Tonight’s Pick: Bon Iver at the Black Cat

For most warm-blooded creatures, a winter sequestered in a cabin in the upper reaches of the Midwest is grounds for hibernation, or at least a Wellbutrin prescription. But for Bon Iver mastermind Justin Vernon, brutal and unforgiving territory is nothing new—he’s a Wisconsin native who’s handy with a hunting rifle. What’s surprising is that someone with such a Paul Bunyan-esque pedigree can create such heartfelt rustic indie folk—while singing in falsetto, no less. Vernon’s desolate, solitary ruminations are captured on Bon Iver’s first album, For Emma, Forever Ago, and the title makes it clear there’s a broken heart underneath the orange vest and flannel. Vernon’s endearingly flawed and bare-bones recording methods add some unintentional but appreciated layers to some already complex arrangements, making for a batch of wintry ballads that are a welcome relief in an oppressively humid month. BON IVER PERFORMS WITH BOWERBIRDS AND NICK SCHILLACE AT 9 P.M. AT THE BLACK CAT, 1811 14th ST. NW. SOLD OUT. (202) 667.4490 —Maggie Serota

Tags: Black Cat, Bon Iver