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?

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 20 Thursday: Quartet Offensive plays the Windup Space with Tim Kuhl Group. Quartet Offensive plays experimental jazz. Tim Kuhl Group also plays jazz. Show is at 9 pm. Windup Space is located at 12 West North Avenue in Baltimore.

November 21 Friday: Imperial China plays WMUC on the College Park campus of University of Maryland with Caverns, Solar Powered Sun Destroyer and Hammer No More the Fingers. Imperial China plays experimental prog/punk/electronica. Caverns combines alternative rock and punk. Solar Powered Sun Destroyer plays spacy indie rock. Hammer No More the Fingers is an indie band. Show is at 8 pm and is free. It is also all ages.

November 21 Friday: HR plays a late show at the Ottobar with Outlaw Nation and Lionize. HR, front man for Bad Brains, plays reggae in his solo life. Outlaw Nation plays raw acoustic folk, funk, and reggae. Lionize plays reggae-based rock. Doors open at 10, show is at 10:30.

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. The Heavy Pets open on Friday, Umphrey's plays alone Saturday. Umphrey's McGee is a jam band with touches of prog. The Heavy Pets are a jam band. The show on the 22d is an early show and doors open at 7.

November 22 Saturday: Imperial China plays the basement of the Kay Center on the American University campus with Caverns, Solar Powered Sun Destroyer and Hammer No More the Fingers. Imperial China plays experimental prog/punk/electronica. Caverns combines alternative rock and punk. Solar Powered Sun Destroyer plays spacy indie rock. Hammer No More the Fingers is an indie band. Show is at 7 pm and is free. It is also all ages.

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 at the Ramshead Tavern is sold out.

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 22 Saturday: Soaphammer plays the Ottobar with Pygmy Lush and Dactyl. Soaphammer plays heavy metal. Pygmy Lush started out heavy, but has apparently turned to the acoustic and folky in recent releases. Dactyl is fairly heavy. Doors open at 9, show is at 10.

November 22 Saturday: Puddle plays the Sidebar Tavern with Vib. Puddle is an indie band that combines punk and funk.

November 26 Wednesday: Hackensaw Boys play the State Theatre with Justin Trawick. Hackensaw Boys play energetic string music. Justin Trawick is a singer/songwriter. 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: Blue Miracle has a Thanksgiving party at The Whiskey. Blue Miracle is a jam band. Show is at 9 pm. The Whiskey is located at 1803 West Street in Annapolis.

November 26 Wednesday: BB King at the Birchmere is sold out.

November 28 Friday: Rhodes Tavern Troubadours featuring members of King Soul play Iota with The Remnants. Rhodes Tavern Troubadours play roots rock. The Remnants play country rock. Show is at 9:30. Admission is $10.

November 28 Friday: Hackensaw Boys at the 8X10 is cancelled.

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 29 Saturday: Roomful of Blues plays the Rosedale American Legion Hall. Roomful of blues combines jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul. Tickets are $25 in advance - send SASE to Baltimore Blues Society P.O. 4522 Baltimore, Maryland 21212 by November 17. The Rosedale American Legion is located at 1311 Seling Avenue in Rosedale, Maryland.

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 4 Thursday: Boris plays the Ottobar with (A HREF="http://www.kranky.net/artists/growing.html">Growing and Clouds. Boris is a Japanese experimental trio, known for their genre-hopping. Growing is an experimental/drone duo. Doors open at 8, show is at 9.

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: Bardo Pond plays the Talking Head with Mopar Mountain Daredevils and DJ El Suprimo. Bardo Pond plays psychedelic rock. Mopar Mountain Daredevils feature Cotton Casino. Doors open at 9 pm, show starts at 10 pm. Admission is $8.

December 6 Saturday: The Old Ceremony plays Iota with Modern Skirts. The Old Ceremony is a "pop noir" band. The Old Skirts play pop rock. Show is at 9:30. Admission is $15.

December 6 Saturday: The Howling Mad play the Velvet Lounge with Pup Tent and 7 Door Sedan. The Howling Mad is a rock band featuring original members of Razz. Pup Tent plays punk. 7 Door Sedan plays rock. Doors open at 9 pm, show is at 10pm. Admission is $8. This is a 21+ show.

December 6 Saturday: Supersuckers play the Ottobar. Supersuckers play hard rock, and country. Doors open at 8, show is at 9.

December 6 Saturday: Lafayette Gilchrist and New Volcanoes play the 8X10 with Might Could plays Orion Sound with Pete Laramee's Brute Squad. Might Could is an instrumental guitar group. Mike Laramee plays instrumental heavy rock.

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. Tickets are $20.

December 10 Wednesday: The Points play the Velvet Lounge with Terrible Twos and The Electricutions. The Points play punk. Terrible Twos are a Detroit garage band. The Electrocutions play old school punk and garage rock. Doors open at 9pm, show is at 9:30 pm. Admission is $8, This is a 21+ show.

December 10 Wednesday: Swampadelica plays the 8X10 with special guest Todd Scheaffer. Swampadelica mixes Americana and Haitian roots music. Admission is $12.

December 11 Thursday: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at the Birchmere is sold out.

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

December 12 Friday: Lafayette Gilchrist and the New Volcanoes at the Windup Space is cancelled.

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 17 Wednesday: Dub Trio plays DC Nine. Dub Trio mixes metal and dub. Doors open at 8:30, show is at 9. Admission is $10.

December 18 Thursday: Baltimore Round Robin - Eyes Night at Sonar with Beach House, Jana Hunter, Nautical Almanac, Ed Schrader, Lesser Gonzolez Alvarez, Santa Dads, The Creepers, WZT Hearts, Blue Leader, Lexie Mountain Boys and Teeth Mountain. Doors open at 8. Admission is $8. This is an all ages show.

December 19 Friday: Baltimore Round Robin - Feet Night at Sonar with Dan Deacon, Video Hippos, Blood Baby, Nuclear Power Pants, Double Dagger, DJ Dog Dick, Future Islands, Lizz King, Smart Growth, Height and Adventure. Doors open at 8. Admission is $8. This is an all ages show.

December 20 Saturday: All Mighty Senators play the 8X10 with Sitali. All Mighty Senators play rock and soul music. Sitali combines rock, soul and world music.

December 26 Friday: Slickee Boys play the Ottobar with Chelsea Graveyard and the Screams at Midnight and The Diamondheads. The Slickee Boys are a garage band that reunes around Christmas. Chelsea Graveyard and the Screams at Midnight plays rock. The Diamondheads play instrumental surf. Doors open at 9, show is at 10.

December 26 Friday: New Potato Caboose plays the bandstand at the Birchmere with The Bridge. New Potato Caboose was an early Dead-inspired jam band. The Bridge is a jam band that incorporates everything from hip hop to bluegrass. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.

December 27 Saturday: Slickee Boys play Surf Club Live. Slickee Boys are garage rock band on the reunion schedule. Show is at 9 pm.

December 27 Saturday: SOJA plays two shows at the State Theatre. SOJA plays reggae. The early show is alcohol free. Doors open at 4, show is at 5. Doors for the late show open at 8, show is at 9. Both shows are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the show.

December 28 Sunday: Soulive plays the 9:30 Club. Soulive plays funk and jazz jams. Doors open at 7. Admission is $20.

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 30 Tuesday: Little Feat plays the Recher Theatre. Little Feat plays New Orleans influenced rock. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 on the day of the show.

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.

December 31 Wednesday: Rebirth Brass Band plays the 8X10 with Chris Jacobs and Kenny Liner of The Bridge.

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. Tickets are $35.

January 4 Sunday: Leon Redbone plays Ramshead Tavern. Leon Redbone plays jazz and blues standards from the early 20th century. Tickets are $30.

January 8 Thursday: Zevious plays the Velvet Lounge with DCIC and Anthony Pirog Sextet. Zevious combines jazz, prog and metal, among other things. DCIC is a jazz improv group. Anthony Pirog is a jazz guitarist. Doors open at 9. Show is at 9:30. Admission is $7.

January 9 Friday: Femi Kuti plays the 9:30 Club. Femi Kuti is the son of Fela Kuti and plays Afrobeat.

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 10 Saturday: Zevious plays Orion Sound. Zevious combines jazz, prog and metal, among other things.

January 14 Wednesday: The Sword plays Rock and Roll Hotel with Year Long Disaster. The Sword plays heavy metal. Year Long Disaster plays hard rock Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Tickets are $15.

January 14 Wednesday: Al Di Meola World Sinfonia plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. Al Di Meola plays jazz guitar. Show is at 8 pm. 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 17 Saturday: Chopteeth plays the Rock and Roll Hotel. Chopteeth is an Afrobeat band. Doors open at 8:30, show is at 9:30. Tickets are $15.

January 23 Friday: Drive-by Truckers play the Recher Theatre. Drive-by Truckers play southern rock. Tickets are $25.

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 27 Tuesday: Imperial China plays the Backstage at the Black Cat with Title Tracks. Imperial China plays experimental prog/punk/electronica. Title Tracks is an indie band. Show is at 9. Tickets are $8.

January 27 and 28 Tuesday and Wednesday: Thievery Corporation plays the 9:30 Club. Thievery Corporation "mixes elements of dub, acid jazz, Indian classical and Brazilian with a lounge aesthetic." Tickets are $40. A show on the 29th is already sold out.

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

January 29 Thursday: Sonny Landreth plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. Sonny Landreth plays slide guitar. Show is at 8 pm. Tickets are $24.

February 4 Wednesday: The Black Keys play Rams Head Live with Patrick Sweany. The Black Keys play raw blues on drums and guitar. Patrick Sweany plays indie and acoustic blues. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25 in advance, $27 day of show. This is an all ages show.

February 6 Friday: Dysrhythmia plays the Talking Head Club with Tombs, Rosetta and Isthmus. Dysrhythmia plays heavy instrumental prog. Rosetta plays psychedelic prog. Isthmus is a progressive metal band. Doors open at 8, show is at 9. Admission is $10.

February 8 Sunday: Dysrhythmia plays the Velvet Lounge with Tombs and Drugs of Faith. Dystrhythmia plays heavy instrumental prog. Drugs of Faith plays grindcore. Doors open at 9, show is at 9:30pm. Admission is $8.

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 14 Saturday: Shemekia Copeland plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. Shemekia Copeland sings the blues. Tickets are $20.

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.

February 20 Friday: BB King and Buddy Guy play DAR Constitution Hall. BB King and Buddy Guy both play blues guitar. Tickets are $65 to $70 and go on sale Friday November 21.

February 27 Friday: Thievery Corporation plays Rams Head Live. Thievery Corporation "mixes elements of dub, acid jazz, Indian classical and Brazilian with a lounge aesthetic." Tickets are $40. This is an all ages show.

February 27 Friday: Marcia Ball plays the State Theatre. Marcia Ball plays blues and boogie woogie piano. Tickets are $22.

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 17 Tuesday: Tab Benoit plays the Ramshead Tavern. Tab Benoit plays blues with a touch of the swamp. Tickets are $25.

March 22 Sunday: That 1 Guy plays the 8X10. That 1 Guy is a one man band, playing an instrument of his own making.

March 24 Tuesday: That 1 Guy plays Jammin' Java. That 1 Guy is a one man band, playing an instrument of his own making. Show is at 8. Tickets are $10 in advance, which may be the only way. Jammin' Java is located at 227 Maple Avenue in East Vienna, Virginia.

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 10 Friday: Keller Williams plays the Birchmere. Keller Williams plays acoustic guitar, a variety of other instruments, and lots of loops. Doors open at 6, show is at 7:30. Tickets are $29.50.

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

Home Rage