On its latest album, Elwan, Northern Malian desert band Tinariwen collaborates with American rockers like Mark Lanegan of Screaming Trees and Kurt Vile, but the resulting sound remains unique. That means compositions are dominated by raw, buzzing electric guitar grooves and accompanied by a mix of chanted and sung vocals. Since the members’ home region in the Sahara has been in a post-war state of danger for the past few years, this effort was recorded in exile—in the Joshua Tree desert of California, Paris suburbs, and a small Moroccan border city called M’hamed El Ghizlane. These different locales subtly impact the feel of the music, but lyrically the band’s Tamashek and Arabic verbiage still relates back to their homeland. Read more >>> Tinariwen performs at 8 p.m. at The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna. $38. (703) 255-1900. wolftrap.org. (Steve Kiviat)

EAT THIS

The Bird might have the most affordably priced tasting menu in town. Diners pay $28 for four courses including dessert. One featured a beast mash-up theme, meaning each dish had two different kinds of meat in it like house-made ramen with squab and pork belly. Another dish featured duck and cobia, a meaty white fish. It may not always be offered, but when it is, go for it. The Bird, 1337 11th St. NW. (202) 518-3609. thebirddc.com. (Laura Hayes)

OH AND ALSO

Head to The Hamilton, where panelists Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner host a live recording of the Slate Culture Gabfest. 7:30 p.m. at 600 14th St. NW. $20–$75.

Den-Mate, the guitar-pop act project from local musician Jules Hale, celebrates the release of a new EP with a show at the Black Cat Backstage. 7:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $10–$12.

Dr. Willie Parker, one of the few abortion providers caring for women in the Deep South, reads from his new book, Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice, at Politics & Prose. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.

Want ToDo ToDay sent to your inbox five days a week? Sign up here.