Marcia Ball performs at the Lowell Summer Music Series on Aug. 8, 2014. (Photo by Tim Carter)
A little bit of the bayou came to DC by way of Austin, Texas, Monday night in the form of R&B artist Marcia Ball. Kicking off her performance with the tune “Red Beans,” an old blues tune by McKinley Morganfield, Marcia played a selection of songs from her new album, Shine Bright, as well as old favorites.
Tanya Donelly fronts Belly at 9:30 Club on Sept. 29, 2018. (Photo by Jason Nicholson)
Belly are back! In May, the Boston band released Dove, their first new album in more than 20 years. On Saturday, Belly played those new songs at 9:30 Club.
Blood Orange performs at the Lincoln Theatre on Sept. 28, 2018. (Photo by Brenda Reyes)
At sold-out Lincoln Theater, Devonté Hynes, better known as Blood Orange, gave an amazing performance. His style of funk-R&B shined on stage. He highlighted every single supporting instrument through out the night, making sure that everyone has their moment to shine. Effortlessly, Blood Orange showcased his dreamy tunes and alt-pop sound to DC.
Conductor Ramin Djawadi discusses the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience with the audience at Capital One Arena on Sept. 25, 2018. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)
Winter may be coming, as the House of Stark says, but at least it will be accompanied by delightful music! Conductor Ramin Djawadi took charge of a full orchestra that offered twists and turns worthy of the Game of Thrones for the namesake Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience at Capital One Arena recently.
Jade Bird performs at Rock and Roll Hotel on Sept. 28, 2018. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Breakout British singer/songwriter Jade Bird stopped by Rock and Roll Hotel recently, and the versatile performer put in a succinct performance that alternated between melancholic ballads and hard-charging energetic rock.
The Ocean Blue performs at Union Stage on Sept. 28, 2018. (Photo by Shantel Breen)
The Ocean Blue treated their fans to dreampop melodies at a sold-out Union Stage in DC on Friday night. Although The Ocean Blue are best known from their earlier hits in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the band has just finished recording a new album, and they ventured out on a short five-city tour in support of their new material.
Ben Rector performs at the Warner Theatre on Sept. 27, 2018. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Ben Rector brought his 28-stop Magic: The Tour to Warner Theatre in downtown DC recently, and fans filled the 1,847-seat historic venue and stayed on their feet dancing during much of the performance.
Rakel Mjöll fronts Dream Wife at DC9 on Sept. 27, 2018. (Photos by Paivi; words by Mickey McCarter)
Dream Wife bounded into DC9 from London recently, raucously carrying a banner of self-determination for women in earshot upon their slim shoulders. And although a malfunctioning Midas M32 digital mixer threatened to derail their show, frontwoman Rakel Mjöll declared, “Curse be gone” to the “ghost in the system,” and spirited rock ’n’ roll followed with few if any glitches.
Mt. Joy performs at U Street Music Hall on Sept. 27, 2018. (Photo by Brenda Reyes)
Mt. Joy played a sold-out U Street Music Hall recently. Touring all over the country since late 2017 and most of 2018, Mt. Joy has had a successful year with their self-titled debut album and opening up for The Shins, The Head and the Heart, and The Lone Bellow (to name a few). I was super excited to hear them live, and they did not disappoint.
The SteelDrivers (Photo courtesy Wortman Works)
The SteelDrivers have hit the road, taking their Grammy-winning bluegrass to The Birchmere for two nights on Thursday, Oct. 4, and Friday, Oct. 5.
