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Together in various incarnations since 1978, trombonist and vocalist Joe Bowie’s Defunkt has always stayed true to Bowie’s vision, blending jazzy brass blowing, screeching guitar, and funky bass with early-’70s-inspired hard-rock singing. While the group’s adventurous amalgam hasn’t always worked consistently on record, tonight’s live rendition with Joe’s brother, free-jazz trumpeter Lester Bowie guesting, should provide its share of thrills. Formerly the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, New Orleans’ Dirty Dozen has shortened its name since adding bass guitar and keyboards. Like the headliners, the group’s risk-taking repertoire can also be frustratingly uneven, but the new Ears to the Wall offers a fair number of definitive, high-stepping street-parade anthems. At 7:30 p.m. at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $20. (202) 393-0930. (SK)