TheScene Shows to Catch
Friday
Singer Jean Carne has often appeared on the R&B record charts throughout her long career, most often in the early '80s. Now she's appearing at Blues Alley (202-337-4141) through Sunday. Carne, who sang with Earth, Wind & Fire on a couple of albums, is known for such songs as "Free Love," "My Love Don't Come Easy" and "Closer Than Close." . . . Cowboy Junkies will always be remembered for its 1988 album "The Trinity Session" and its cover of the Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane." The group has never climbed as high on the musical hill since, at least not in the United States. It has maintained a loyal following, though, and continues to turn out hits in Canada (where the group hails from). Give the Junkies a listen at Rams Head Tavern (410-268-4545).
Saturday
Internationally known South African musician Hugh Masekela performs at Zanzibar on the Waterfront (202-554-9100). With a sound that has touched on jazz, pop, Afrobeat, dance and R&B, Masekela's career spans decades, and a list of people he has played with reads like a hall-of-fame roll call.
Monday
Joe Lally, Fugazi bassist, is touring almost constantly in support of his new solo CD (see review on this page for more about it). He's playing venues in such locales as Columbus, Ohio, and Geneva, but he has a local stop at the Black Cat (202-667-7960). He'll also be at Baltimore's Ottobar (410-662-0069) on Tuesday.
Tuesday
Sara Tavares was born in Portugal to parents from Cape Verde. Growing up in Europe with African roots, she developed a musical sound that blends both her worlds. She's on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (202-467-4600). . . . Bottle Rockets are like the ultimate bar band. They play hard, they play well and they do it every gig. If you go to the group's show at Iota (703-522-8340), you will without a doubt have a good time (unless, of course, your date dumps you in the middle of the set, but the band can't be held responsible for that).
Thursday
I wonder if the backstage conversations between the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Gnarls Barkley are along the lines of "Our album's taking the Grammy this year," "No way. Ours is the one taking the prize." Probably not, as both groups are too hip to worry about such things, but they could, as both are nominated for album of the year. They're on a killer double bill at Verizon Center (202-397-7328). . . . You know, if the Peppers and Gnarls weren't busy working their own gig, I could see them wanting to check out the one and only Isaac Hayes at the Birchmere (703-549-7500). Obviously, they can't make it to the show, but you should if you can.
-- Curt Fields
