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24

SUNDAY

Unlike most vocalists, Ellen Christi doesn’t sing lyrics “from the heart.” Instead, she channels her words through various voices that emanate from a place much deeper than her chest cavity. Christi is a grunter, a groaner, a crooner, and a cooer—a mixture of Diamanda Galas, Laurie Anderson, and Jeanne Lee. When Christi sings traditionally, her voice is breathy yet full and carries her Beat-influenced poetry across a wide range of musical styles, from free-flowing balladry to avant-garde squealing. But it’s when she lets loose with the caterwauling that you’ll either head for the door or enter nirvana. See Christi and her band AliensTalk at 8 p.m. at Crush, 2323 18th St. NW. $10. (202) 319-1111. (Christopher Porter)