March 12-18 in nightlife: The-Dream, Dr. Dog, DDm and more

This week, we're looking at a grab-bag of entertainment — some shows capture the St. Patrick's spirit, some don't but we won't hold it against them. Here's a rundown:

On Monday, "futurepop" duo VNV Nation performs a three-hour set at Rams Head Live ($20).

On Tuesday, City Lights and Freshman 15 perform at the Ottobar ($12). Toronto roots-rock outfit Enter the Haggis performs at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis ($17.50).

On Wednesday, local funk-jammers Pigeons Playing Ping Pong play the 8x10 ($8). There's also a free 21+ Expansive Eye and Melaphyre show at the Ottobar starting at 9 p.m.

On Thursday, the genre-bending Perpetual Groove performs at Baltimore Soundstage ($12/$15). Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad performs at the 8x10 ($12). Metalcore's He is Legend headlines a show at the Ottobar ($10). Super-strange Leslie & The Ly's perform at Golden West Cafe ($10).

On Friday, rockers Pop Evil perform at Rams Head Live ($12/$15). Midnight Spin plays the 8x10 ($8). Celebrate Mario's Birthday Bash (yes, that "Mario") with Sirens & Sailors and more at Sonar ($12/$15).

On Saturday, Dr. Dog performs at Rams Head Live ($25). We'll have a feature on the Philadelphia rock act soon. Soul Jam, featuring the Whispers and the Stylistics, comes to 1st Mariner Arena ($46.50-$73.50). Pop genius The-Dream (songwriting credits include Rihanna's "Umbrella" and Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" performs his own solo hits at the Fillmore Silver Spring ($25). Rappers DDm, EZE Jackson and the Get 'Em Mamis perform at Golden West Cafe ($7). The Ottobar's St Patrick's Day party features Egg Babies Orchestra ($10).

On Sunday, Casting Crowns bring the "Come to the Well" tour to 1st Mariner Arena ($17-$77). If you missed The-Dream on Saturday, you can see him at Baltimore Soundstage ($25-$35). Rich Robinson, the other Robinson brother in the Black Crowes, performs at Rams Head on Stage ($18) at 1 p.m.

Ticket prices do not reflect any additional surcharges and taxes.