As the summer heats up, so do the music offerings. Here are some of the great shows you should check out this weekend.
Tonight
The Robert Cray Band. It’s no secret that this Grammy Award winner is the man who started the 1980 “blues revival.” Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Eric Clapton are just some of the luminaries who count themselves among his fans. Here’s a chance to hear music from his first new studio album in five years, slated for release next month. Details: $55; 7:30 p.m., with John Forte; The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Friday
Young Jeezy. The rapper who performed with Jay-Z to celebrate President Barack Obama’s inauguration has had his brushes with the law in recent years, but still keeps the music and good deeds — he opened his home to Katrina victims — flowing. Details: $20 general admission, $60 VIP; 9 p.m.; Love, 350 Okie St. NE; ticketmaster.com
Saturday
emmet swimming. This Fairfax-based band hit it big with a record contract and major tour before disappearing a few years ago. Now the band’s back showcasing some of its best-loved songs and likely introducing some of the newer tunes it plans to release on a new album this fall. Details: $15; 6 p.m. doors; 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; 930.com
Josh Gabriel. This is the place to find hot dance music by this nationally known DJ whose work has netted 17 No. 1 Billboard hits for his songwriting and remix work. Details: $20; 10 p.m.; Fur Night Club, 33 Patterson St. NE; 202-842-3401; furnightclub.com
Bill Kirchen & The Hammer of The Honky Tonk Gods. If you’re into “Hot Rod Lincoln,” get ready for some of the best guitar licks in town. Details: $25; 7:30 p.m., with guest Ruthie & The Wranglers; The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Sunday
Stone Temple Pilots. When STP, as the band is known to loyalists, broke up in 2003, rock fans mourned. But the Grammy Award-winning, platinum record-producing band regrouped in 2008 and is back on the road with a short tour, which ends at this gig. Don’t miss out. Details: $35, $45; 7:30 p.m., with Meat Puppets; Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia; ticketmaster.com
