Author: Ari Strauss

Interview: Darrin Bradbury (@ The Birchmere, 10/1/19)

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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.

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Snapshots: Dante Frisiello @ Jammin’ Java — 9/9/19

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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.

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Live Review: Hot Club of Cowtown @ City Winery — 9/5/19

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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.

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Live Review: Trombone Shorty @ Wolf Trap — 8/22/19

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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.

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Live Review: Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals @ Wolf Trap — 8/22/19

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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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Snapshots: Jessy Wilson @ Wolf Trap — 8/22/19

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Jessy Wilson opens at Wolf Trap, Aug. 22, 2019, during a summer tour co-headlined by Ben Harper and Trombone Shorty. (Photo by Ari Strauss/ aristrauss.com)

R&B artist Jessy Wilson performed at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, recently as the opening set for a summer amphitheater tour co-headlined by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

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Live Review: Broke Royals @ DC9 — 8/16/19

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Broke Royals frontman Philip Basnight performs at DC9, Aug. 16, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss/ aristrauss.com)

Broke Royals recently concluded an intensive 10-day tour with a hometown performance at DC9. The DC-based power-pop group, and winners of Parklife DC’s 2018 inaugural Thrushie Award for best local band, put in 12 performances across the Midwest and the Atlantic coast over 10 days, reaching as far as Milwaukee, to promote their new album, Saint Luxury.

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