Great folk rock bands are remembered for their gorgeous harmonies, haunting melodies, and stirring lyrics. While listening to River Whyless, the percussion is just as likely to leave an impression. Drummer Alex McWalters elevates the songs of the Asheville, N.C., quartet, as he experiments with rhythms to make simple song structures sound intricate. His combinations of drums, shakers, and a multitude of metallic tones keep the group sounding fresh and modern. The twang of Appalachia guitar and the lilt of Celtic fiddle mesh with the occasional drone or classically inspired solo for a sound that’s familiar but unattached to any particular place or time. Read more >>> River Whyless performs with Crow Moses at 9 p.m. at DC9, 1940 9th St. NW. $12. (202) 483-5000. dcnine.com. (Justin Weber)

EAT THIS

D.C. has a new place to eat Peruvian. Nazca Mochica has opened a pisco and ceviche bar, with a full restaurant serving “classical contemporary” Peruvian dishes coming upstairs in the next two to three weeks. At the ceviche bar, find at least six twists on the seafood staple as well as street foods like veal heart skewers and fusion dishes like pork belly steam buns. The bar pours three types of pisco sours as well as a traditional Peruvian drinks called chilcanos. Read more on Young & Hungry. Nazca Mochica, 1633 P St. NW. (202) 701-9944. nazcamochica.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Synetic Theater begins performances of its 12th Silent Shakespeare production, a musical, choreographed adaptation of Twelfth Night. 7 p.m. at 1800 South Bell St., Arlington. $10.

It’s been ten years since Orthodox Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu released his breakthrough album, Live at Stubb’s. He celebrates the anniversary with an intimate show at the Music Center at Strathmore. 8 p.m. at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $28–$48.

Emo-pop band The Academy Is… has reunited and performs at the 9:30 Club with opening act Party Baby. 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $25.

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