Here are some of the great shows you should check out this weekend. Tonight
Jody Watley. The Grammy Award winning artist got her start at age 14 on television’s “Soul Train” and is now one of the most nominated artists for MTV Awards, thanks to her soul-laden dance music. Details: $45; 7:30 p.m.; The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Tool. Everyone wants to know what’s next for this group, described as “the thinking person’s metal band.” The members’ insistence on privacy and somewhat rocky relationship with the record industry means you have to attend the show to find out. Details: $59 and $69; 8 p.m., Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax; ticketmaster.com
Friday
Deanna Bogart & Tom Principato Band. It’s tough not to love Bogart — the original boogie woogie player who is embraced by the Blues world as one of its own. Check her out as she collaborates with favorite D.C. musician Tom Principato. Details: $25; 7:30 p.m.; The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Saturday
Paul McCartney. The man who has lived several musical lives – in The Beatles, fronting Wings, and as a solo artist – returns to the area. Details: $30 to $250; 7:30 p.m.; Fed Ex Field, 1600 FedEa Way, Landover; ticketmaster.com (See Friday’s Examiner for more details.)
Kid Rock & Lynyrd Skynyrd. Kid is still touring behind “Rock N Roll Jesus” but he’s got a new album in the works, which is being produced by Rick Rubin, who MTV calls “the most important producer of the past 20 years.” Some of the confirmed songs promise to be a lot of fun including a mix of Bon Jovi tunes and a song featuring samples of Michael Jackson’s hit “Billie Jean.” Classic southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd shares the bill. Details: $25 to $79.50; 6:30 p.m. Nissan Pavilion, 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, Va.; ticketmaster.com
Sunday
Boys Will Be Boys. This Virginia pop band celebrates the band’s new CD at a release party with a host of friends on the bill including Bobby Faithful, Life on High, Pathway to Providence, McTwist, Ever Since Ebbwood and Cowabunga. Details: $10 advance, $12 door; 5:30 p.m., Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna; jamminjava.com
