“Nonalignment Pact,” the first track on Pere Ubu’s 1978 album The Modern Dance, has been a staple of my playlists since a college fling introduced me to the post-punkers. But Pere Ubu is more than that song’s growly, rousing chorus. Singer David Thomas, Pere Ubu’s only continuous member, has seen the release of dozens of albums and singles, a book (The Book of Hieroglyphics, described as “a song that doesn’t sound out loud”), and the Ubu Projex (half-Pere Ubu information vault, half-rock ’n’ roll manifesto). Ubu’s latest release, The Lady From Shanghai, is as delightfully disastrous as ever, not to mention raucous, melodic, loud, theatrical, and yes, danceable. Read more >>> Pere Ubu performs with Gagarin at 8 p.m. at Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. $16–$18. (202) 388-7625. rockandrollhoteldc.com. (Alex Baca)
EAT THIS
Cafe/pub/market Duke’s Grocery opens today at 11 a.m. in Dupont. Sandwiches, inspired by the international flavors represented in East London, are the main attraction. Among the offerings: Brick Lane salt beef with brined brisket, pickles, and mustard on rye; a tadoori-spiced chicken club; Sloppy Jack with pork, beef, and pancetta ragu; and a banh mi with apple hoisin-glazed pork shoulder and chicken liver pate. Read more and check out the full menu here. Duke’s Grocery, 1513 17th St. NW. (202) 733-5623. dukesgrocery.com. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
British songstress Scout Niblett performs at Comet Ping Pong with Maryland rock groups Dope Body and Roomrunner. 9 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12.
Minimalist music maker Richard Youngs plays the Black Cat Backstage with artist and musician Terrence Hannum of the Baltimore rock trio Locrian. 8 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $15.
Post-punk group Savages takes the stage at 9:30 Club tonight, along with Duke Garwood, a composer described by Robert Plant as a “rock ‘n’ roll shaman.” 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $20.
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