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T H U R S D A Y

As Velvet Underground stalwart Sterling Morrison once put it, underpinning Lou Reed’s literary and John Cale’s art-music ambitions was “a very tight Long Island band.” The essence of that tightness was the plain-spoken but deft rhythm guitar of Morrison, who died earlier this year of lymphatic cancer. Tonight, nine local bands will play a Sterling Morrison tribute, with partial proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Billed are Foggy Notion (but of course), Kevin Johnson, the Graverobbers, and Adam West, as well as Soaphead Church, Anne Summers, The Major Healeys, El Quatro, and Elizabeth. At 9 p.m. at the 15 Minutes Club, 1030 15th St. NW. $5. (202) 408-1855. (MJ)