Stars and Bars: Welcome to the Ottobar
The Ottobar (Photo by David LaMason)
There have been few places that have been around in this town as long as the Ottobar.
RIP, John Prine
John Prine (Photo by Danny Clinch)
(Editor’s note: Folk musician John Prine, 73, died of complications related to COVID-19 on April 7.)
A Personal Remembrance of John Prine
I only saw John Prine live once. In November 2017, he played DAR Constitution Hall. Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys opened the show.
Interview: The Buckleys (@ Live Nation North American Virtual Tour, 4/9-4/11/20)
The Buckleys (Photo by Francisco Tavoni)
Hailing from Byron Bay, Australia, sibling trio The Buckleys recently launched a virtual North American Tour, presented by Live Nation on its Live from Home platform. The Buckleys perform virtually for American audiences on Thursday, April 9, Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11.
Each day of shows is customized for a group of US cities, and DC is included in the April 11 performances.
A young band, The Buckleys have immersed themselves in country songwriting via Nashville. Parklife DC’s Mickey McCarter had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Buckley (lead vocals, guitar), Molly Buckley (vocals, mandolin), and Lachlan Buckley (guitar) via Zoom. They discussed their experiences in Nashville, their upcoming album, and their web documentary series.
Song of the Day: “Hold That Thought” by Local H
Local H (Photo by Julia Simone Paul)
Alt rockers Local H release LIFERS this Friday, April 10, via AntiFragile Music. Scott Lucas and Ryan Harding shared “Hold That Thought,” a new single, in advance of the album.
Stream Preview: Knotfest Online @ Knotfest.com, 4/10/20
Knotfest (Photo courtesy Cosa Nostra PR)
The heavy metal festival Knotfest has taken on many forms. Created by Slipknot in 2012, Knotfest originated as a destination festival taking place over the course of a few days. Later iterations of the festival took it to various countries around the world, and even teamed up with Ozzfest along the way.
With the entire globe in social isolation, Knotfest has gone online every Friday, including Friday, April 10, via Knotfest.com.
Livestream Preview: Elizabeth II and Cat Janice @ Caged Byrd Series, 4/9/20
Elizabeth II performs at City Winery on Sept. 22, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Songbyrd Music House’s Caged Byrd Series, features two local artists this Thursday, April 9, via Instragram. Elizabeth II and Cat Janice will perform acoustic versions of their original songs, some covers, and possibly a few requests.
Song of the Day: “Wait (Medication)” by Gateway Drugs
Gateway Drugs (Photo courtesy Dine Alone Records)
LA quartet Gateway Drugs will release PSA, the band’s sophomore album, in May via Aporia Records. Gateway Drugs recently gave us “Wait (Medication),” the first single off the album.
Livestream Preview: Oh He Dead @ Jammy Jamz, 4/7 + 4/10/20
Oh He Dead (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
DC’s own Oh He Dead is getting in on the streaming game… with a twist!
CJ and Andy will perform in their jammys. Folks watching are asked to post a pic of themselves in their nighttime attire to their Instagram story, and tag @Ohhedead and #JammyJamz.
Oh He Dead streams the Jammy Jamz via Facebook Live on Tuesday, April 7, and Friday, April 10.
Stars and Bars: Welcome to Union Stage
Union Stage (Photo by Mickey McCarter)
Union Stage is perhaps the most pleasantly surprising music venue in DC.
Opened at The Wharf, located in southwest DC in December 2017, Union Stage was founded by brothers Jonathan, Luke, and Daniel Brindley, who have owned and operated Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia, since 2001.
If you’ve never been to Union Stage, you might wonder if it radiates the same chill coffee house vibes as Jammin’ Java. To its credit, the 7,500 sq. ft. subterranean venue does its own thing and does it with style.
Song of the Day: Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands” by The Ingramettes
The Ingramettes (Photo courtesy Hearth Music)
The Ingramettes released Take a Look in the Book, a new album, on March 20. It includes a new take on “Grandma’s Hands” by the late Bill Whithers, who passed away days later due to heart complications.
