Tues., June 11, Girl in a Coma

Nina Diaz's shapely vocals could stop traffic. The Girl in a Coma frontwoman's sultry croon is like a summer breeze—hot and sticky, brash and unrepentant. Diaz's arresting presence was apparent early to older sister Phanie Diaz and bassist Jenn Alva, who recruited her at age 12 to lead their band. Her passionate catlike alto leaps from moody folk-blues evocations reminiscent of Jolie Holland to aggressive rock bluster and willowy dream-pop somnambulism. Championed by Joan Jett and signed to her label, Blackheart Records, Girl in a Coma has released an album of covers and three of originals showcasing the group's broad tastes and stylistic facility. 2708 J Street, www.girlinacoma.com.