Parklife DC today announces the best in DC concerts with our annual awards program, named for our mascot, DC’s own state bird — the Wood Thrush. Our Thrushie Awards salute bands, venues, and music festivals in line with our mission to review live music concerts.

Congratulations to the 2023 Thrushie Awards winners!

Here are the winners of the 2023 Thrushie Awards, along with the percentage of the vote they took and a bit of analysis pertaining to the win:

Who is the best local band in DC?

1. Glosser, 48%
2. Cat Janice, 32%
3. Oh He Dead, 4%

The alluring sounds of DC dream-pop band Glosser ran away with the poll this year. Congrats, Glosser! Capturing second place was beloved singer-songwriter Cat Janice. DC superstars Oh He Dead, renowned for their terrific live show, took third place (which they did last year also).

Watch the official music video for “Disco Girls” by Glosser on YouTube:

What is the best concert venue in DC metro?

1. Songbyrd Music House, 31%
2. DC9, 21%
3. Pie Shop, 20%

DC small venue domination! Three small DC venues took the top three spots in our poll this year with Songbyrd Music House, located near Union Market, nabbing the top spot. DC9, located in Shaw at 9th and U Sts. NW, took second place. In our last two polls, small but mighty Pie Shop DC took the No. 1 spot. And Pie Shop retains a strong showing here at No. 3.

Watch a video spotlight, American Road Trip: Songbyrd Music House, by the Live Music Society on YouTube:

What is the best music festival in the DC area?

1. All Things Go Music Festival, 52%
2. National Cannabis Festival, 24%
3. Re:SET Music Festival, 9.5%

In every Thrushie Awards to date, the Appaloosa Music Festival, founded by Scythian, swept the poll. But this year, another DC-area festival favorite took the No. 1 spot as the All Things Go Music Festival reminds us that it sold out quickly last year and every year. Congrats, All Things Go!

Watch a one-minute recap of the All Things Go Music Festival 2022 on YouTube:

Congrats again to our winners!