Birchmere

WHEN IT COMES to jazz, I've been a snob over the years and all but dismissed smooth jazz. Oh, it's so boring, I thought. What's going on there? Not much imagination. Not much improvisation. I thought smooth jazz records were like TV fireplaces: They work in the background and generate no real heat. But smooth jazz isn't all bad. Some of the older stuff in the genre -- George Benson's Breezin' and Grover Washington's Winelight, for instance -- are classic pieces of music, period. In any category, you find some gems among all the duds.

The Red and Black Ball : Delayed by the recent snow, Red Emma's - the city's only anarchist-run coffee shop - is finally celebrating its fifth anniversary with a Victorian/steampunk costume party. The ball starts at 7:30 p.m. at the 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul St. Tickets are $10-$15. Call 410-230-0450 or go to redemmas.org. Elliott Yamin: This underdog crooner from season five of "American Idol" is steadily making a name for himself with his bluesy and VH-1-ready love songs.

The Birchmere The Birchmere offers a seated, smoke-free environment that gives fans a chance to really focus on the music. The restaurant-style seating is set up so that there isn't a bad spot in the entire place. scene Where -- 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va. Call -- 703-549-7500 Web site -- birchmere.com Notable -- The Birchmere gives out numbered tickets when the box office opens to save people the trouble of waiting in line. Vibe -- Quiet and intimate. The Birchmere asks guests to refrain from talking and standing during the performances.

Just announced Jane's Addiction and Nine Inch Nails Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia on June 9. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Also, Chicago, along with Earth, Wind and Fire, is there June 10. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today. The Fray performs there June 16. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. The Jonas Brothers, along with Jordin Sparks and Honor Society Verizon Center in Washington on July 13. Tickets go on sale at 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Ten-time Grammy Award-winner Ricky Skaggs performs tomorrow. The bluegrass musician and his band Kentucky Thunder will play at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria, Va., at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com for details. Anna Eisenberg

Laid-back R&B musician Dwele has three albums and a list of collaborations to his credit. Growing up in Detroit gave Dwele a Motown-infused style that has brought him work with the likes of Slum Village and Kanye West. Dwele brings these accomplishments, and the release of his new album, to the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va., at 7:30 p.m. today. Tickets are $35. Call 703-549-7500 or go to birchmere.com.

Hil St. Soul / Birchmere British soul sensation Hil St. Soul, whose latest album is the solid, enjoyable Copasetik & Cool, plays the Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Alexandria, Va., tonight at 7:30. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit www.birchmere.com. Tony Bennett / Meyerhoff He may have left his heart in San Francisco, but Tony Bennett will be in town Saturday. The veteran crooner plays the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral Street, Saturday night at 7:30. Tickets are $47-$122 and are available through Ticketmaster by calling 410-547-SEAT or by visiting www.ticket master.

Sunday night at 7:30, catch "Maggie's Music," a holiday performance with dulcimer player Maggie Sansone and musicians Lisa Moscatiello, Rosie Shipley, Laura Byrne and Billy McComiskey. They perform at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va. Tickets are $19.50. Call 703-549-7500 or go to ticketmaster.com.

Just announced Alanis Morissette: Lyric Opera House on Sept. 25. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. Marc Broussard: Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis on Sept. 18. 410-268-4545 or ramsheadtavern.com. Gaelic Storm: Recher Theatre in Towson on Sept. 5. 410-337-7210, 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. Still available Journey: Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, Va., on Aug. 27. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. Sonny Landreth: The Birchmere in Alexandria, Va., on Sept. 13. 703-549-7500 or birchmere.

Just announced Nelly: Rams Head Live on Sept. 30. 410-244-1131 or ramsheadlive.com. Michael Buble: 1st Mariner Arena on Oct. 1. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. Chris Botti: Rams Head Live in Annapolis Sept. 21-22. 410-268-4545 or ramsheadtavern.com. Ray LaMontagne: Strathmore Music Hall in Bethesda on Oct. 15. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com. Mason Jennings: The 9:30 Club in Washington on Oct. 1. 800-955-5566 or tickets.com. Still available Slightly Stoopid, Pepper: Pier Six Pavilion on Aug. 24. 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.