A synthesis of Washington, DC’s go-go scene and New Orleans’ rich musical history, Galactic have always been a fascinating work in progress. They shifted from their jam and funk roots in the mid '00s after their original singer retired. They then toured with a rotating cast of hip-hop MCs, leading to 2010’s Ya-Ka-May, which featured collaborations with Big Easy legends like Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, and the Rebirth Brass Band. Galactic’s latest gumbo, Carnivale Electros, folds in Brazilian influences as it seeks out rhythmic commonalities between New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and Rio’s Carnivale with another stellar guest list, including Cyril and Ivan Neville, rapper Mystikal, and Big Chief Juan Pardo. In typical fashion, Galactic splice musical DNA with precision, expertly finding the intersection of funk, soul, hip-hop, rock, jazz, zydeco, samba, and whatever else drifts in, like Living Colour frontman Corey Glover and Rebirth’s Corey Henry, who join them onstage at the Beachland this week. With the Soul Rebels. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $25. – Brian Baker