for the early psychedelic band the 13th Floor Elevators. Show is at 9. Tickets are $25.

November 6 Saturday: Social Distortion plays Rams Head Live with Lucero and Frank Turner. Social Distortion plays punk rock. Lucero mixes punk, country and rock. Frank Turner mixes punk, country and folk.

November 6 Saturday: Many Arms plays Orion with Pitom. Many Arms combines jazz, punk and prog. Pitom combines jazz and grunge.

November 6 Saturday: College Park Blues Festival at Ritchie Colisuem with The Smokin' Joe Kubek Band featuing Bnois King and the winner of the 2010 DCBS battle of the Bands. Festival is from 7 to 11:30 and is free. Ritchie Coliseum is located on the east side of Route 1 in the midst of the University of Maryland College Park Campus.

November 7 Sunday: Roky Erickson plays the Ottobar with Arbouretum and others. Roky Erickson got his start as the guitar player for the early psychedelic band the 13th Floor Elevators. Arboretum combines folk and psych rock.

November 8 Monday: Bryan Bowers plays St. Mark Presbyterian Church. Bryan Bowers plays the autoharp. Show is at 7:30. St. Mark's Presbyterian Church is located at 10701 Old Georgetown Road in Rockville, Maryland.

November 11 Thursday: Bang on a Can All Stars play the music of Steve Reich at Strathmore Music Center. Bang on a Can Allstars bring both virtuosity and an energetic approach to the performance of new music. Show is at 8. Single tickets available June 18.

November 11 Thursday: Man or Astro-man plays the Black Cat. Man or Astro-man play surf rock. Show is at 8. Tickets are $15.

November 12 Friday: Kayo Dot plays Orion with Newspeak. Kayo Dot is an "experimental rock / modern composition ensemble." Newspeak combines classical and rock music.

November 12 Friday: Allman Brothers Band plays DAR Constitution Hall. The Allman Brothers play Southern rock. In fact, they arguably invented Southern rock. Tickets go on sale September 17 at 10 am.

November 12 Friday: Infamous Stringdusters play the State Theatre with Trampled by Turtles. Infamous Stringdusters and Trampled by Turtles play bluegrass. Tickets are $15.

November 13 Saturday: Infamous Stringdusters play the 8X10 with Trampled by Turtles. Infamous Stringdusters and Trampled by Turtles play bluegrass.

November 13 Saturday: Asleep at the Wheel plays the State Theatre. Asleep at the Wheel plays Texas swing. Tickets are $35.

November 14 Sunday: The Subdudes play Rams Head On Stage. The Subdudes blend blues, gospel, funk and R&B. Show is at 8. Tickets are $35.

November 14 Sunday: John McLaughlin & Fourth Dimension play the Birchmere. The Fourth Dimension is John McLaughlin on guitar, Etienne M'Bappe on bass, Gary Husband on keys, and Mark Mondesir on drums, playing jazz and fusion. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $65.

November 16 Tuesday: The Nighthawks play the State Theatre with The Thrillbillies. The Nighthawks play blues rock. The Thrillbillies play roots rock. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 the day of the show.

November 17 Wednesday: Furthur plays First Mariner Arena (Baltimore Civic Center). Furthur consists of Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Jeff Chimenti, John Kadlecik, Joe Russo, Sunshine Becker and Jeff Pehrson and they play the music of the Grateful Dead. Tickets are $39.50, $49.50 and $59.50 on mail order ($63.50) now, on sale on line at Front Gate Tickets August 16 through 6PM EST on Thursday Aug 19, and on sale to the public on August 20. Doors open at 6, show is at 7.

November 18 Thursday: JJ Grey and MOFRO play the State Theatre with Ryan Montbleau Band. JJ Grey and MOFRO play "front porch music." Ryan Montbleau Band plays folk, blues and Americana, and reminds me a bit of Leon Redbone. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 the day of the show.

December 10 Friday: Johnny Winter plays the State Theatre. Johnny Winter plays blues rock guitar.

January 15 Saturday: Maceo Parker plays the Weinberg center. Maceo Parker plays funk. Weinberg Center has immovable chairs, but I'm sure people will manage. Show is at 8. Tickets are $27.50 to $37.50. The Weinberg Center is located at 20 West Patrick Street in Frederick, Maryland.

January 28 Friday: John Scofield and Joe Lovano Quartet plays the Music Center at Strathmore. The John Scofield and Joe Lovano Quartet features Joe Lovano on sax and John Scofield on guitar. Show is at 8.

March 3 Thursday: Leon Redbone plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. Leon Redbone plays vaudevillian folk-jazz guitar and ragtime. Show is at 8. Tickets are $25.

March 9 Wednesday: California Guitar Trio plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. California Guitar Trio is an acoustic guitar trio. Show is at 8. Tickets are $22.

March 15-16 Tuesday and Wednesday: Al di Meola World Sinfonia plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. Al di Meola World Sinfonia plays jazz. Show is at 8. Tickets are $35.

April 9 Saturday: Austin Lounge Lizards play the Barns at Wolf Trap. Austin Lounge Lizards play folk and bluegrass with humor. Show is at 8:30. Tickets are $22.

April 10 Sunday: Kronos Quartet plays Dekelboum Concert Hall at Clarice Smith Performing Arts center. Kronos Quartet is a string quartet. In this show they will celebrate the music of four American composers: Harry Partch, Maria Schneider, Johnston and Reich. (Composers are my best guesses, since they give last names only). Tickets are $42.

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 Ticket Alternative 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. They also do not allow photography, recording devices or pets. 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.

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 Hexagon is a volunteer run art gallery and performance space. The music space is narrow but fairly long, and has some chairs. They do not serve alcohol, but somewhere nearby apparently sells it. The Hexagon is located at 1825 North Charles Street in Baltimore, Maryland.

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.

Jammin' Java is a coffeehouse and bar located in Vienna, Virginia. It seats maybe 100 for seated shows, and holds up to 200 for shows with less seating. For the latter, early arrival is advised if you want seating and can get through traffic to Vienna "early." They have a fair and reasonably priced selection of beer, and serve food in baskets. They are all ages all the time. Jammin' Java closes at midnight during the week, and at 2 am on Friday and Saturday. The address is 227 Maple Ave East, in Vienna, Virginia. 703-255-1566.

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.

New Deal Cafe is a cafe located in Old Greenbelt at 113 Centerway. It has a comfortable coffee room in front, and a larger, but still relatively small, concert space in back. Food is Lebanese, the beer and wine selection is good. 301-474-5642.

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 Ticketfly.com, 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. 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.

Red and Black Bar is a venue in the Atlas district. It has a cozy bar downstairs and a small, but well-proprtioned, music area upstairs. The Red and Black Bar is located at 1212 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. 202-399-3831.

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.

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.

Strathmore is an historic mansion on an 11 acre lot belonging to Montgomery County. Music and arts presentations take place in the mansion, on the grounds, and in the 1976 seat Music Center at Strathmore, a state of the are concert hall. The mansion seats up to 110 people for concerts. The Music Center has actual food prior to the show, and beer and wine before the show and during intermission. I am less sure about the other venues. The Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland. Parking is available in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage off of Tuckerman Lane, and is free for ticketed events. 301-581-5200.

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.

The Windup Space is a fair sized space with tables and the stage on the left and a bar down the left with plenty of space left for standing. Stage is done up like the Red Room in the Black Lodge in Twin Peaks, right down to the floor tile. Full bar and looks like a fair variety. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am. It is located at 12 West North Avenue in Baltimore. 410-244-8855.

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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