This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Samuel Pfister. 

As the new semester begins, it’s easy to feel stressed by the prospect of another busy season. Instead of your syllabi, check out the best artists hitting the stage this spring, from a jazz legend to a “Trap Lord” to GW alumni, and give yourself a chance to expand your musical horizons.

Bluegrass

Greensky Bluegrass will take the stage at the 9:30 Club at the end of this month. After releasing their eighth studio album in September, the band announced a huge tour from New York to Texas that includes two stops in the District on Jan. 30 and 31.

A true jam band with strong bluegrass roots, Greensky Bluegrass is known for collaborating with artists like Bill Kreutzman, formerly of the Grateful Dead, country band Railroad Earth and Bela Fleck, who recently played a show at Lisner Auditorium. This show is a chance to delve into an alternative musical genre without breaking the bank.

9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. 7 p.m. $20

Hip-hop

For those looking for something a little more contemporary, A$AP Ferg is coming to D.C. to perform at The Fillmore on Jan. 18. A$AP Ferg is one of underground hip-hop’s up-and-coming artists after a successful 2013 release of his debut album, “Trap Lord.”

The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md. 8 p.m. $37.50

Jazz

A pioneer of the genre, Roy Ayers stops by the District’s Blues Alley jazz club playing a show each night from Feb. 5 to 8. Ayers was one of the first jazz musicians to bring elements of hip-hop and rap into his music.

Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 8 p.m. $45

Indie-folk

One of the best indie acts visiting D.C. in the spring is singer-songwriter Damien Jurado. Known for his lo-fi folky recordings, Jurado takes the stage at the Rock & Roll Hotel on Feb. 3.

The Seattle native entered the music scene in the late ’90s, and his 2014 album, “Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son,” brought him into the modern era with spirited beats like “Metallic Cloud.”

Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Doors at 7 p.m. $15

Rock

Dr. Dog comes to town Jan. 22. Hailing from West Grove, Pa., the psychedelic band always puts on a performance filled with distorting sounds and fantastic light shows. Concert-goers get to experience a modern act drawing on influences like The Beatles and The Beach Boys.

9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. 7 p.m. $30

Indie-pop

The 9:30 Club is hosting an assortment of indie-pop acts that are must-sees for any music lover. On March 10, GW alumni band Jukebox the Ghost hits the club to promote their self-titled album.

Former students Ben Thornewill, Tommy Siegel and Jesse Kristin draw on piano influences and strong lyricism in their music, which scored them a contract with Yep Roc Records last year.

9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. 7 p.m. $18