Sound Scene

Urban Sound Garden

Though it doesn't boast a live music scene as diverse as in the District, where classical music fills the Kennedy Center and indie bands rock out at the Black Cat Club, Crystal City does groove with live music.

Pentagon Row's new tapas restaurant, Tapeo, holds Spanish flamenco performances Saturday evenings in its breezy outdoor cafe during warmer months. Expect traditional Andalucian-style drummers, twirling, castanet-snapping dancers and passionate guitar stylists. 1301 S. Joyce St.; 703-416-6431; tapeovirginia.com.

The popular annual summer concert series Rock at the Row features live bands Thursdays at 7 p.m. June through August. Families and singles gather around the Pentagon Row fountain or at canopied outdoor cafes to hear acts ranging from swing bands to Delta blues guitarists. On Aug. 3, the Reflex, a Duran Duran cover band, reruns through "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Girls on Film" and other 1980s hits. Army Navy Drive and South Joyce Street; 703-413-6692; pentagonrow.com.

Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m., Pentagon Row sushi haunt Asia Bistro hosts live acoustic guitarists in a serene space decorated with lanterns and bonsai trees. 703-413-2002

Jaleo's bustling bar and are-we-in-Barcelona-chic restaurant gets even livelier on weekend nights. On Fridays, Gipsy Kings-esque guitar players trade hot licks at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. On Saturdays, Seville-style flamenco dancers tap and spin through the richly decorated tapas temple at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Show up early to grab a seat; these events are popular. 2250 A Crystal Drive; (703) 413-8181; jaleo.com.

-- Aliya Sternstein