DC’s top blog for live concert reviews
The Lincoln Theatre stands in silence in this stark photo by Ben Eisendrath. (Photo by Ben Eisendrath/ Instagram+Twitter: Insomnigraphic/ GrillworksBen)
Ben Eisendrath has one of the greatest assets of a photographer: a persistent curiosity.
When Ben carries a lens, he is intently searching for something to capture. You can see it in his eyes: What’s that guy’s story? What’s happening here? Or in this case, what’s behind those closed doors?
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser participates in the annual Funk Parade in 2018. (Photo by Joe Flood)
In a press conference today, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she would lift reopening restrictions on the city’s nightclubs and bars on June 11.
The city will continue to enforce the wearing of masks to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus after that date, but otherwise bars and clubs can choose to open and return to normal operations.
Planning for most national concert tours are still underway, so Parklife does not expect to see consistent bookings at most music venues until later this summer. Still, this is welcome news indeed!
Glenn Close with Warren Buffett at Fortune The Most Powerful Women on Oct. 15, 2013, in DC. (Photo courtesy Fortune Live Media)
It was a scripted comedy routine at the 93th Annual Academy Awards, but it was still all kinds of awesome to see accomplished actress Glenn Close name-check go-go bands Experience Unlimited and Backyard Band at the Oscars ceremony on Sunday.
DC rocker Elizabeth II will perform at the Virtual 2021 Wammies show. (Photo courtesy the artist)
After a record-breaking nomination and voting season, music lovers and industry professionals alike can now purchase tickets for the second Virtual Wammie Awards, which will take place on Sunday, March 28 at 6pm, exclusively on WammiesDC.org.
A virtual Wammies Awards program will be held on March 28, 2021. (Photo by Elise Cai)
Voting for the 2021 Wammie Awards has officially begun. Residents of DC, Maryland, and Virginia can now vote for their favorite local artists and musicians for a 2021 Wammie Award. Nominations are still open through Jan. 31, so music lovers can both vote and nominate through the end of January.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) calls for support for music venues outside Brookyn’s Baby’s All Right on Aug. 18, 2020. (Photo courtesy NIVA)
Congress on Monday passed a pandemic relief bill that includes $15 billion for independent venues and promotors, providing a vital lifeline to music venues such as DC’s 9:30 Club, Black Cat, DC9, and others.
Pie Shop DC (Photo by Aiden Korotkin)
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 and venues in line with our mission to review live music concerts.
Jeffery Tribble, Jr., Executive Director of The MusicianShip addresses the Wammie Awards in 2019. (Photo courtesy of The MusicianShip)
Nominations for the 2021 Wammie Awards are now live. Residents of the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area can nominate their favorite local musicians and artists, including themselves, for a coveted Wammie.
The Lady Raiders Step Squad perform at the DC Funk Parade on May 12, 2018. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
After being forced to cancel the 2020 Funk Parade, The MusicianShip announced it is bringing the festival back for 2021 with a hybrid experience.
With a timeline for widespread vaccine access still uncertain, Funk Parade will forego its traditional Parade, Day Festival, and Night Festival in favor of virtual and smaller, socially-distanced events.
A wood thrush! (Photo by Trish Gussler)
Parklife DC will honor DC bands and venues with our send annual Thrushie Awards program, named for our mascot, DC’s own state bird — the Wood Thrush. As always, our Thrushie Awards are inspired by our mission to review live music concerts and spotlight bands and concert halls covered by Parklife DC.
Voting for Thrushies runs through Friday, Dec. 11 at midnight, and you get to vote for your favorite DC band or venue.
In the past, we have also solicited votes for Best Music Festival, but we have paused that category this year as the novel coronavirus forced the cancellation of our favorite DC-area music festivals in 2020.
Our poll focuses local bands from our coverage and interviews from the past year and local music venues where we reviewed shows or promoted livestreams.
Write-in candidates are welcome!
Angel K
AJ Waugh
ambienteye
Ari Strauss
Andy Jillson
Brenda Reyes
Chester Simpson
chriscastilloweb
Chris R. Smyth
Casey Vock
Daniel Webb
David LaMason
EDMit it
Shantel M Breen
isaiahhattix
Jason Nicholson "Le Mouton Flâneur"
jesternate
julesontheroadphotos
jwillview
kristiechua
marcshea2
Mark Caicedo
Mark Engleson
Mathew Harkins
Corey Paterson
mdxpc
Mickey McCarter
Miyun Park
Neal Keller
Parklifer
Kyle Gustafson
paivi
Rebecca
regardingtess
Robert Smith
shedrickpelt
theeternalname
Matt Ruppert
Will Colbert
Andrew Goodwin
Rick_Taylor1972