Some musicians try too hard to reinvent their sound on a new record. And when the outcome is a step back, you wonder why they messed with a good thing. Mutual Benefit, Jordan Lee’s indie-folk project, had a very good thing in 2013 with the debut LP Love’s Crushing Diamond; fortunately, this year’s follow-up, Skip a Sinking Stone, doesn’t stray far from what the audience is used to. Complex layers of acoustic guitar, strings, and percussion suffuse the introspective lyrics, gently sung: “What does it take to be at peace / To accept the things that linger out of reach / I wish you’d say what’s on your mind / I feel a slow march towards a dark place all the time.” The serious mood gets some levity during live performances, thanks to Lee’s playful sense of humor. At a show this spring at Sixth & I, Lee wanted loosen up the staid atmosphere at the synagogue-turned-venue and led everyone in a group scream. Mutual Benefit performs with Florist at 9 p.m. at DC9, 1940 9th St. NW. $12–$15. (202) 483-5000. dcnine.com. (Zach Rausnitz)
EAT THIS
Bar Civita in Woodley Park has launched a new happy hour at its bar and on its recently-canopied 46-seat patio. From 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., find select wines by the glass for $6 and carafes for $20 as well as an $8 spritz cocktail and draft beers all under $6. Discounted snacks include a charcuterie plate for $9, mussels with smoked tomato broth and crostini for $8, and Pugliese meatballs for $5. A burger on beer bread with herb fries goes for $10. Bar Civita, 2609 24th St. NW, (202) 588, 1211, barcivita.com. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Black Rhinoceros and Run Come See perform at Galaxy Hut in Arlington. 9 p.m. at 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $5.
Singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno performs at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage for World Refugee Day. 6 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. Free.
Celebrate sax player Merlon Devine brings his inspirational jazz tunes to Blues Alley. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $20.
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