Rhett Miller is the dynamic leader of the band Old 97's. The Texas-bred artist writes poignant, pointed love songs whose depth and insight are matched by their tunefulness. He's scheduled to open the show with an acoustic set of his stuff done solo.

"I love to rock, but it's liberating not to always have to keep up with the freight train that is the Old 97's," says Miller. Miller and the Old 97's play the Recher Theatre in Towson today (8 p.m.).

Legendary jazz guitarist Pat Martino brings his quartet to Blues Alley in Georgetown this weekend (today and tomorrow, two shows each night at 8 and 10...