Fri, Feb 5, Citywater

Don’t expect to hear Beethoven, Mozart or Vivaldi during Citywater’s Furlough Friday Concert Series. The contemporary concert-music ensemble will perform music by American composers George Crumb, Steven Mackey and Nico Muhly, as well as local composers Sunny Knable and Bill Clark. The music is unnerving yet soothing, like nails on a chalkboard in a serene prairie during the summer. Think of a 3-year-old wunderkind’s musings with pots and whistles in a Tim Burton film score, and you’ve pretty much nailed Citywater. They are fresh and brilliant. Tickets are only $5 for furloughed state workers. 1430 J Street, www.myspace.com/citywater6.