by Jason K. Walsh
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Apocalyptica at the 9:30 Club
The Finnish masters of neo-classical metal bring their unique interpretations to the District in September. The Scandinavian quintet are renown the world over for their covers of Metallica, Sepultura, Slayer, Pantera and yes, even David Bowie. However, this unusual sound is created using only four cellos, a recently added drummer, and years of classical training that led them to pioneering this powerful unequaled sound that would make Beethoven and Mozart turn in their graves. Supporting their sixth studio release, "Worlds Collide," they have a wide range of dark originals that will be played with the likes of "Master of Puppets," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," and "Refuse/Resist." A truly original performance of symphonic death metal that shouldn't be missed by any hardcore fan. Starts at 7 p.m. $20
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC: 202-265-0930; www.930.com
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Arlo Guthrie at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
American folk singer and social activist Arlo Guthrie will be jamming his patented acoustic rhythms this month at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a one-time performance with conductor John Nardolillo and the NSO Pops in the Concert Hall. Son of legendary folk singer and composer Woody Guthrie, Arlo made his fame during the turbulent sixties with songs of protest against injustice and is most widely remembered for his groundbreaking film, "Alice's Restaurant." With four decades of material under his pick, fans of Guthrie will no doubt be awaiting his masterpiece "Alice's Restaurant Massacree," a talking-blues epic, which is a satirical account of the Vietnam draft based on his personal experience after being rejected as unfit for duty because of a criminal record that included littering and creating a public nuisance. The flower children will be out in full force when Guthrie takes the stage at the Kennedy Center. Starts at 8 p.m. $20-65
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F Street NW, DC: 800-444-1324; www.kennedy-center.org
TUESDAY, SETEMBER 16
Booker T. & the M.G.s at the 9:30 Club
The soul stylings of one of the most proficient instrumental bands of the sixties and seventies will be rocking the stage at the 9:30 Club in September. Booker T. & the M.G.s will be playing all their classic hits, such as the widely recognized "Green Onions," which will get any Tarantino fan groovin' out on the dance floor. The Memphis-based quartet made their start as the Stax Records house band in the early sixties, and have played as session and back-up musicians for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Al Green, and Neil Young, and some of their biggest fans have included The Beatles. They were inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and are regarded as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of all Time. All this said, there is no reason why YOU should not be there that Tuesday night to experience all that made this band great over the last four decades. Starts at 7 p.m. $40.
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC: 202-265-0930; www.930.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Cheech & Chong's "Light up America 2008 Tour" at the Warner Theatre
Those crazy Pacoima potheads will be coming to the nation's capitol this September, bringing their rolled up and smoking comedy bits to the Warner Theatre. The legendary Cheech and Chong are on tour after a near thirty-year hiatus, bringing back some of their old characters that made them famous in smoky rooms in the 70s, as well as some new, that will be sure to knock the dust off some antique paraphanelia. Started as a comedy act, the duo released several records in the clouded decade following the Vietnam War before embarking on a successful movie career that spawned classics like "Up in Smoke," "Still Smokin'," "Nice Dreams," and "Things are Tough all Over." Fans of senseless and hallucinogenic fun won't want to miss the high times when East Los Angeles' favorite sons bring the decadence back to the District. Two shows starting at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. $39.50-$59.50.
Warner Theatre: 513 13th Street NW, DC: 202-783-4000; www.warnerrtheatere.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Bob Newhart at the Warner Theratre
The deadpan humor of one of America's most beloved comedians and actors will have audiences rolling in the aisles this September. Remembered most notably for "The Bob Newhart Show" in the seventies where he played a neurotic psychiatrist, and again on "Newhart," in the eighties as a Vermont innkeeper, Bob Newhart has delighted the nation with his quick wit and irreverent banter for years and years. The consummate straight-man, Newhart will deliver his blend of sly irony to an unsuspecting crowd this month at the Warner Theatre. Summed brilliantly by "Frasier" star, David Hyde Pierce "the only difference between Bob Newhart on stage and Bob Newhart offstage - is that there is no stage." Starts at 8 p.m. $49.50-$75
Warner Theatre: 513 13th Street NW, DC: 202-783-4000; www.warnerrtheatere.com
