Reggaeton-pop in the style of Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” may be the dominant Latin sound of the moment, but twenty-something Peruvian singer Cesar Vega prefers an older genre: salsa. On his debut album, Coverizando, Vega displays his knowledge on a set of danceable old-school covers. That may not be the best way to demonstrate one’s originality, but Vega insists in interviews that he is creating his own vocal flow. On “Hombre Casado,” he starts off singing melodically, but as the piano rhythms gather speed and bounciness, his cadence accelerates and he shows off his ability to chant rapid-fire lyrics. Read more >>> Cesar Vega performs at 9 p.m. at El Boqueron II, 1330 East Gude Drive, Rockville. $35–$40. (301) 440-8194. (Steve Kiviat)

EAT THIS

Feast on all-you-can-eat crabs this Saturday at Sixth Engine. A pair of two-hour seatings are being offered 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A $55 ticket gets you all the crab you can handle, plus sides like hushpuppies, corn on the cob, and roasted potatoes. Wine and beer are also complimentary. Sixth Engine, 438 Massachusetts Ave. NW, (202) 506-2455, sixthengine.com. (Laura Hayes)

OH AND ALSO

Friday: Local rock band Humble Fire, whose members originally came together via Craigslist, performs at Rock & Roll Hotel in support of its new album, Builder. 9 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $12.

Friday: Australian singer Gordi—a.k.a. Sophie Payten—performs her personal and searing pop songs at Songbyrd Music House. 8 p.m. at 2477 18th St. NW. $10–$12.

Friday: Americana legend Lyle Lovetttakes the stage at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center with his Large Band. 8 p.m. at 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. $25–$55.

Saturday: The Italian artist Amadeo Modigliani sold very few works during his lifetime and died of tubercular meningitis at age 35, penniless. Interest in his paintings skyrocketed after his death, which in turn led to more research into his life. One lasting piece of Modigliani worship, the 1958 film Les Amants de Montparnasse, chronicles the final year of his life and screens this weekend at the NGA’s auditorium. When the film ends, apply your new knowledge of the artist to his works, conveniently hung on the ground floor of the East Building. Read more >>> The film shows at 3 p.m. at the National Gallery of Art East Building Auditorium, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Free. (202) 737-4215. nga.gov. (Caroline Jones)

Saturday: Comedian Joe Mande, who’s appeared on Parks & Recreation and Love, performs a stand-up set at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue’s downstairs venue. 8 p.m. at 600 I St. NW. $15–$18.

Saturday: For a night of kvetching about the terrible realities of love and dating, head to the Black Cat, where you can listen to a live recording of the Singleing podcast. 9:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $15–$18.

Sunday: With Mike Ness’s trustworthy nasal snarl over a propulsive groove of furious noise leading the way, beloved Southern California punk band Social Distortion has built a diverse fan base over its nearly four decades of existence. “Well, it’s been ten years and a thousand tears/ And look at the mess I’m in,” Ness sings on “Ball and Chain,” from Social D’s breakthrough 1990 self-titled album. These iconic first words were my introduction, on a mixtape no less, to Ness’ gift for writing universal emotions so clearly, to tunes so catchy, with such driven introspection after his rough start in life, that even a navel-gazing nerd from the suburbs could begin to understand what other people go through in this world. Read more >>> Social Distortion performs with Jade Jackson at 7:30 p.m. at The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. $41. (301) 960-9999. fillmoresilverspring.com. (Diana Michele Yap)

Sunday: Merriweather Post Pavilion hosts a country music triple bill, with sets from Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini, and Brett Young. 7:30 p.m. at 10457 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. $56.75–$119.

Sunday: Close out the weekend at DC9, where electronic artist Allday performs with Selina George. 8 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $12.

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