John Darnielle, the mastermind behind raconteur rockers the Mountain Goats, is at his best when he’s writing songs about people who aren’t him. When his song’s characters look nothing like Darnielle, they’re murdered wrestlers and teenage acid pushers; when they do resemble the songwriter, the songs are about whether Darnielle’s alter ego drank a whole pot of coffee (seriously). So it’s a good sign that Sean, the reclusive protagonist of Darnielle’s debut novel Wolf in White Van, is nothing like his author. Read more >>> John Darnielle reads at 6:30 p.m. at Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE. Free. (202) 636-3563. busboysandpoets.com. (Will Sommer)

EAT THIS

Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. is taking over the Argonaut on H Street NE tonight alongside Atlas Brew Works. Beginning at 5 p.m., the biscuit maker will serve fried chicken and biscuit platters as well as biscuit sandwiches with roasted lamb, tomatoes, feta, garlic, and lemon yogurt spread. Meanwhile, Atlas will pour its District Common and Rowdy Rye beers. The Argonaut, 1433 H St. NE. (202) 250-3600. argonautdc.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Local post-punk band ROM headlines a night of local rock at the Black Cat Backstage featuring Night Streets and Mittenfields, plus a performance by Detroit indie-pop act the Kickstand Band. 7:30 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $12.

DC9 hosts ethereal New Zealand-born pop singer Tamaryn for an intimate concert in support of her new album Cranekiss. 8:30 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $12–$14.

Nigerien band Tal National brings the sounds of West Africa to D.C. when the group performs at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. Free.

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