Overcoats dance the night away at 9:30 Club on Nov. 16, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Overcoats, the musical duo of Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell, released their debut album, YOUNG, just over a year ago, but they’ve already made a name for themselves with their thoughtful lyrics, beautiful harmonies, and infectious beats. I caught those beats in action at 9:30 Club on Friday, when Overcoats opened Mitski.
Mitski amazes a sold-out crowd at 9:30 Club on Nov. 16, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Mitski Miyawaki, who performs simply as Mitski, is that rare artist who writes songs that are both musically complex and creates an emotional sympatico between herself and her audience. That skill was on display in her show at 9:30 Club on Friday, the first of two sold-out nights.
Sameer Gadhia, of Young the Giant, keeps the crowd dancing all night at The Anthem on Nov. 16, 2018. (Photo by Shantel Breen)
Who doesn’t like to dance on a Friday night? Young the Giant showed up at The Anthem this past Friday and gave everyone a reason to dance all night. Shantel Breen went to take part in the fun.
John Butler performs at Warner Theatre on Nov. 16, 2018. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
The John Butler Trio performed to a packed Warner Theatre on Friday as it kicked off a 20-city US tour to support its most recent album, Home, which was released in September via Jarrah Records.
Iris DeMent performs at City Winery on Nov. 13, 2018. (Photo by Matt Ruppert)
Iris DeMent holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in the suburbs of Akron, Ohio, every night I listened to WKSU, the local public radio station, originating at Kent State. On the weekend evenings, WKSU would play folk music. Iris DeMent’s song “Our Town,” from 1993, is the first song I clearly remember hearing on the radio at night. But I’d forgotten who sang it, and the song and the artist were lost to me for 25 years.
Earlier this year, I rediscovered Iris, and she reminded me of why she is so great in a perfect show at City Winery on Nov. 13.
Snoop Dogg (right) watches his younger self navigate the perils of stardom in “Redemption of a Dogg.” (Photo courtesy Je’Caryous Johnson)
Snoop Dogg alongside with Tamar Braxton and friends recently came to the Warner Theatre to host a play about Snoop’s upbringing before and after reaching the legendary status he holds now. The semi-autobiographical musical, “Redemption of a Dogg” (written by Je’Caryous Johnson), is a moving and surprisingly affecting play that is well worth your time.
Welcome to the 2018 Thrushie Awards! Parklife DC will name the best music festival of the year with your input. Vote for the best music festival in DC now through Dec. 1.
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Abir performs at U Street Music Hall on Nov. 11, 2018. (Photo by Brenda Reyes)
Abir performed at U Street Music Hall recently to a hometown crowd. It was a special night for her because many friends and family were in the audience supporting her. I’ve known of Abir since 2015, since she played at Broccoli City in 2015, and I’m so glad she came back to DC.
IDK (Photo courtesy Ticketfly)
Maryland rapper IDK released IWasVeryBad, his debut studio album, last year via Adult Swim. Next week, he’s coming home to perform a show at U Street Music Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 21.
