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OCTOBER 28
Jonathan Richman doesn’t tour with his old band anymore. Or perhaps I should say his old bands: For years, whatever gaggle of musicians the singer had convinced to get onstage while he did his thing would magically become the Modern Lovers. These days, Richman plays the postmodern lover, dissing his classics, burning his bridges, and (as if by some kind of rock ‘n’ roll magic) retaining a loyal following nonetheless. Who knows? Maybe they’re all hoping to become band members themselves. Show up with a guitar or an electric organ or, for that matter, a plain old snare drum (some recent Richman shows have been backed only by a one-piece rhythm section). You could be a Modern Lover, too. At 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $15. (703) 549-7500. (Michael Schaffer)