If you’re a fan of fuzzy garage-rock, 2012 was good to you. But recent records by Ty Segall and Thee Oh Sees, while great in their own right, made it easy to forget about Gringo Star’s cheery 2011 LP, Count Yer Lucky Stars. Don’t be fooled by the Atlanta quartet’s cheeky name: Gringo Star’s retro, joyful garage tunes harken back to the simple pop ballads of the ’60s, sure, but they’re infused with a contemporary flare. Read more >>> Gringo Star performs with America Hearts and Midnight Spin at 8 p.m. at Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. (202) 667-4490. blackcatdc.com. (Matt Cohen)

OH AND ALSO

Yet another reason to check out Tropicalia, which we call D.C.’s most interesting new club in this week’s paper: Tonight its friends in the DJ collective Maracuyeah are hosting “Las Reinas del Barrio,” a night dedicated to the queens of Latin and Caribbean music. 10 p.m. at Tropicalia, 2001 14th St. NW. Free. 21-plus.

Also in Caribbean music: Bluebeat D.C. is probably one of the best nights in town to hear ska, reggae, and rocksteady all in the same night. Tonight, it celebrates its third anniversary with live performances by Thirteen Towers, The Shifters, and Caz and the Day Laborers. (For more about Caz, check out our recent interview with the singer.) 9 p.m. at Solly’s Tavern, 1942 11th St. NW. $8. 21-plus.

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