By Brian Ossip and Nia Hightower, DC Music Live

Looking for something to do during the next week?  There are a ton of killer shows coming up. Check out our list, and then check out a few shows.

Motley Crüe / Kiss – 7/20

In the mood for an explosion of awesome ‘90s hair metal and rock?  Well, you’re in luck, because two of the best bands from that era, Kiss and Motley Crüe, are on tour together and bringing their show to Jiffy Lube Live tonight, Friday July 20.  Some of the greatest personalities in rock like Tommy Lee, Gene Simmons, and Vince Neil will be sharing the stage playing some of your favorite songs.  Gates are at 7 p.m.  Tickets range from $30-$185.

Whodini and E.U. – July 20

Will you be among the “freaks” coming out tonight for Whodini’s show at the Howard Theatre with go-go’s E.U. (Experience Unlimited)?The pioneering rap group came out in the 1980s with classics such as “Freaks Come Out at Night,” “Friends” and “Magic’s Wand” – the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. Sugar Bear from E.U. has been holding it down in the DMV since the group’s breakout hit “Da Butt,” featured in Spike Lee’s 1988 film School Daze. The show starts at 8 p.m., and doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 day of the show.

Shanice Wilson – July 20-21

Time for another throwback. Shanice Wilson will perform two shows at Blues Alley tonight. Though mostly known for her 1990s hits – “I Love Your Smile” and, my favorite, “Silent Prayer,” Wilson has continued to put out music. She released the single “Tomorrow” last year, the album Every Woman Dreams in 2006 and is working on another album set for release this year. If you miss tonight’s show, she has two more Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $35.

Black Light Dinner Party – 7/20

NYC groove masters Black Light Dinner Party will be in town tonight at DC9 promoting their latest release, Leave It All, a collection of electronics, amazing beats, and powerful vocals.  The first 40 people to say they are there for BLDP will also receive a limited vinyl edition of their new record, an exclusive release that has been limited to only 300 copies, so make sure to get there early and grab a copy!  The show is 18+, and doors are at 9 p.m.  Tickets are $8 and can be purchased here.

The Promise Ring – 7/20

While “emo” is a term that is floated around pretty casually nowadays, The Promise Ring are considered by many to be the first “emo” band, and I mean that in a good way.  While newer “emo” bands may sound much heavier, The Promise Ring molded indie rock into their own, new subgenre that gained them legions of devoted fans.  The band split up in 2002, but has recently reunited to the delight of their fans.  They’ll be at the 9:30 Club tonight.  Doors are at 8 p.m.  Tickets are $25.

DJ Underdog – July 21

DJ Underdog will be spinning his mix of African rhythms during the third annual African Festival in D.C. Music, food art and jewelry are staples of this event, but DJ Underdog’s mixes will definitely provide the gloss for this affair. The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. out at Banneker Field, 2500 Georgia Ave. N.W. The event is free.

Nicki Minaj – July 21

Well, color the town pink. Nicki Minaj hits DAR Constitution Hall with her Pink Friday Tour. Minaj will be joined by rapper 2Chainz. You may or may not like her theatrics on stage, but you can’t deny the power of rhymes, even without the catchy pop tunes. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $43.75.

Warped Tour – 7/24

All Time Low.  New Found Glory.  Yellowcard.  Taking Back Sunday.  Those are just a few of the bands that will be at this year’s Warped Tour, which makes its way to the Merriweather Post Pavillion on July 24.  The annual tour, featuring tons of punk, pop-punk and rock acts is a staple each summer and is sure to be an incredible experience again this year.  50+ bands will be playing throughout the day with set times and stages announced the morning of the show.  Gates open at 11 a.m.  Tickets are $36.

Fuel & Filter – 7/24

Fuel and Filter are two of the best and most popular rock bands from the late ’90s.  Fuel reached the mainstream on the success of their hugely popular track, “Shimmer,” which they followed up with hits like “Sunburn,” “Hemorrhage (In My Hands),” and “Falls On Me.”  Filter was formed back in 1993 after singer/guitarist Richard Patrick left Nine Inch Nails.  Their debut album, Short Bus, was a huge success, featuring the hit single “Hey Man, Nice Shot.”  Their follow-up, Title of Record, resulted in the band’s biggest hit, “Take a Picture.”  Both of these bands will be bringing their music to Rams Head Live on  July 24.  Doors are at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $22.

Ledisi and Eric Benet – July 25

The Birchmere will present R&B songstress Ledisi with special guest Eric Benet. Although The Birchmere is presenting the show, the concert will be at DAR Constitution Hall. I know. I know. They just wanted to keep us on our toes. The concert is a part of Ledisi’s B.G.T.Y. (Be Good To Yourself) tour. The title is fitting, not only because of her song by the same name on her Pieces of Me album, but because the seven-time Grammy Award nominee recently collaborated with Essence magazine on a female empowerment book, Better Than Alright: Finding Peace Love and Power. The book, whose title is a play off her first hit “Alright,” will be available after her performance. I’m sure Benet will perform his R&B hit “Real Love.” I can hear that falsetto already. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start are $69.50.

Aaron Lewis (of Staind) – 7/25

Aaron Lewis, lead singer for the rock group Staind, has stepped out on his own for a solo tour where he’ll be playing songs off his debut solo record.  Released last year, Town Line featurs seven tracks of country-inspired songs.  He’ll be taking the stage at Rams Head Live on July 25.

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