Robert Cray performs at The Birchmere on Sept. 26, 2019. (Photo by Ben Eisendrath)
Blues guitarist Robert Cray dropped by The Birchmere recently for an engrossing show, and Ben Eisendrath got some photos.
Cat Power (Photo courtesy Ticketfly)
Cat Power turned back the clock to start her set at the Lincoln Theatre recently. Twenty-one years ago, she released her album Moon Pix. Two of its mains themes are loneliness and disillusionment. The song “He Turns Down” references Chan Marshall’s feelings of alienation from religion, particularly in the line “I’m not saved he turned me down.”
The Rocket Summer (Photo by Braverijah Gregg)
Bryce Avary, aka The Rocket Summer, released his first EP nearly two decades ago at the age of 17. Earlier this year, Bryce released his latest album Sweet Shivers, and he showed fans that he’s still going strong with no signs of stopping soon. The multi-instrumentalist Texas native stopped by DC’s waterfront at Union Stage recently in support of the latest album.
Jill Sobule headlines HERAFest at City Winery on Sept. 22, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
So, let’s talk about women in music. A recent Washington Post article asked, “What’s it like to be a woman in rock today?” Of course the answer is, that’s the wrong question. Does anyone ever ask, “What’s it like to be a man in rock music?”
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.
Lucinda Williams (Photo by David McClister)
As Lucinda Williams began to strum the opening rhythm chords to “Right in Time” on her acoustic guitar recently, she realized that she wasn’t wearing her headset at the Strathmore Music Center. She stopped to gear up and, in her Louisiana drawl, said to the audience, “Well, I guess the ice is broken now.”
Ride performs at 9:30 Club on Sept. 22, 2019. (All photos by Nalinee Darmrong, courtesy of RIDE and the 9:30 Club; Words by Mickey McCarter)
Like a reassuring embrace, guitarslingers Ride strode onto stage at 9:30 Club recently, largely to play songs from a thoughtful new album but also to remind us that smart psychedelic vibes are here to stay.
Justin Townes Earle (Photo courtesy New West Records)
Justin Townes Earle returned with The Saint of Lost Causes, his new studio album, released in May via New West Records. Justin next performs at The Birchmere on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Jason Eady (Photo by Anthony Barlich)
Married country traditionalists Jason Eady and Courtney Patton made a stop at City Winery recently to entertain with songs and stories. Jason has made a point of coming to DC for the last several years, as his daughter will graduate from American University this year. Jason pointed her out at the merchandise table, where she was helping out. She didn’t even appear embarrassed when Jason played a song he’d written for her when she was graduating high school!
The Waterboys perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Sept. 22, 2019. (Photo by Jason Nicholson)
The Waterboys, the storied UK folk rockers, released Where The Action Is, the band’s 13th studio album, via Cooking Vinyl back in May. Frontman Mike Scott and company returned to DC to perform at the Lincoln Theatre recently, and Jason Nicholson photographed the show!
