MONDAY, MAY 5
Scurvy at the Red & the Black
Check out this NY-based experimental, improvisational, jazzy, funky, eclectic group. With The Cutest Puppy in the World, Chic Nerve and Janet and Anthony. 9:30 p.m. $8. — Robert Fulton
The Red and the Black: 1212 H Street NE, D.C.;
202-399-3201; www.redandblackbar.com

Nayas at the Velvet Lounge
Not a bad way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo — checking out local Latin/reggae/ska outfit Nayas. Drink specials and DJ sets as well. Doors at 9 p.m. $8. — Robert Fulton
Velvet Lounge: 915 U St., NW, DC;
202-462-3213 ; www.velvetloungedc.com

TUESDAY, MAY 6
Midnight Juggernauts at the 9:30 Club
Don’t miss this indie/psychedelic-like Melbourne-based band. Rolling Stone has likened them to a trippier David Bowie, and Spin named them one of the best acts of ‘08. $15. — Robert Fulton
9:30 Club: 815 V St., NW; 202-393-0930;
www.930.com
 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
Ozomatli at the State Theatre
One of the funkiest live shows you’ll ever see, the 10-member, California-based Ozomatli returns to our area to jam. The band fuses hip hop, Latin grooves, world beat, and funk aided by a talented horn section. They’re so good, they compel even the most inert DC concertgoer to dance. 8:30 p.m. $22. — Dana Steinberg
State Theatre: 220 N. Washington,
Falls Church, VA; 703-237-0300; www.thestatetheatre.com

FRIDAY, MAY 9
Flight of the Conchords at Lisner Auditorium
Formerly New Zealand’s fourth-most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acappella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo — better known as “Flight of the Conchords” — Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie had to leave their homeland since this bizarre genre was apparently too competitive back home. Their parody songs are of wooing the ladies with lines like “You’re so beautiful, like a tree or a high-class prostitute,” or, after being heartbroken, “I’m not crying. It’s just been raining… on my face.” 7 p.m. , 10 p.m. — Alfredo Flores
Lisner Auditorium: 730 21st St., NW, D.C.;
202-994-6800; www.lisner.org

Juniper Lane at Fat Tuesday’s
There are three great local bands on the bill so picking one for the headline was pretty much arbitrary. Honor by August, No Second Troy and Juniper Lane have all graced On Tap’s pages, cover and/or annual compilation CD in the past. All three feature big, guitar driven anthemic rock songs and all are making noise on the national stage: Juniper Lane and NST have both had tracks featured on ESPN in recent months while Honor By August opened for Bon Jovi at the Verizon Center. 8 p.m. $23. — James Currie
Fat Tuesdays: 10673 Braddock Road., Fairfax, VA;
703-385-5717; www.fatsfairfax.com

SATURDAY, MAY 10
Willy Porter at Jammin’ Java
This Midwest acoustic rock singer/songwriter/guitarist is brimming with soul. He improvises quite a bit so every show is unique. Porter’s bluesy songs and gorgeous vocals will make you swoon. Bring your date. $20. — Dana Steinberg
Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave., Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com

Justin Trawick at IOTA Club & Cafe
We’re running a big ol’ feature story on Mr. Trawick elsewhere in this issue, so, yeah, you can say he’s a music pick. Catch him live at IOTA as he releases his new CD, titled, get this, “Live at IOTA.” 9 p.m. $10. — Robert Fulton
IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA;
703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
Matt Keating at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
Yes, St. Elmo’s in Alexandria has some solid live music, including alt-folk-rocker Matt Keading, who is touring in support of his new album, which will be released in July.  — Robert Fulton
St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub: 2300 Mount
Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA;
703-739-9268; www.stelmoscoffeepub.com

THURSDAY MAY 15
Serj Tankian at 9:30 Club
System of a Down front man Serj Tankian made waves with his politically outspoken solo album, “Elect The Dead.” There’s no doubt Tankian is a genius, with lyrics that make you laugh out loud at their absurdity and then seriously think about the message behind it all. Political messages aside, Tankian puts on one hell of a show that you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $25 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. — Adaora Otiji
9:30 Club: 815 V St., NW; 202-393-0930;
  www.930.com

Black Light Dance Party at DC9
Dance to the oldies-but-goodies and all the stuff that came afterwards at DC 9’s new take on the classic dance party. DJs will be spinning music favorites by famous black artists and artists that have been influenced by them, saluting the legacy of black musicians. Tickets are $5 and the party starts at 9:30 p.m. — Adaora Otiji
DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, D.C., 202-483-5000;
www.dcnine.com

FRIDAY, MAY 16
Lucky Day at IOTA Club & Cafe
This female-fronted, local pop-rock quartet is hosting CD release parties in several cities this month celebrating the May  release of their second album, “Rise and Fall.” You’ll love their melodious sound, ably led by Victoria Patchen’s sweet vocals. Come support them at their hometown show. 9 p.m. $10.  — Dana Steinberg
IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

Local H at the Rock and Roll Hotel
If you grew up in the ‘90s you may not know Local H by name, but their song “Bound For the Floor” defined a generation. The Chicago band is still going strong after all these years and making good music. Whether you’re eager to relive the good old days or just listen to something pleasing definitely check out this concert. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $14. — Adaora Otiji
Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, D.C.; 202-388-ROCK; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

The Steeldrivers w/Cornmeal at The Birchmere
If any current bluegrass band has potential to cross over into the mainstream it’s The Steeldrivers. That’s not because they water down their sound. Not hardly. Instead, these guys (and a gal) find the high lonesome sound, bring it lowdown and make it rock. The Steeldrivers’ stunning debut is full of epic songwriting, gritty, bluesy vocals, and lots of lightning picking. All that’s missing is the moonshine. 7:30 p.m. $20. — Michael Coleman
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.,
 Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500 www.birchmere.com

SATURDAY, MAY 17
Junior League at the Black Cat
It’s always a rollicking sweet good time when these bluegrassers — and On Tap featured artists — bring their unique sounds to the Black Cat main stage. With folk musician and fellow local John Bustine. Fun starts at 9 p.m. Just $10. — Robert Fulton
Black Cat: 1811 14th St., NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490;
www.blackcatdc.com

1Well Launch Party Featuring No Second Troy at the Gibson Showroom
1Well is a new entrepreneurial non-profit whose supporters are helping poor communities break the cycle of poverty through water, education, agricultural and other life sustaining infrastructure projects. All proceeds at this party — featuring On Tap featured artists No Second Troy — will support 1Well. From 8 to 11 p.m. $25 minimum donation. Get tickets in advance at www.1well.org. — Robert Fulton
Gibson Showroom: 709 G Street NW, D.C.;
202-518-6189

The Speaks at the 9:30 Club
This just in — the Speaks kick ass. OK, not breaking news — these local rockers are one of the best, most accomplished bands around. Don’t miss this On Tap featured artist as they headline a Saturday evening at the 9:30 Club. Definitely worth the $12. 6 p.m. doors open — Robert Fulton
9:30 Club: 815 V St., NW; 202-393-0930;
www.930.com

MONDAY, MAY 19
TAB the Band at the Hard Rock Café
Unabashed three-chord rock and a raw sound that could slide into the rotation on a classic rock station without missing a beat. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising considering frontmen Adrian and Tony Perry’s old man Joe is in little band called Aerosmith. On tracks like “Paid For” they exhibit a punk swagger worthy of all of the “The” bands that seemed to dominate the airwaves a couple of years ago (see Strokes, Whitestripes, et. al.). Benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 9 p.m. — James Currie
Hard Rock Café: 999 E St., NW, Washington, D.C.;
202-737-7625; www.hardrock.com

THURSDAY, MAY 22
The Dreamscapes Project at TT Reynolds
Can’t really call this local (Reston) band folk, or just a rock band. This raw, stripped down, acoustic outfit is somewhere in between. Tons of shows in the coming months, including this one at TT Reynolds. $5. Visit www.thedreamscapesproject.com for more area dates. — Robert Fulton
TT Reynolds: 10414 Main St., Fairfax, VA;
703-591-9292; www.ttreynolds.com

TUESDAY, MAY 27
Duran Duran at Merriweather
Is there really any need for a reason here? “Rio.” “Hungry Like a Wolf.” “The Reflex.” While most ‘80s bands are lucky to make a living playing their own music these days, Duran Duran are so popular that you or I could make a living playing their music — check most any Arlington bar on a Friday night for evidence.  With Your Vegas. Looking for the best way to get to the show? Check out On Tap’s all-inclusive bus trip. Get show tickets, luxury transport to and from the show and a pre-board happy hour party for about the same price as regular admission! Visit www.ontaponline.com for details — James Currie
Merriweather Post Pavillion: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD;
410-715-5550; www.merriweathermusic.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
Clinic at the Black Cat
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but these blokes from England make some fantastic music. Clinic, known for their hypnotic rock and yes, for wearing full surgical gear while they play, will make their encore appearance at the Black Cat on May 28th. A warning — bring ear plugs. Main stage, 8 p.m. $13. — Adam Cuthbert
Black Cat: 1811 14th St., NW, D.C.;
202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

Sheryl Crow with Ray Lamontagne at Merriweather Post Pavillion
Some shows are for you, and some are for the ones you love. When you find a concert to share, that’s special. On May 28th Merriweather welcomes Sheryl Crow and opener Ray LaMontagne. While all my girlfriend wants to do is “have some fun” I’ll have fun chilling to Ray. The best raspy voice in the biz. Looking for the best way to get to the show? Check out On Tap’s all-inclusive bus trip. Get show tickets, luxury transport to and from the show and a pre-board happy hour party for about the same price as regular admission! Visit www.ontaponline.com for details. $36-$76. — Adam Cuthbert
Merriweather Post Pavillion: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD;
410-715-5550; www.merriweathermusic.com

Ben Folds at Wolf Trap
Yes, that’s right, Ben Folds will be out at the beautiful Wolf Trap Filene Center. Not sure what he’s been up to lately? Find out by checking out the show. $28-$38. — Robert Fulton
Wolf Trap: 1645 Wolf Trap Road, Vienna, VA;
703-255-1900; www.wolftrap.org

FRIDAY MAY 30
She Wants Revenge at the 9:30 Club
If you grew up loving “new wave” bands like Echo and the Bunnymen and Depeche Mode, you’ll love this California-based electronic rock duo. Their sound features driving beats and electronic sampling, replete with a heavy dose of bitter lyrics. If you can’t make this show, She Wants Revenge also will be playing Ramshead Live in Baltimore on the 27th. — Dana Steinberg
9:30 Club: 815 V St., NW; 202-393-0930;
www.930.com

SATURDAY, MAY 31
Exit Clov at the Black Cat
If you haven’t checked out the smart, engaging pop rock of DC’s own (and On Tap featured artist) Exit Clov, you’re missing out. Here’s your chance, at one of DC’s best venues. With Bryan Scary & the Shredding Tears, and intriguing fellow local rockers, Zulu’s Pearls. 9 p.m. on the main stage. $10. — Robert Fulton
Black Cat: 1811 14th St., NW, D.C.;
202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com