Home Blog Page 36

Snapshots: Bartees Strange w/ Ekko Astral @ Ottobar — 4/25/25

0
Bartees Strange @ Ottobar Baltimore MD 04.25.25 Photo by Casey Ryan Vock
Bartees Strange performs live at Ottobar on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Casey Vock)

Though he was a longtime resident of the nation’s capital, Bartees Strange is clearly more of a Baltimore guy.

Recently relocated to the Charm City and fresh off the release of his third studio album, Strange packed Ottobar the night of April 25, showing his newest songs to be some of his very best and dazzling a crowd that included some of his close friends from across the DMV.

Performing tracks from Horror, which dropped on Valentine’s Day, he looked at home on a stage that has over the years featured a mind-blowing list of artists.

Preview: Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton @ 9:30 Club, 5/14/25

1
Parliament Funkadelic
George Clinton (Photo courtesy the artist)

Recording both as Parliament and Funkadelic, George Clinton revolutionized R&B during the ’70s, twisting soul music into funk by adding influences from several late-’60s acid heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Sly Stone. The Parliament/Funkadelic machine ruled black music during the ’70s, capturing over 40 R&B hit singles (including three number ones) and recording three platinum albums.

Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton make an exciting return to 9:30 Club for a performance on Wednesday, May 14!

Interview: Vox (Mark Burgess) of The Chameleons (@ The Fillmore Silver Spring, 5/4/25)

0
The Chameleons
The Chameleons, fronted by Vox (right) (Photo by Mick Peek)

The Chameleons last performed in the DC-area in August, and Parklife DC Editor Mickey McCarter then chatted with the band’s frontman Mark Burgess, now also known as Vox. In the past several months, The Chameleons have released a new EP, shared more details about their forthcoming LP, and embarked on another tour. For The Darker Skies Tour, The Chameleons, a classic English post-punk band formed in the ’80s, share a bill with American dark wave duo Twin Tribes, founded in Texas in 2017. The tour visits The Fillmore Silver Spring on Sunday, May 4.

Mickey recently chatted with Vox once again to get the latest on the new tour and upcoming music.

Live Review: Magic Sword w/ Starbenders and Mega Ran @ Baltimore Soundstage — 4/23/25

0
Magic Sword
Magic Sword (Photo courtesy Snake Charmer Inc.)

We arrived as pilgrims, drawn to Baltimore Soundstage by whispers of the unyielding guardians who wield the fabled Magic Sword. Virgil and I made peace with a fellow devotee who exclaimed that he had been on pilgrimage ever since a past initiation with Mega Ran alongside MC Chris a decade prior. The devotee had brought along new pilgrims who, though novices, sensed the night’s potential magic and awaited their blessings. At the entrance, more pilgrims arrived in elaborate ceremonial garb, exchanging knowing glances — for tonight was a convergence.

Preview: Devo @ The Anthem, 5/3/25

0
Devo
Devo (Photo by Neal Preston)

This week, Devo hits the road to continue their anniversary tour, Celebrating 50 Years of De-Evolution. The new wave icons perform live at The Anthem on Saturday, May 3!

Live Review: Machine Head and In Flames w/ Lacuna Coil and Unearth @ The Fillmore Silver Spring — 4/22/25

0
Machine Head
Machine Head (Photo courtesy Nuclear Blast)

Virgil was adamant — almost irritatingly so — that a band called “Aughties Nostalgia” was headlining The Fillmore Silver Spring tonight. I scoured the posters and digital billboards, but each glance returned the same lineup: Machine Head, In Flames, Lacuna Coil, and Unearth. “You’re mistaken,” I insisted. Virgil, undeterred and clutching his homemade tour shirt scribbled in black Sharpie marker, simply smiled.

Preview: The Damned @ 9:30 Club, 5/2/25

0
The Damned
The Damned (younger days) (Photo courtesy earMUSIC)

Original UK punks The Damned perform live at 9:30 Club on Friday, May 2. This show is a particularly exciting occasion as it’s The Damned’s first DC-area show since the return of founding drummer Rat Scabies to the band.

Live Review: October London and Tamar Braxton w/ Joe Leone and Ro James @ Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena — 4/24/25

0
Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton performs live at Chesapeake Employees Insurance Arena on April 24, 2025. (Photo by Tonya Caver)

Soul and Romance came to Baltimore in a big way! The October Nights: Calling All Lovers Tour recently stopped at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. The tour was dually led by October London and Tamar Braxton. The two opened the show with support from Joe Leone Ro James. The 24-city tour was powered by The Black Promoters Collective.

Snapshots: Swervedriver @ Black Cat — 4/22/25

0
Swervedriver
Swervedriver performs live at Black Cat on April 22, 2025. (Photo by Nalinee Darmrong)

Shoegazers Swervedriver dropped a new EP, The World’s Fair, and then recently performed live at Black Cat on The World’s Fair Tour! Nalinee Darmong was there to photograph the show.

A Conversation About Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds with 2DCAT’s Johan Hauck (Live @ The Anthem — 4/21/25)

0
Nick Cave
Nick Cave performs live at The Anthem on April 21, 2025. (Photo by Nalinee Darmrong)

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds are touring North America with Wild God, their 18th studio album. The band performed live at The Anthem in DC on April 21, and Parklife DC was in attendance as was producer and synthesist Johan Hauck of local dark synthpop duo 2DCAT.

Johan has long been an admirer of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, a band that inspires his own work. And so, Parklife Editor Mickey chatted with Johan about his takeaways from the band’s excellent live performance at The Anthem. And keep scrolling for some amazing photo coverage of the show by Nalinee Darmrong.