Rio de Janeiro–born samba vocalist Jorge Ben Jor wasn’t directly involved in the late 1960s Tropicalia scene, during which Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil remade Brazilian popular music. But his soulful tunes made a similar impact. Pop-music fans might recognize the catchy melody of Ben’s “Taj Mahal” from his 1976 album África Brasil: Rod Stewart repurposed it for “Do You Think I’m Sexy.” Tonight at Howard Theatre, look for Ben and his band to reprise his own timeless mesh of suave and grit that has kept him in the top echelon of Brazilian musicians. Following the concert, take the party to Tropicalia, where the Fort Knox Five DJs will spin samba and beyond with New York funk DJ Greg Caz. Jorge Ben Jor performs with Alma Tropicalia at 7:15 p.m. at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $55–$65. (202) 803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com.