Our Picks

HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR-- See Can't Miss.

J.D. SOUTHER-- See Can't Miss.

DEERHUNTER-- Tuesday at 8 p.m. The experimental Atlanta art-punk band, known for wild, polarizing performances, is touring to promote its new album, "Microcastle." With Times New Viking and Knyfe Hyts. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. 202-667-7960. $13-$15.

USHER-- Tuesday at 8 p.m. The tour may be called "One Night Stand: Ladies Only," but we have been assured that Usher's male fans will be admitted. Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW. 202-783-4000 or 202-397-7328. $77-$102.

THE SISTERS OF MERCY-- Wednesday at 7 p.m. The British alt-goth band continues to tour despite not releasing any recorded material in 15 years. With Hypernova. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566. $25.

BROTHER ALI-- Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. The Minnesota MC heads a great underground hip-hop lineup that includes BK-One, Toki Wright, Mr. Lif and Educated Consumers. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202-388-7625. $15.

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS AND KAKI KING-- Thursday at 7 p.m. The North Carolina indie-rock storytellers team with the New York self-taught guitar virtuoso for what they've dubbed "The Last Happy Night of Your Life." 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566. $18.

ALLEN TOUSSAINT, HENRY BUTLER AND JON CLEARY-- Friday at 9:30 p.m. Three New Orleans music legends join forces for a tribute to the Crescent City. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600 or 800-444-1324. $30.

DAR WILLIAMS-- Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The New England folk-scene star performs with Lucy Wainwright Roche. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-549-7500 or 703-573-7328. $35.

DAN DEACON-- Friday at 8 p.m. The Baltimore musician brings his high-energy electro-pop show to the Hirshhorn's last After Hours event of the year. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW. 202-633-2836. $10-$12.

THE SEA AND CAKE-- Saturday at 9 p.m. The Chicago indie-rock supergroup includes members of Tortoise, Gastr del Sol, Shrimp Boat and the Coctails. With Death Vessel. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. 202-667-7960. $15.