Ookay performs at Spring Awakening on June 15, 2014. (Photo by Mary)
Recently, our focus is locked in on the talented producer and disc jockey, Abraham Laguna, better known as Ookay. The talented Ookay started making high energy house beats while he was attending community college under the name “Leisure.” He has since transitioned into his current moniker releasing consecutive bass hits, trap after trap!
Ookay dropped by Echostage to open for NGHTMRE on May 19 during MEGA DC.
Omar Souleyman (with Hasan Alo) performs at Motorco Music Hall for Moogfest 2017 in Durham, North Carolina, on May 18, 2017.
On June 2, Omar Souleyman releases To Syria, With Love via Mad Decent — his third album in four years. The album consists of seven tracks featuring Omar and keyboardist Hasan Alo performing traditional Syrian folk music set to the sound of synthesizers.
In the run-up to the release, Omar performed in some US cities in May, including a stop at Motorco Music Hall in Durham, North Carolina, for Moogfest 2017. There, Omar and Hasan took to the outdoor stage for a transcendental show that drew a large crowd.
R. Kelly performs at MGM National Harbor on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
Say what you like about R. Kelly, but the man is a hell of an entertainer.
The full-blown cultural icon was at his best (or worst, depending on your point of view) in a boisterous show at MGM National Harbor on Sunday, strutting his stuff, taking every opportunity to mingle with his female fans, and at the end of the day earnestly demonstrating that he’s got the goods, particularly with his naturally gifted voice.
Graham Massey performs with 808 State at Moogfest 2017 on May 18, 2017.
Distinguished house duo 808 State made a rare US appearance at Moogfest 2017 last week, entertaining guests at the conference VIP opening party and then returning later for a full live set at the Durham Armory in North Carolina on May 18.
Jamestown Revival (Photo courtesy Ticketfly)
Jamestown Revival released their second studio album, The Education of a Wandering Man, last year via Republic Records, and the folk duo are performing a show at 9:30 Club on Friday, June 9. You can win tickets to go with Parklife DC.
Warren Haynes performs with a supergroup at MGM National Harbor on Feb. 4, 2017.
As soon as I walked into Warner Theatre on Saturday, it was clear that Gov’t Mule has a very passionate following. It’s no surprise, considering they have been around since 1994 and were formed as a side project from The Allman Brothers. It was also clear that there is a pretty specific audience that this music appeals to.
Obituary perform at Rock and Roll Hotel on Thursday, May 18, 2017. (Photo by Paivi)
Legendary death metal quintet Obituary burst onto the stage at Rock and Roll Hotel on May 18 on tour to support their self-titled new album, released March 17 via Relapse Records.
Howard Jones at Rewind Festival in 2013. (Photo courtesy Universal News and Sport)
Editors Note: This event was originally scheduled for May 25, but we have moved it to June 8. On May 25, we will present an evening of music dedicated to bands from Manchester in solidarity with the city after this week’s tragedy.
For the last several years, an ’80s festival called Retro Futura has presented some of our favorite artists, including Howard Jones, The English Beat, Modern English, Men Without Hats, Katrina (of The Waves), Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins, Midge Ure, and many others.
We’ll celebrate the ’80s festival circuit with these artists and others, alongside your requests, at the next edition of Careless Memories: A New Wave Party, this Thursday, May 25.
The Orwells (Photo by Kelly Puleo)
Garage punks The Orwells released their second full-length album, Terrible Human Beings on Feb. 17 via Canvasback Music. The Chicago quintet have been on tour to support it, and they make their return to DC with a show at Black Cat on Saturday, May 27.
