The fate of the aging punk has dominated the cultural dialogue lately, be it the Corcoran’s “Pump Me Up” exhibit or John Roderick’s declaration in Seattle Weekly that “punk rock is bullshit.” But please, save your tears for the punk lifers. Many have ambled onto an alternate career path: boozy acoustic troubadour. One result of this transition is the Revival Tour, a showcase for aging singer-songwriters well-versed in the drunken shout-a-long. Leading the operation is Hot Water Music’s Chuck Ragan, a man whose evolution from throaty barker of post-hardcore to throaty barker of folk punk has inspired his contemporaries to embrace the uncomplicated glory and gravitas of the acoustic guitar. Now in its sixth iteration, the tour stops at the Black Cat with familiar standbys (Dave Hause of The Loved Ones, shown) and surprising inclusions (Toh Kay of ska band Streetlight Manifesto). While the players change year to year, a recognizable metamorphosis occurs each time: Angry young people blossom into world-weary old timers right before our eyes.

The Revival Tour begins at 8 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $18. (202) 667-4490. blackcatdc.com.