DC’s top blog for live concert reviews
The Black Keys drummer Dan Auerbach performs to a sold-out audience at The Anthem, Oct. 12, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Grammy Award-winning rock duo The Black Keys performed to a sold-out audience at DC’s premier live music venue The Anthem recently. The Oct. 12 performance was part of the band’s Let’s Rock North American tour. When tickets for this concert went on sale, they sold out so fast, The Anthem, which holds in excess of 6,000 people, quickly added a second date on Oct. 16.
Darrin Bradbury performs at The Birchmere on Oct. 1, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Singer-songwriter Darrin Bradbury took the stage at the legendary Birchmere recently to provide a 45-minute opening set in support of show headliner John Moreland.
Darrin Bradbury (Photo by Danielle Holbert)
Darrin Bradbury writes about the way things really are in America — a singular perspective shaped by a natural gift for storytelling, a lingering battle with depression, and a sly sense of humor. A self-described folk satirist who has toured the country for more than a decade, Darrin collects his oddball observations in his newest album, Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs, which released Sept. 20th via ANTI- Records.
Parklife DC’s Ari Strauss spoke with Darrin by phone to talk about the new album and his upcoming show at The Birchmere on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Dante Frisiello and his band perform at Jammin’ Java, Sep. 9, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Dante Frisiello was in a state of nirvana one night recently at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia. The progressive rock composer and guitarist released his debut album, Alignment, earlier in the year — and this evening was his third opportunity present the material to live audience. That alone would have been enough; but on this evening, Dante was on stage as the opening act for one of his favorite musical influences, instrumental rock drummer Virgil Donati. It was a dream come true.
Hot Club of Cowtown performs in the Wine Garden at City Winery, Sept. 9, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss/ aristrauss.com)
Hot Club of Cowtown delighted DC fans recently with a twilight show at City Winery DC in the venue’s roof-top Wine Garden performance space. The Austin, Texas-based hot jazz/Western swing trio is set to release its new album, Wild Kingdom, on Sept. 27, and they used the show as an opportunity to preview its new material.
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews performing on stage at Wolf Trap, Aug. 22, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss / aristrauss.com)
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and his band Orleans Avenue delivered a powerful performance at Wolf Trap recently, capping an evening of music that included sets by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals and R&B artist Jessy Wilson.
Ben Harper performs at Wolf Trap, Aug. 22, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss/ aristrauss.com)
Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals put on a soulful and nostalgic set recently while performing at Wolf Trap, playing a setlist that included such Ben Harper classics as “Steal My Kisses,” “Burn One Down,” and a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.”
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