There’s a certain fussiness to a lot of today’s throwback R&B, but Curtis Harding’s debut album Soul Power is about as loose as it gets. Instead of obsessing over how the giants of Memphis or Detroit might’ve deployed horns, crafted a backbeat, or mixed a keyboard riff, Harding simply lets it rip. Soul Power has multiple high points, including the breezy “Keep On Shining” (check out its sweetly surreal video) and the ’70s-inflected “Heaven’s on the Other Side,” but the real showstopper is the twangy, upbeat “I Don’t Wanna Go Home.” Harding simply puts the song on his back and sells it; it should be four minutes long, not two. Read more >>> Curtis Harding performs with Wanted Man at 9 p.m. at DC9, 1940 9th St. NW. $10–$12. (202) 483-5000. dcnine.com. (Joe Warminsky)

EAT THIS

Our annual Food Issue is here. This year, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat and drink at all times of day—from breakfast tacos to afternoon empanadas to late-night kabobs. There’s a little something for all tastes and budgets, whether you’re looking for $1 beers or splurging a couple hundred bucks on an endless feast at the city’s best restaurant. Have at it here. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Atlas Performing Arts Center begins performances of Lisa Loomer‘s comedy, Distracted, the story of two parents desperately trying to improve their child’s quality of life after he’s diagnosed with ADD. 8 p.m. at 1333 H St. NE. $29–$32.

The Cold and the Lonely, featuring former Veruca Salt and Smashing Pumpkins bassist Nicole Fiorentino, plays the Black Cat Backstage with local rockers G.U.T.S. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $10.

Arizona rock band Andrew Jackson Jihad performs at Rock & Roll Hotel with Cheap Girls and Dogbreth. 8 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $10.

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