December previews for shows in DC for ON TAP Magazine

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1-4
Steve-O at the Improv
The star of “Jackass” and “Wild Boyz” is bringing his deranged stage show to DC. Steve-O (a.k.a. Stephen Glover) will be at the Improv in DC performing six shows over four nights. He’s spent the last month and a half touring Europe, and this December he returns to the States for his insane style of comedy, sure to have stunts that you won’t want to try at home. Steve-O has spent his entire life in front of the camera, from his youth shooting skate videos, stunts, and comedy skits, to his successful and lucrative TV career, and even his downward spiral into the abyss of addiction that nearly took his life. The wild youth liked to document everything he did and decided early on he wanted to be a professional stuntman. When University life didn’t work out he enrolled in the
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in 1997. When Ringling Brothers didn’t hire him as a clown, Steve O got a gig performing shows as a clown in a flea market circus, at which time he had a major cocaine addiction. He had submitted many pictures and videos to “Big Brother” editor Jeff Tremaine, so when Tremaine started the “Jackass” TV show for MTV he immediately knew Steve-O was perfect for the project. Alongside Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Wee Man, and the late Ryan Dunn, he became known as the guy who would do the crazy and outlandish stuff that no one else would. Several successful seasons and two feature-length films later, Steve-O began his descent into the worst of his addiction and madness, with cameras still constantly rolling. It took an intervention in 2008 by his friends from “Jackass” that saved the now suicidal and drug addled Steve-O’s life. MTV compiled a documentary, “Steve-O: Demise and Rise,” using all the footage from his heavy drug usage period and the following recovery. He’s been sober ever since 2008, using skateboarding to maintain his sanity, and still performs his unique comedy and stunt work, which he said helps to keep him continuing to walk the line. He was a part the cast again in “Jackass 3D” in 2010 and this year he released his first book, “Professional Idiot: A Memoir,” where he spoke out about his troubled childhood, rise to popularity, and struggles with dependency. Fans of “Jackass” style humor will not want to miss this run of shows, which will likely be along the lines of his appearance on the “Charlie Sheen Celebrity Roast,“ and hopefully far better than his performance on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Starts at 8 and 10:30 p.m. $25-27. - Jason Walsh
The Improv: 1140 Connecticut Ave. N.W., DC; 202-296-7008; www.dcimprov.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
Dark Star Orchestra at the 9:30 Club
The psychedelic maestros are celebrating their 12 years of touring and after almost 1800 shows performed, they are dusting off old set lists from classic Grateful Dead shows for fans around the country. For two nights at the 9:30 Club, the Dark Star Orchestra will be thrilling “deadheads” with performances in tune with Dead shows from the old days. Formed in 1997, the Dark Star Orchestra took their passion for jam band music and the legendary sounds of San Fran’s original hippie outfit and have taken on the challenge to recreate some of the Dead’s greatest shows. They are not just recreating the old concerts, but taking their talents and flavor for improvisation and interpretation to bring that classic sound to fans old and new. Break out the tie dyes, fire up the lava lamps, and get ready to head FURTHUR.
Starts at 8 p.m. $27. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
John Doe at Jammin’ Java
Singer/songwriter and punk icon John Doe will be in Vienna this December in support of his newest solo offering, “Keeper.” Doe got his start in the fledgling 80s punk/hardcore explosion in Los Angeles with the seminal group, X, alongside Exene Cervenka. He began a prosperous solo career in 1990 and has continued to write and record original material ever since, with hints of country mixed with and edgy, underground flavor. This year, prior to the release of “Keeper,” Doe collaborated with Jill Sobule on the album, “A Day at the Pass.” Aside from his years as a respected musician, he is also an acclaimed actor, with film credits including “Roadhouse,” “Wyatt Earp,” “Boogie Nights,” and the cult independent classic “Roadside Prophets” with Adam Horowitz of the Beastie Boys.
Starts at 8 p.m. $18. - Jason Walsh
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
Born Of Osiris, Veil Of Maya, Carnifex, Structures, and Betraying The Martyrs at Jaxx
It will be a night of technically shredding Sumerian Records artists this month led by the powerful progressive deathcore sounds of Born of Osiris. Supporting their second release, “The Discovery,” on the DC & LA based Sumerian label, the six-member crew has upped their game. Lead guitarist Lee McKinney said this time around the band came up with some incredible new sounds. “This album contains an awesome mix of our most heavy, most technical, most atmospheric, and most beautiful melodies ever,” McKinney said. Touring alongside Osiris is fellow Sumerian bandmates and fellow Illinois natives Veil of Maya, who released their third record last year, “[id].” Rounding out the roster is Structures and Betraying the Martyrs, also signed to Sumerian, as well as Carnifex from San Diego, who released “Until I Feel Nothing” this year on Victory Records.
Starts at 5 p.m. $15 advance/$18 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
As I Lay Dying, Of Mice & Men, and The Ghost Inside at the 9:30 Club
San Diego’s metalcore outfit As I Lay Dying will be headlining the 9:30 Club this December with an impressive roster of current heavy bands. This current tour, dubbed the “Decade of Destruction” tour, celebrates their ten year anniversary. Providing support for As I Lay Dying is Of Mice & Men from Costa Mesa, California, who have just released their sophomore effort, “The Flood.” Rounding out the bill is The Ghost Inside from Los Angeles, deep South metalheads Iwrestledabearonce, and Sylosis from the U.K.
Starts at 6 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

MONDAY & TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5-6
America at the Birchmere
For two nights, 70s folk rockers America with special guest Jim Messina will be hosting the Birchmere in Alexandria on the “Holiday Harmony Tour.” Best known for their classic hits “A Horse with No Name” and “Ventura Highway,” the group originally started as a trio consisting of Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek. As the band’s popularity began to wane in the late 70s, Peek left the band in ‘77 and the group continued on, charting with the hit “You Can Do Magic” in 1982. Peek passed away earlier this year. Bunnell and Beckley with a new roster of musicians recorded an album of covers in Nashville this year called “Back Pages,” which features interpretations of great rock standards like “Time of the Season” and the Simon and Garfunkel classic that shares their band name, “America.”
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $79.50 - Jason Walsh
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500;www.birchmere.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
Tori Amos at DAR Constitution Hall
The soulful alternative sounds of Tori Amos will be filling the air this December at the DAR Constitution Hall. Amos, who first gained international notoriety in the 90s with her talented piano playing and inspiring songwriting, has moved away from her normal comfort zone and released an album of classical music called “Deutsche Grammophon.” The compositions are a variation on a theme, paying tribute to the greats of classical music, such as Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and Schubert. The North Carolina native, now 48, continues to expand her musical horizons and the night’s performance will be a chance for folks in the District to see a contemporary artist exploring new territory from the Old World.
Starts at 8 p.m. $45. - Jason Walsh
DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D. St. NW, DC; (202) 628-4780; www.dar.org/conthall

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
Jackyl at Jaxx
Jackyl was part of the last wave of early 90s glam metal bands before corporate metal had its tragic death by Cobain, which put stadium-selling artists like Winger, Poison, and White Lion on the unemployment lines. Jackyl had a Southern redneck thing going and continued through the Age of Grunge, led by wild man Jesse James Dupree, who would do solos with a chainsaw on stage. The Georgia-based metalheads released “When Moonshine and Dynamite Collide” last year celebrating their two-decade anniversary. This December, you have a chance to see them at Jaxx and as of right now, the opening acts could be anybody, so check for updates.
Starts at 6 p.m. $18 advance/$20 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Kyuss Lives!, Black Cobra, and the Sword at Rams Head Live
The original stoner rockers are back under the moniker Kyuss Lives!, from the ashes of the long lost Kyuss, which toured and recorded relentlessly throughout the late 80s and early 90s before disbanding in 1995, with lead guitarist Josh Homme going on to form Queens of the Stone Age. Kyuss blew out of Palm Desert, California playing the infamous “desert parties” throughout the region in their formative years, releasing the groundbreaking “Blues for the Red Sun” which was followed by “Welcome to Sky Valley” in 1994. This new reunited lineup includes all the original core members minus Homme, with John Garcia on the mic, Nick Oliverio on bass, and Brant Bjork on drums. This year they have toured Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and now make their North and South America run which landed them in DC a few months ago and now they will be at Rams Head in Baltimore. The sludgy dark tunings of Kyuss will be accompanied by Black Cobra and Austin’s The Sword.
Starts at 6 p.m. $20 advance/$25 day of show - Jason Walsh
Rams Head Live: 20 Market Pl. Baltimore, MD; 410-244-1131; www.ramsheadlive.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
Scythian at the 9:30 Club
It will be a night of Celtic mayhem in the Capitol. Hometown heroes Scythian promise to provide a high-energy performance that will leave fans gasping for oxygen and Guiness. Formed in 2002 by brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka, Scythian started as street performers in Alexandria, until taking the group more serious, releasing their debut that same year, “Dance at the Crossroads.” They have become a staple in the DC area, playing the Shamrock Festival and pubs throughout the metro area. They combine Celtic and World elements with a gypsy twist and punk rock sensibility, making them one of the area’s premiere live bands. For a night of good music and fun, this late-night show at the 9:30 is one to check out.
Starts at 10 p.m. $15. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
The Devil Wears Prada, Whitechapel, Enter Shikari, and For Today at the Fillmore
The Christian metalcore assault from Dayton, Ohio is riding into Silver Springs with a gang of loud and heavy friends. The Devil Wears Prada formed in 2005 and has been touring relentlessly since releasing their first record, “Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord” on Rise Records. Now signed to Ferret, they dropped their fourth album this year, “Dead Throne.” Joining the Devil is Whitechapel from Knoxville, Tennessee, who recently rolled through the area supporting their newest album, “A New Era of Corruption,” It dropped on Metal Blade Records last summer before their jaunt along the Warped Tour. Taking their name from the infamous London district where Jack the Ripper preyed on the underbelly of Victorian society, Whitechapel hit the streets running ever since 2006. Now in their fifth year and third record, they continue to bring their aggressive metal and hardcore influenced madness to the masses alongside their friends from Dayton. Opening for these heavy outfits is Enter Shikari from the U.K. and Sioux City’s For Today.
Starts at 7 p.m. $20. - Jason Walsh
The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; 301.960.9999; fillmoresilverspring.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Cheap Trick at the Fillmore
Cheap Trick are back with the original lineup to bring fans some of their great hits from the 70s. With classics like “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me,” and “Dream Police,” founders Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander are ready to electrify the stage at the Fillmore. They were booked to play a show at the Fillmore on November 11, but had to reschedule so now they are locked in on this new December date. Formed in 1973, it was their 1977 self-titled debut that introduced the world to the guys from Rockford, Illinois. Nielsen’s outlandish behavior and appearance has been an iconic part of their legacy, and they have continued to remain active for more than three decades. They released new material on “The Latest” in 2009, but fans will be surely screaming for the well-known classics Cheap Trick is known for delivering. All tickets purchased for the November 11 show will be honored.
Starts at 8 p.m. $45-75. - Jason Walsh
The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; 301.960.9999; fillmoresilverspring.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Winterfest at the Patriot Center
Some of the brightest stars in country music will be rocking the Patriot Center this December on the campus of George Mason University. Sponsored by WMZQ, “Today’s Country” station for the DC area, the lineup sees some big names headlining the event. Sharing top billing is North Carolina native and American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler, as well as
CMA winner Rodney Atkins, who released his fourth full-length record this year, “Take a Back Road.” Also on the roster this evening is Grammy Award nominee David Nail, whose sophomore effort, “The Sound of a Million Dreams,” dropped on MCA Nashville last month. The duo Thompson Square provide support with more Nashville inspired melodies, as well as the lyrical stylings of Josh Thompson and Ahston Shephard.
Starts at 5:30 p.m. $30-99. - Jason Walsh
Patriot Center at George Mason University: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA; (703) 993-3000; www.patriotcenter.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
Mayhem at Jaxx
Mayhem and their army of the undead played at the Sonar in Baltimore last month in the early stages of their North American Tour and find their way back to Virginia for a night of evil incarnate. One of Norway’s most notorious black metal bands, Mayhem paved the way for the way for Scandinavian groups influenced by Slayer, Venom, and Celtic Frost, and the controversy surrounding them is legendary. The suicide of lead singer Dead in 1991 sent shock waves through the underground, when founding member Euronymous took a picture of the deceased vocalist, who took his life with a shotgun, and made it the album cover for their next record, “Dawn of the Black Hearts.” Then in 1993, Burzum bassist Varg Vikernes, who had recently joined the band, murdered Euronymous during a confrontation, stabbing him multiple times. Vikernes was sentenced to 21 years in prison, but was released on parole in 2009 after serving sixteen years. The band has also been linked to the infamous plague of church burnings across Norway during this time. The lineup has changed considerably since then, with founding bassist Necrobutcher and long-time drummer Hellhammer remaining as the only original members. This newest incarnation sees Attila Csihar on vocals and Morfeus on guitar. Joining them on this North American onslaught is Keep of Kalessin, Hate, and Abigail Williams. The show at Jaxx will also have other bands to be announced.
Starts at 6 p.m. $23 advance/$27 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com


STREET DOGS “WRECK THE HALLS” TOUR
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12
Street Dogs, Off With Their Heads, and Murder the Stout at Black Cat
It’s that time of year again, so get ready for the 7th annual “Wreck the Halls” tour, hosted by Street Dogs, and their partners in crime this time around are Off With Their Heads and Murder the Stout. Led by former Dropkick Murphys frontman Mike McColgan and bassist Johnny Rioux, Street Dogs have continued the urban punk legacy that started long ago in the alleys of Boston, the city where this tour winds to a screeching halt. Rioux feels this end-of-the-year tour has become an essential undertaking for the band.

“This tour is really important to us for a few different reasons,” Rioux said. “It's become part of our holiday tradition. We hang out with each other, my brothers, we see some of our favorite friends and fans, and end it all with a couple of hometown gigs in Boston. It's just a great way for us to celebrate the year with each other and the Street Dogs faithful. It's also always been a chance for us to introduce some new bands along the way.”

And this year includes two powerhouse outfits in tow, including Off With Their Heads from Minnesota who released their second album, “In Desolation,” last year as well as Murder the Stout from Houston, a band that has collaborated with the guys from Street Dogs on many levels, including Rioux standing in on mandolin and vocals.

“We were so happy it came together with Off With Their Heads,” he said. “There are so few hardworking punk bands that tour the world, but when the opportunity arises to share a bill it is so exciting for us. Murder The Stout is very incestuous with our band. Long story short, I'm really excited to introduce the Stout EP on the tour, play two sets, and let's face it, any band that has four songs about whiskey in its set is bound to be a good time.”

They released their self-titled fifth studio release, “Street Dogs,” last year and have been touring nonstop ever since. Next year they celebrate their tenth anniversary and have some projects brewing as well as plans to record. For a night of working-class anthems with traditional influences and gritty inspiration, the “Wreck the Halls” tour is a must for the holidays. Just let Johnny tell you why.

“If you've seen Street Dogs in DC or Baltimore for ‘Wreck The Halls,’ you know these are some of our favorite shows the world over,” Rioux said. “We will for sure pull out all the stops and then some.”
Starts at 8 p.m. $15. - Jason Walsh
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

TUESDAY-THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13-15
Lyle Lovett at the Birchmere
For three nights, the unique vocal stylings of one of America’s great artists will be filling the stage at the Birchmere. The 54-year-old Texas native has had a successful career as a singer/songwriter since the mid 80s, and has also had a prosperous time in film, as both an actor and soundtrack musician. He made headlines in the 90s when he married superstar Julia Roberts, whom he’d met on the set of “The Player.” The couple separated after two years filled with paparazzi, but have remained friends. Lovett has recorded ten studio albums over the past quarter century and has won four Grammy Awards. For a night of good, country crooning, the Birchmere with Lyle Lovett and his acoustic group might be your ticket.
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $89.50 - Jason Walsh
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500;www.birchmere.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16
The Pietasters and the Slackers at the 9:30 Club
The two-tone locals are back again and the mad ska beats will be dropping at the 9:30 Club. The Pietasters were conceived on the campus of Virginia Tech and for the past two decades have proved themselves to be one of the most talented and diverse ska outfits in the States. They were one of the early bands on Rancid founder Tim Armstrong’s fledgling label Hellcat Records in the mid-nineties, alongside Hepcat, and Dropkick Murphys. They have opened for Joe Strummer, played on the Warped Tour, and released six studio albums to date. But, their live performance is what they are all about, crashing dancehalls at every given chance. Along for the ride is fellow Hellcat recording artists, The Slackers. Formed in ‘91, they are still out supporting their 2010 release, “The Great Rocksteady Swindle.” Part of the 90s tidal wave of ska outfits that followed in the success of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the guys from Brooklyn have had a successful run for sure. Now on their 12th studio release, the guys from New York show no signs of slowing down.
Starts at 8 p.m. $15. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
Protest the Hero, Scale the Summit, and Last Chance to Reason at Jaxx
The “Scurrilous Tour 2011” winds its way to Jaxx as the year draws to a close. Headlined by the Canadian Prog-Metal outfit Protest the Hero, who released the album “Scurrilous” this year on Underground Operations and Vagrant Records, the show promises some of the more talented bands in experimental and technical music. Supporting Protest the Hero is the instrumental metal four-piece group from Houston, Scale the Summit, who released the their third offering this year, “The Collective,” as well as Maine’s prog-metal crew, Last Chance to Reason. For a look at some of the more creative musicianship in modern metal, this will be a good cross section of the current crop of creators.
Starts at 6 p.m. $15 advance/$17 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
Kix and King Belvedere at Rams Head Live
Legendary headbangers Kix will be hosting their 4th annual Kix-mas concert in their hometown of Baltimore during the holiday season. Part of the early wave of commercial metal groups, Kix formed in ‘81 and signed a contract with Atlantic Records releasing their self-titled debut that same year. They tried to survive the fall of metal in the 90s but were eventually dropped by Atlantic in ‘94 and disbanded the following year. The band reformed in 2003 without founder and principle songwriter Donnie Purnell, but have been rocking ever since. Baltimore’s King Belvedere and The Factory will joining in the Kix-mas celebrations.
Starts at 7 p.m. $25 - Jason Walsh
Rams Head Live: 20 Market Pl. Baltimore, MD; 410-244-1131; www.ramsheadlive.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
The Return of the Kings of Hip Hop at DAR Constitution Hall
Some of the great innovators of Hip Hop will be bringing it old school this month in an unlikely venue: the DAR Constitution Hall. Flowing rhymes and mad beats will be bumping as pioneers such as Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, and Big Daddy Kane grace the stage. Also in attendance will be Rob Base, Rakim, Chubb Rock, Special Ed, and Dana Dane, in what promoters are calling the “largest Old School Hip Hop show to ever rock DC,” in which “eight Kings of Hip Hop on one stage, at one time, only for one night.” As the New Year approaches, this show will be a great way to throw down the party to wind up 2011.
Starts at 8 p.m. $49.50-74.50. - Jason Walsh
DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D. St. NW, DC; (202) 628-4780; www.dar.org/conthall

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
Third Eye Blind and The Dirty Heads at the Washington Hilton
The Downtown Countdown is one way to spend New Years Eve this month, with Third Eye Blind and The Dirty Hands providing music and comedians and DJs providing additional entertainment. It’s a formal promotional package event sponsored by the DC 101 rock station, with buffets and open bars. San Francisco’s Third Eye Blind formed in the early 90s age of alternative, and are best known for their hits, “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s It Going To Be,” as well as their six-time platinum self-titled debut. Joining in the night’s festivities is The Dirty Heads, a reggae-rock crew from Southern California’s Orange County. The Downtown Countdown is 21 and over and promises to be a choice destination for the end of the year.
Starts at 9 p.m. $129-200. - Jason Walsh
Washington Hilton Towers: 1919 Connecticut Ave. N.W., DC; (202) 483-3000; www.downtowncountdown.net

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
Little Feat at The Fillmore
One of the many options for New Year’s Eve this year is at the Fillmore in Silver Springs. The eclectic 70s fusion sounds of Little Feat will be hosting the party there, with rock, blues, and the funk. Formed in ‘69 by Zappa member Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne, the band has seen a lot of members come and go during their 70s-era career and after reforming in 1987. Payne is the only original member, but shares the stage with long-time musicians Paul Barrere, Kenny Gradney, Fred Tackett, and Sam Clayton. It’s been a few years since they dropped a record of new material but last year they did release “Rams Head Revisted,” a live CD from their 2002 performance in Annapolis. The live recording was put out on their own indie label, Hot Tomato Records. For your “end of the year” party, if you are in the mood for some grooving sounds from the 70s, Little Feat at the Fillmore might be for you.
Starts at 8 p.m. $55. - Jason Walsh
The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; 301.960.9999; fillmoresilverspring.com

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29-31
Drive By Truckers at the 9:30 Club
It may not be the biggest New Years Eve party of the year, but it could be one of the longest. Drive By Truckers are set to play three nights at the 9:30 Club with a cast of different talented musicians opening on each evening leading up to December 31. The first show on Thursday night has Lucero opening, the Memphis-based, country-blended-with-punk band who have been rolling strong since 1998. Supporting them on Friday’s show is J Roddy Walston and the Business from Baltimore, who have just released their self-titled debut on Vagrant Records, and who are no strangers to playing with the Truckers. The grand finale on Saturday sees a legend hitting the stage at the 9:30 Club. The show opens with Alabama Shakes from Athens, AL, who just released their debut E.P. this year, however sharing top billing with the Drive By Truckers, is none other than Booker T, the Grammy Award winning artist who broke onto the scene in 1962 with the instrumental album, “Green Onions,” under the name Booker T and the MGs. Hosting the three nights of fun will be the down-home alternative stylings of the Drive By Truckers. With a musical lineage that began in the 80s with the punkish collaboration, Adam’s House Cat, Drive-By Truckers began their current incarnation in the 90s. Now, some sixteen years later, the band is on the road promoting their eighth studio release, “The Big To-Do.” The Truckers combine the music that spawned below the Mason-Dixon line and influenced their childhood, with modern sensibilities. If you’re looking for your New Years party to be filled with talented and deliberate sounds, then you might want the Truckers to be your last stop for 2011.
Starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, 9 p.m. on Friday. $35-55. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com