The economy may be in a slump, but for music lovers that just means bands are touring more, usually in support of new or upcoming albums.

Even though extensive tours and major music festivals are everywhere, music lovers know the smaller clubs are also hopping, often thanks to impromptu “drop in” concerts, which in the Washington metropolitan area might mean someone as well known as alt-rocker Beck drops in to play a few tunes and break the tedium of travel.