Legend has it that Delta Spirit frontman Matt Vasquez was discovered while busking on a bench in the wee hours of the morning. Whether or not that’s pure folklore is debatable, but knowing him, it’s possible. His band is trending further away from heartland-loving Americana music à la the Kings of Leon or My Morning Jacket, leaning toward a more polished, pop-friendly sound. Still, Vasquez is one of the wiliest frontmen around, and he’s got the boundless energy of an early-’80s Bono. His pep has been significantly toned down on the band’s more recent records, especially last year’s Into the Wide. But no matter if Delta Spirit is playing a twangy track from its debut record Ode to Sunshine or one of its newer, more straightforward rock anthems, you can count on Vasquez to sing as if his life depended on it. Perhaps, years ago, if the legend is true, it actually would have. Delta Spirit performs at 8 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $25–$30. (202) 408-3100. sixthandi.org.