The Alexandria Kleztet
The Alexandria Kleztet has a "split personality," says the band's arranger and reedman, Seth Kibel. The four-piece group plays both traditional klezmer — the Eastern European/Jewish instrumental dance music — and also more "eclectic" material, which sometimes include samples and keyboards. While the trad tunes are the "bread and butter" for the band's private gigs, "Peace, Love and Coffee" emphasizes the group's originals, and original takes on some classics.

The disc begins with a tune many will recognize — the Andrews Sisters' "Bei Mir Bist Du Schein." Of course, the song was a Yiddish theater staple before that hit and the Kleztet return it to its roots while maintaining a swing. Bassist Scott Harlan's "Shtick Shift" powers across time signatures, showcasing percussionist Tim Jarvis. "Frailach #37" accents violinist Helen Hausmann's spry mandolin work. Throughout the disc, strong arrangements incorporate witty musical quotations.

A delightful surprise is the "Cantina Band" song from Star Wars. Who knew John Williams was Jewish? Of course, he's not, but the tune feels right at home in the context of this album. What began as a request is now a staple of the band's live shows. "We spent some time fleshing it out and came up with our klezmerized version of it," says Kibel. Outer space swings, man. — Dave Nuttycombe

The Alexandria Kleztet performs a CD release party Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6-7 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage. Free.  Kennedy Center: 2700 F St., NW, Washington. 202-416-8530. www.kennedy-center.org.

Prabir and the Substitutes
On their latest CD, “Hello,” Richmond natives Prabir and the Substitutes start out with soulful guitar riffs and a strong narrative vocal style that is reminiscent of early Bob Dylan; then they really kick it into gear.  With this album the group shows that they can rock hard while maintaining an attitude-infused pop sensibility that is sure to cause involuntary head bobbing.
Next show: Oct. 4 at the Takoma Park Street Festival. www.takomafestival.com/pages/

Foreign Born
The guys in this alternative and energetic band really demonstrate what they are capable of on their new album, “Person to Person.” They hail from L.A. but have booked a tour all over the U.S this summer (including D.C in August) showing off their haunting harmonies, dense instrumentation and true talent.
Next show: Aug 1 at 9 p.m. at the Rock and Roll Hotel w/ The Veils. Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St., NE, Washington. 202-388-7625. www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

The Low Anthem
The Low Anthem creates a kind of folk blues on their album, “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin,” that Rolling Stone called “solemnly beautiful.” Their subtle instrumentation of mostly guitar and accordion causes one to focus on the throaty and meaningful lyrics. Throughout the album the tempo speeds up to bluesy rock and then slows down to sweet falsetto hymns keeping you interested the whole ride.
Next show: Aug 15 2009 8:00P@ Ottobar w/ Langhorne Slim. Ottobar: 2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore. 410-662-0069. www.theottobar.com

Parachute
For this Virginia band it’s simply a matter of time until they have a profusion of radio hits. They already have one single getting airplay, “She is Love,” and it’s bound to soon by joined by others. They sound like The Fray but with more heart and less Christian undertones. Parachute’s latest album, “Losing Sleep,” shows what these boys know about heartbreak, life and love in an ambitious kind of emo-pop (emop?)/ pop-rock way.
Next show: Aug 17 at 9 p.m. at the  Rock and Roll Hotel w/ The Script. Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St., NE, Washington. 202-388-7625. www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

These United States
These locals claim on their MySpace page that their music “sounds like something you buy for money and love forever.” After listening to the hard-driving folk rock on their new album, “Everything Touches Everything,” you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Next show: Aug 29 at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat w/Hoots & Hellmouth,  and Dusty Rhodes and the River Band. Black Cat: 1811 14th St., NW, Washington. 202-667-4490. http://www.blackcatdc.com" www.blackcatdc.com

ILAD
Four guys from Richmond make up the unusual and jam band-y ILAD. The cover of their album, “Here / There,” explains their music right off the bat. The front of the album contains geometric shapes that create order in chaotic images of nature, just as the melancholic and repetitive lyrics create order in the chaos of their full and varied instrumentation.
Next show: Aug 6 at 9 p.m. at The Red & The Black w/Garrett Anderson and Stereo Reform. The Red & The Black: 1212 H St., NE, Washington. 202-399-3201. http://www.redandblackbar.com" www.redandblackbar.com

Kowtow Popof
For a change of speed listen to Kowtow Popof, a.k.a. Kevin Kerr from Rockville. His instrumental/electronic/acoustic creations are background music that insists on standing out. His new album, “Exalted Headband,” has interlocking and appealing rhythms that are a level above most of what’s out there.
Next show: Aug 17 at Jammin' Java's Monday Night Showcase. Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA. 703-255-1566. www.jamminjava.com

Margot MacDonald
This modern rocker girl is only 17 but she sings like she has 40 years of life experience. On her new album, “Walls,” she showcases a voice that can bring to life a song that is almost twice her age when she covers Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” — and gives it an up tempo kick in the pants to boot.
Next show: Aug 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore Hall. Strathmore Hall: 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD. 301-581-5100. http://www.strathmore.org" www.strathmore.org