It’s big, it’s sideways, and it’s here! Washington City Paper‘s Summer Music Guide hit newsstands today, and it’s got a good bit of humor, a few chunks of insight, and a whole lotta utility—-that is, it’s got all the music listings you need to get through the hottest months.

Contained therein:

“The Gig Chill,” my feature about the difficulties of touring the club circuit without a booking agent, and how veterans of D.C. punk rock view the current state of independent music.

“Reno 911,” Matthew Borlik‘s brief lament over Fort Reno’s consistent tardiness in announcing its lineup, followed by his picks for early summer’s best homegrown indie rock.

“Hardcore Horn,” in which Michael J. West looks at a D.C. jazz scene that might now be as strong as it was in its 1940s and ’50s heyday.

A package nostalgia deal: Erin Petty on the return of ’90s alt-rock; Andrew Noz on the unfinished business of ’90s R&B and hip-hop.

“Re-Surfacing,” in which Amanda Hess considers the return of Lilith Fair and ponders: Why?

“Show on the Road,” in which Mike Riggs declares his hatred of live music, and runs down the best musical driving routes in D.C., with soundtracks to boot.

And, oh yeah: Insanely comprehensive listings!