When soul singer Jerry Lawson left his a cappella group the Persuasions in 2003, after having performed with them since 1966, it looked like he would become just another obscure name in the annals of musical history. Although Lawson and his fellow street corner vocalists had sung on acclaimed albums of their own and with Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder, they seemed past their prime. When Lawson joined vocal outfit Talk of the Town in 2004, he proved he still had a voice and arranging skills to be reckoned with. Last year, Lawson did something completely new: Working with formerly D.C.-based alt-country musician/producer Eric Brace, he recorded Just a Mortal Man, his first solo album, backed by musicians. Read more >>> Jerry Lawson performs at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $20. (202) 337-4141. bluesalley.com. (Steve Kiviat)
EAT THIS
Swing by Le Diplomate to try its new summer menu, including updates to both drinks and dinner offerings by executive chef Michael Abt. Beverage Manager Adrian Cane joins in on the Tiki bar craze with a cocktail called Caraibes, which includes rhum agricole, Punt e Mes, cherry liqueur, Fernet Branca, lime, and pineapple. To complement the booze, try pan-seared frog legs or scallops niçoise. For something lighter, the restaurant will also feature a mint-scented pea soup over jump lump crab meat. Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW. (202) 332-3333. lediplomatedc.com. (Josh Solomon)
OH AND ALSO
Rock and blues trio Fellowcraft takes the stage at DC9 with local alternative acts Two Dragons and a Cheetah and Carbon Dioxide. 8:30 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $8.
YouTube star and former American Idol contestant Todric Hall brings his lively Toddlerz Ball tour to Ward 8’s THEARC Theater. 7:30 p.m. at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. $25–$80.
Death Cab For Cutie-inspired, Milwaukee-based rock band Vinyl Theatre plays U Street Music Hall with emerging five-piece rock band machineheart. 7 p.m. at 1115 U St. NW. $15.
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