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Chris Slusarenko of Eyelids performs at Comet Ping Pong on Feb. 11, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
How could anyone not like the music of Eyelids? Those bouncy songs reminiscent of Big Star and Badfinger, the infectious sense of fun, the sweet melodies and bummer vibes that infuse it with something more than your typical power pop. It was all there at Comet Ping Pong recently.
Craig Stickland performs at City Winery on Feb. 4, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
“[T]here’s way more pressure when it comes to music, because it’s my passion, it’s what I strive to accomplish in life.” Craig Stickland interview, Portal Magazine (2017)
Despite (or maybe because of) being an artist who also models and acts, Craig Stickland has set his sights on a musical career. Maybe it’s because the endless nights on the road, in cramped vans, waking up in a different place every night is so rewarding… or maybe because music is real. Onstage, you’re only playing yourself.
Hudson Taylor performs at City Winery on Feb. 4, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Hudson Taylor turned DC’s City Winery into a raucous Irish pub complete with hand-clapping, singalongs and rug cutting. Hudson Taylor’s folky (and folksy) but lively Irish pop lends itself well to this type of behavior and certainly brightened a recent weeknight.
El Ten Eleven performs at Union Stage on Feb. 2, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
El Ten Eleven stopped in at Union Stage on a recent chilly night to perform their high-energy, post-rock/ambient melodies for an adoring, sold-out crowd.
Chris Slusarenko of Eyelids performs at the Black Cat on Nov. 19, 2017. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Mark Caicedo of Parklife DC caught up with Chris Slusarenko, frontman of Portland-based power pop band Eyelids, prior to the group’s performance at Comet Ping Pong on Monday, Feb. 11!
Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles perform at Jammin’ Java on Jan. 25, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Sarah Borges’ third appearance in the DC Metro area in as many months is a clear indication of her thriving (some might say, rabid) fanbase in the region. Recently, Sarah tore through two one-hour sets consisting of tunes from throughout her career in a packed house at Jammin’ Java.
The Smithereens perform at State Theatre on Jan. 18, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Much has been written about the redemptive power of rock and roll; its ability to transport us to another place and time or to a cherished memory — as well as its power of community and the way a widely disparate audience can revel in a shared moment of unparalleled spontaneous joy. Those moments repeated themselves over and over at the State Theatre recently when The Smithereens featuring Robin Wilson dropped into town for their 19th performance at the historic Falls Church music venue.
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