This week is shaping up to be a real party, people. Between cinco de Mayo on Monday, the Bruins and the Habs all week, and shows from M.I.A, JaRule, and more, there’s little reason to even call this a work week. Also, side note: I wonder if JaRule still has beef with Eminem? I bet that’s working out really well for him.
Monday, May 5
Famed British-Sri Lankan hip-hop artist M.I.A kicks the week off with a party at House of Blues, touring behind her latest album, “Matangi” (with A$AP Ferg; 7 p.m., $35-45, all ages). We found out last week that Against Me! lead singer Laura Jane Grace will now have her own reality show, but she will still rock too, as the band will play Royale along with punk hero Tony Molina and Seattle duo Big Eyes (7 p.m., $18.50, 18+). The Standells, the old-timers behind the Boston classic “Dirty Water,” will be at Brighton Music Hall (with The Lyres; 7 p.m., $15, 18+). Philly duo Banned Books comes up north to play with local experimental punks New England Patriots at Charlie’s (with Charlie and Power Masters; 9 p.m., $5, 21+). Local hip-hopper Orie Pierre plays a special set at ZuZu backed by The Eternals (10 p.m., free, 21+)
Tuesday, May 6
Famed New York songstress Lana Del Rey brings her tour through House of Blues (7 p.m., $59.50, all ages). New York indie vets Matt Pond PA will be at The Sinclair, fueled by the release of their latest album, “The Lives Inside The Lines in Your Hand” (with The Lighthouse & The Whaler and Tallahassee; 7:30 p.m., $15, 18+). ’90s math rockers A Minor Forest are back on the road again and will play Great Scott with local all-stars Pretty & Nice and Grass is Green (9 p.m., $12, 18+). Midway Cafe in JP also hosts a rockin’ local bill featuring Worcester trio Secret Lover, JP party animals Free Pizza, and Rhode Island studs Gymshorts (with Con-Tex and Babes; 9 p.m., $5, 21+)
Wednesday, May 7
Indie golden boy Ben Kweller is back on the road and will make a stop at the modest-sized Brighton Music Hall (with Slothrust; 6 p.m., $20, all ages). If you’re looking for a different kind of party, check out Hot 96.9’s Throwback Houseparty at House of Blues with long lost hip-hop king JaRule and Treach and Kay Gee, formerly of Naughty by Nature (7 p.m., $25-35, all ages). To catch an act on the up, don’t miss Seattle electropop duo ODESZA at Middle East Downstairs (8 p.m., $14, 18+)
