Judging by this week's nightlife offerings, Thursday has the most talent. If you missed out on Guns N' Roses tickets (sorry Axl enthusiasts, if you lost out on tickets), there's Rick Ross, Islands and White Life to choose from. But there are plenty of options during the other six days, so let's get on to the most notable events:
On Thursday, get ready to dance with local party-starters (and brother-sister duo) White Life at the Ottobar ($8). Baltimore rapper DDm opens. Guns N' Roses (yes, the real deal and not a tribute band) take the Fillmore Silver Spring stage (sold out). Rick Ross, recently named the Hottest MC in the Game in 2011 by MTV, performs a headlining set at DAR Constitution Hall ($45-$105). R&B singer Jeremih opens, and who knows — D.C.-native and Maybach Music Group artist Wale could show up, too. Islands perform at Metro Gallery ($10).
On Friday, you can celebrate the fact that we're halfway to summer with East Coast cover-band staples Mr. Greengenes (also performing at Preakness this year), Burnt Sienna and more at Rams Head Live (21+, $20). To put you in the summer mood, Rams Head is bringing in bartenders from popular Dewey Beach bars. Citizen Cope plays a sold-out show at Recher Theatre. Flogging Molly plays Fillmore Silver Spring ($30).
On Saturday, the "metal-meets-classical" band Archaic Revival plays Sonar ($15 in advance/$20 day of). Frequent Roots collaborator Dice Raw performs at the Wind-Up Space ($20/$22). 'The Voice' judge Blake Shelton is a recording artist! In case you forgot, he performs at the Patriot Center ($29.75-$54.75) with 'Voice' runner-up Dia Frampton opening.
On Sunday, the charming Londonite Estelle brings her R&B/rap hybrid to Baltimore Soundstage ($26/$30). We'll have a feature on the candid Estelle later this week.