Blue October (Photo by Chris Barber)
Blue October released I Hope You’re Happy, their bold new album, last year, and the band is now touring in support of it. Blue October performs at 9:30 Club on Thursday, April 25.
Martin Barre performs at Jammin’ Java on Oct. 14, 2018. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
“I just want to be a good musician, I want to be a good songwriter, I want to get better.”
Refreshing words coming from a musician who’s been at the top of his game for over 50 years. Martin Barre is well-known as the long-time lead guitarist (1969-2012) for Jethro Tull. I spoke with Martin in anticipation of his “Martin Barre Celebrates 50 Years of Jethro Tull Tour,” which will come to the DC Metro area for two shows on April 22 at The Birchmere and April 23 at Rams Head on Stage. (This interview has been edited for clarity and flow.)
Trio Sefardi (Photo courtesy the band)
On a recent night at Carroll Cafe, Howard Bass of Trio Sefardi had a tale to tell — a tale that stretches back to the beginnings of recorded time.
Rival Sons (Photo courtesy the band)
Hard rockers Rival Sons released Feral Roots, the band’s sixths studio album, in January via Low Country Sound and Elektra Records. Rival Sons play 9:30 Club on Monday, April 22.
Spandau Ballet with Gary Kemp (far right) (Photo by Denis O’Regan)
Is there any more versatile performer than Gary Kemp? The charismatic musician and actor can play stadiums with his band Spandau Ballet and then light up the stage in London Theatreland. The creative genius today is on a US tour as a guitarist and vocalist for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, supporting the legendary drummer of Pink Floyd in a performance of the seminal psychedelic band’s early material. The supergroup will perform in DC at DAR Constitution Hall on Monday, April 22.
Mickey McCarter of Parklife DC chatted with Gary Kemp about Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets and Spandau Ballet to discuss the future of both bands and what they mean to him. (This interview has been edited for length and clarity.) For more information on Nick Mason, visit the website of Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.
Strand of Oaks performs for KEXP on April 16, 2016. (Photo by Dan)
Strand of Oaks, the project of singer-songwriter Timothy Showalter, opened its set with “Weird Ways,” the lead cut from the recently released album Eraserland. Addressing the crowd at U Street Music Hall, Tim stumbled into a joke: “That’s my brilliant commentary: good to play music. Line up that Pulitzer.”
Adrian Belew performs at City Winery in DC on April 10, 2019. (Photo by Jason Nicholson)
Adrian Belew, one of rock’s premier guitarists, visited City Winery recently to explore his catalog. In addition to some of his best known solo hits, Adrian drew on the power of his current quartet to present a number of King Crimson songs.
Baroness performs at The Fillmore Silver Spring on April 10, 2019. (Photo by Andy Jillson)
Baroness played an impressive high-energy set at The Fillmore Silver Spring, MD recently, and I was fortunate enough to be there to catch some of the action.
Ryan Bingham (Photo courtesy Ticketfly)
Singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham released American Love Song, his sixth studio album, via Axter Bingham Records. Ryan performs at 9:30 Club on Sunday, April 21.
Foals (Photo by Alex Knowles)
English rock quartet Foals are back with a new album, Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1, released in March via Warner Music, and Yannis Philippakis and company headline two nights at 9:30 Club! The first night is sold out, but you can see Foals at 9:30 Club on Thursday, April 18.
