Its name may conjure thoughts of loincloths and primordial cave paintings, but Brooklyn-bred band Caveman creates complex songs that sound anything but primitive. The five-piece group is concerned with creating melodies that expand and morph to fill the space it occupies. An extension of its woozy first release, CoCo Beware, Caveman’s self-titled sophomore album begins with a wobble before unfolding into strums, harmonized hums, and ghostly whispers backed by synthpop noise. Read more>>> Caveman performs with Pure Bathing Culture at 8 p.m. at the Black Cat Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $12–$14. (202) 667-4490. blackcatdc.com. (Paula Mejia)

EAT THIS

WildCraft Soda is throwing a launch party tonight at Meridian Pint from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The draft-only botanical sodas are created by longtime home brewer Nathan Zeender, who will serve as head brewer of forthcoming Right Proper brewpub in Shaw. Meridian Pint is the first bar to serve WildCraft sodas. There are two flavors on tap: Ebulon, a fruity and tangy aperitif soda with elderberries, hibiscus, rose hips, and pink peppercorns; and Groot Beer, a “true root beer” containing 12 herbs and botanicals. The founders of New Columbia Distillers will also be on site for Green Hat Gin drinks mixed with WildCraft’s Ebulon soda. Proceeds from the evening will go to D.C.’s Family Health and Birth Center, whose midwives delivered the children of Zeender and Meridian Pint’s general manager. Meridian Pint, 3400 11th St. NW. (202) 588-1075. meridianpint.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Still digging primatively named bands? Psychedelic rockers Bleeding Rainbow share the stage with Cave Singers tonight at Rock & Roll Hotel. 8:30 p.m. at Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. $14.

The American Ballet Theatre begins their stay at the Kennedy Center with a mixed repertoire performance featuring pieces by George Balanchine, José Limón, and Alexei Ratmansky. 7:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW. $25–$109.

Local storytelling group Speakeasy DC performs at Town tonight. The theme of this month’s show is “Miss Manners,” so expect a whole lot of stories about awkward social gaffes and bad choices. 8 p.m. at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th St. NW. $15.

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