A roundup of musical happenings from around the city from Thursday, October 22 through Wednesday, October 28.

The Birchmere
3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
703-549-7500

The premier music joint in Alexandria pulls the biggest names and best talent from around the area, the country and the world, but the cucumber-cool venue makes them seem like your next-door neighbor. Its a popular spot though, so you might want to grab tickets in advance.
Friday, 23 The Belly Horror Show 2009, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 24 The Brand New Heavies feat. NDea Davenport, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 27 Keb Mo (Band), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 28 Keb Mo (Band), 7:30 p.m.

Carlyle Club
411 John Carlyle St.
703-548-8899

A retro feel graces the Carlyle, where you can dine, dance or sit at the regal bar while taking in the sounds.
Friday, 23 Julia Nixon, 8 p.m.
The Light Horse
715 King St.
703-549-0533

A newer addition to the Old Town scene, an intimate stage and vibrant dance floor coalesces with billiards upstairs and a quieter dining scene on the ground level. A dynamic setting where last call provides the only excuse to leave.
Friday, 26 – DJ Big C, 10 p.m.
Tuesday, 27 Open Mic Night with Rico, 10 p.m.
Wednesday, 28 Sol, 10 p.m.

Murphys Irish Pub
713 King St.
703-548-1717

An Old Town staple, Murphys is a traditional Irish pub that gets just the right amount of rowdy, with live Irish folk music almost nightly.
Thursday, 22 Saturday, 24 Rocky Guttman and Pat Garvey
Sunday, 25 Tuesday, 27 Pat Garvey
Nicks Nightclub
642 S. Pickett St.
703-751-8900

Nicks nightclub on the citys West End has been around for more than 20 years and is the regions go-to spot for live country music, line and swing dancing and live DJs.
Friday, 23 Saturday, 24 Hung Jury, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, 27 Chilbilly Live, 8 p.m.

Tiffany Tavern
1116 King St.
703-836-8844

The citys bluegrass bastion is laid back and dressed-down. But the music is anything but. Local talent graces the joint every week for open mic nights, which sounds better while gnawing on their famed burgers.
Friday, 23 City Farm, 9 p.m.
Saturday, 24 Over Under Down Yonder 9 p.m.
Monday, 26 Wednesday, 28 Open Mic, 8:30 p.m.

Vermillion Restaurant
1120 King St.
703-684-9669

One of the best-known restaurants in the city made a name for itself with its unique modern Ameican fare, but its live music lineup is just as good, with a focus on local rock acts of all different breeds.
Tuesday, 27 Dave Greksouk, 10 p.m.
Wednesday, 28 Laura Secker Band, 10 p.m.