X: The Unheard Country Music

I realize Aug. 12 is a long way off, but I've already circled the date for the Knitters reunion-tour concert at the Birchmere. A countryish side project of the great L.A. punk band X, the Knitters released one wonderful album, "Poor Little Critter in the Road," in 1985 and haven't been heard from much since. But the group -- John Doe, Exene Cervenka, D.J. Bonebrake, all of X, as well as the magical Dave Alvin and bassist Jonny Ray Bartel -- are back on the road for a summer tour in support of the band's new CD, "The Modern Sounds of the Knitters." The Birchmere show will be in the bandstand, so you won't have to stay seated. Tickets, on sale now, are $20.

-- Joe