TheScene Shows to Catch

Friday

The Tarbox Ramblers sound like the kind of old-time band the grandpa in a Norman Rockwell painting would be listening to on his prized Victrola. If you asked, "Who's Rockwell?" or "What's a Victrola?," they may not be the band for you. On the other hand, they're enough fun live they could win you over regardless. Hear them at Iota (703-522-8340).

Saturday

DJ Ferry Corsten is at Glow at Fur (202-842-3401). Corsten's second artist album, "L.E.F.," is due out Aug. 8. The first single, "Fire" -- with vocals by Simon LeBon, but I won't hold that against him -- has already reached the Top 10 on Billboard's "Hot Dance Airplay" chart. . . . Remember how in the middle of some fantastic James Brown song he'd shout, "Blow Maceo, blow!"? Well, Maceo Parker is blowing his horn at the 9:30 club (202-393-0930). . . . A little bit of Charm City takes over the Black Cat (202-667-7960) when Aaron Lacrate along with Dimitris George take over the backstage spinning "Baltimore club." Generally clocking in around 130 bpm and littered with all sorts of pop cultural references, the thumping music is bound to have the room shaking it.

Sunday

"Redneck Woman" put Gretchen Wilson on the musical map, but she can sing a ballad that would've made Tammy Wynette cry. She'll go from rollicking to sensitive and back again at Merriweather Post Pavilion (202-397-7328). . . . The English Beat blended soul, reggae, pop and punk to score such '80s hits as "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "Stand Down Margaret." Group founder Dave Wakeling brings today's lineup to the State Theatre (703-237-0300) to sing the group's hits, some General Public (Wakeling's band after English Beat) tunes and new material.

Monday

The Bottle Rockets are the ultimate bar band, and they work it out every time they play. The group is at Iota (703-522-8340) for two nights. Bobby Bare Jr. is also on the bill.

Tuesday

Sometimes lost amid the acting roles, Gap ads and occasionally odd interviews is the fact that Macy Gray can make soulful, funky music. She's at the 9:30 club (202-393-0930).

Wednesday

Many performers outsell Alejandro Escovedo, but hardly any surpass him in talent. Hear him at the Rams Head Tavern (410-268-5111).

-- Curt Fields