Photograph courtesy of Karmella's Game

You can listen to the keyboard-driven, harmony-saturated pop rock of Baltimore’s Karmella’s Game, but the true pleasure is seeing the energetic and adorable group live. They play the backstage at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., NW) on Thursday in support of the documentary "From the Back of the Room." I’m not lying when I say they’re one of the funnest live bands I’ve seen in years. I’m also not lying when I say that, even though they’re from Charm City, they don’t play locally as much as they should. Make sure to head out and see them—because who knows when they’ll be back next? Listen: Coming Going Leaving, and much more at their Myspace page. Ingrid and Panda & Angel open. 9 pm. $8.

The Karmella's Game show is just one of our picks for events happening around town this week. For even more fun times and entertainment, including the District Sample Sale, a lecture on Hollywood greats, and free pizza, check out Where & When Weekly, our regular column on the best of what's going on every week.