Under the glow of the disco ball of the 9:30 Club and electric blue lights, The Aces returned to DC recently, transforming the storied venue into a sanctuary of queer joy and unfiltered guitar pop-rock adrenaline.
The Aces, a Utah-born band, played live on their Gold Star Baby Tour as they reaffirmed their place as one of indie-pop’s tightest live acts. They felt delightfully at home with a crowd that greeted them like beloved friends rather than visiting performers.
The members of The Aces are Cristal Ramirez (lead vocals and guitar), her sister Alisa Ramirez (drums and vocals), Katie Henderson (guitar and vocals), and McKenna Petty (bass and vocals). Their music frequently delves into identity, self-discovery, and the queer experience, carried by a striking emotional sincerity shaped in part by their roots in a conservative Utah community.
The night started with Lydia Night getting the crowd ready for the headliner at 9:30 Club on Nov. 15. This included her own music as well as a rock cover of Justin Bieber’s “Baby.”
A recording of “Welcome to Gold Star Baby” played once the lights dimmed. “Tonight we have the baddest, the raddest, make you go the raddest, The Aces! Serenading you with sounds of sexy disco pop magic all through the night!” As the audience grew louder with cheers, Jealousy began to play, and Alisa, Katie, and McKenna came out on stage, before Cristal finally joined them.
Stream Gold Star Baby by The Aces on Spotify:
Halfway through the show, they crowned a “Best Dressed Fan” and invited them to the stage for acknowledgment and to take a shot. Fans in sequins, glitter, and other disco attire cheered for a chance at the title, before a woman in pink sequins was crowned.
One of the band’s enduring gifts is the environment they create. The audience was a multigenerational sea of denim jackets, pink crop tops, friends and couples clutching each other’s hands. It’s not hard to understand why The Aces’ music has long been a beacon for queer listeners searching for stories that sounded like their own. During times like these, where it appears as though queer people’s rights are continuously threatened, safe spaces like the ones The Aces creates are more important now than ever.
Here are some photos of The Aces performing live at 9:30 Club on Nov. 15, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Sami Pye.
