People, especially music critics, love to toss around the word “versatility” when it comes to hyping their favorite underrated musicians. It’s an easy trap to fall into, and something of a music writing cliché. Now that I’ve acknowledged that, please forgive the cliché as I gush about the wide-ranging versatility of Chris Brokaw. Best known as the drummer of slow-core pioneers Codeine and guitarist of the Boston alt-rock group Come, Brokaw has had a steady output of solo material for 20 years. But what’s most stunning about his solo material is its sheer, ahem, versatility. He’s put out several albums of straight-ahead, western-tinged rock, solo instrumental guitar records in the tradition of John Fahey, and experimental/avant-garde explorations. He’s also nursed a healthy career as a sideman and hired gun, playing with everyone from GG Allin to The Lemonheads. At Rhizome, though, expect the kind of nuanced, intimate performance from Brokaw that the cozy, experimental setting inspires. Read more>>> Chris Brokaw performs at 8 p.m. at Rhizome, 6950 Maple St. NW. $10. rhizomedc.org.(Matt Cohen)
EAT THIS
Celebrate Repeal Day at Jack Rose Dining Saloon tonight. The Adams Morgan bar will toast the occasion with Prohibition-era cocktails and punches, a Pappy Van Winkle happy hour (5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), burlesque dancers, and bottomless bubbles for $20. Basement bar Dram & Grain will be pouring Prohibition-era bourbons, rye whiskeys, vintage spirits, and classic cocktails. Those who come dressed in the best flapper garb or a swanky suit will be entered into a raffle to win a reservation and cocktails for two at Dram & Grain. No tickets are necessary to attend and the party runs from 5 p.m. to close. Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW, (202) 588-7388, jackrosediningsaloon.com. (Laura Hayes)
OH AND ALSO
Indie rockers The National perform at The Anthem in support of their latest album, Sleep Well Beast. 8 p.m. at 901 Wharf St. SW. $46–$76.
Vanity Fair editor Cullen Murphy discusses his memoir about his illustrator father, Cartoon County: My Father and His Friends in the Golden Age of Make-Believe, at Politics and Prose. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
Hip-hop artists Uno the Activist and Thouxanbanfauni perform together at U Street Music Hall. 7 p.m. at 1115 U St. NW. $20.
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