A few months ago Pitchfork gave the Very Best's mixtape an 8.6, enshrined it in its 'Best New Music' category, and directed readers to a download of Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit Are the Very Best. The site was right: the mixtape is a stunning mix of worldly rhythms and African funk, totally danceable and memorable. Radioclit and Esau Mwamwaya play tonight with LA's great Rainbow Arabia and a DJ set from Bersa Discos. This should be an awesome show if you feel like dancing.

First-wave LA punk band the Zeros gig the Troubadour. Across town at the El Rey, first-wave punk band the Germs perform — with actor Shane West starring as Darby Crash.

The lonesome, sorrowful sounds of Son Volt couple with the lonesome, sorrowful sounds the Cowboy Junkies at the Wiltern.

OMG! American Idols Live at the Staples Center!!!!!!!

It's SF vs. LA at the Echo tonight, as LA's Monolators and Kissing Cousins take on the visiting squad of French Miami and the Flying Tourbillon Orchestra.

Gillian Welch sings — oh jeez does she sing — at Largo at the Coronet.

Brazilian vocalist Ceu plays the Roxy with Andrea Ferraz and Patrizia Laquidara.

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