Sat., April 27, Jay Shaner

Public-service announcement by local singer-songwriter Jay Shaner: “If the world was forced to listen to Marvin [Gaye] and nothing else for two whole days, there would be no wars. But alot more babies.” As for his own music, it's about as far from Gaye as you can get, but pacifying in its own right. The stripped-down instrumentals—often just acoustic guitar, percussion and occasional string accompaniment—together with Shaner's narrative lyrics are reminiscent of a less moony Mark Kozelek. The even keel of his 2012 album Ruth is a patient request to listen closely, and listeners who do will be rewarded by Shaner's clever turns of phrase. 1001 R Street, http://jayshaner.com.