Billy Price (Photo by Christopher Myers)
DMV concert venues in Virginia continue to lead the way in reopening as The Birchmere in Alexandria returns after its COVID-19 closure with the Billy Price Charm City Band on Friday, July 10.
blues
Preview: Gordon Sterling @ Jammin’ Java, 6/26/20
The empty indoor stage at Jammin’ Java! (Photo by Steve Petrucelli)
Jammin’ Java recently launched its outdoor summer series of concerts, presenting A Song & A Slice: A Socially Distanced Outdoor Concert Series. Each donations-based concerts contributes funds to a cause of the artist’s choice.
The outdoor series continues with Gordon Sterling at Jammin’ Java on Friday, June 26, in a show benefiting Black Lives Matter DMV and SURJNOVA.
Interview: Shirley King (New Album: Blues for a King)
Shirley King’s latest album, Blues for a King, releases June 19, 2020, via Cleopatra Records.
Just in time for Father’s Day, Shirley King, the daughter of iconic Blues legend B.B. King, releases a new album, Blues for a King, today via Cleopatra Blues, a division of Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records.
In this latest offering, Shirley steps out of her musical comfort zone to cover diverse range of musical genre including soul, R&B, rock, and her native Blues. The album also features a roster of legendary guitarists including Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MGs), Duke Robillard (Roomful of Blues/Fabulous Thunderbirds), Elvin Bishop (Paul Butterfield Blues Band), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), and Junior Wells to name a few.
Parklife DC’s Ari Strauss had an opportunity to speak with Shirley by phone recently to discuss the new album, her career, and what it’s like to be the daughter of Blues royalty.
Song of the Day: “To Live” by Norah Jones
Norah Jones (Photo by Dianne Russo)
Norah Jones has released her seventh solo studio album Pick Me Up Off The Floor, which is out on Blue Note Records. The album features collaborators including Jeff Tweedy and Brian Blade on a set of 11 new songs written or co-written by Norah that speak deeply to the moment.
Tune in to ABC Good Morning America on Tuesday, June 16, to hear Norah perform the uplifting “To Live,” and watch the song’s official video featuring drummer Nate Smith, bassist Jesse Murphy, trumpeter Dave Guy, and tenor saxophonist Leon Michels.
Interview: Lauren Calve, DC’s Formidable Americana Artist
Lauren Calve (Photo by Shane Gardner)
DC Americana and blues artist Lauren Calve releases Wildfire, her new EP, on June 23. She recently released the first single from the album — a song called “Better Angels.” As Lauren has said, she took inspiration for the song from Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address, which prompted her to reflect on the courage of people today dealing with modern challenges like COVID-19.
And, of course, as everyone has been in a pandemic lockdown, Lauren has been a regular performer in livestream concerts, spreading the word about her new music and finding creative outlets where she can. Parklife DC’s Mickey McCarter recently caught up with Lauren to ask her about getting music out during the lockdown, her approach to unique arrangements in her music, and her spiritual connections to the places that gave birth to roots and Americana.
Livestream Preview: Sol Roots @ Facebook Live, 5/22/20
Sol Roots performs at The 9 Songwriter Series on April 5, 2018. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Late Night in the Loft continues with not-so-late live happy hour streams from the DMV’s best local artists from The Hamilton!
This week, catch DC funky bluesman Sol Roots on Friday, May 22, in a livestream at The Hamilton’s Facebook page.
Livestream Preview: Lauren Calve @ Facebook Live, 5/15/20
Lauren Calve (Photo by Shane Gardner)
DC-area storyteller and songwriter Lauren Calve performs a special show for Sixth & I’s Living Room Sessions on Friday, May 15, on Sixth & I’s Facebook page.
Livestream Preview: Ally Venable Band @ Facebook Live, 5/8/20
Ally Venable Band (Photo courtesy Ally Venable)
Can’t Stop the Blues presents the Ally Venable Band on Friday, May 8, via Facebook Live! Those who tune in 30 minutes before the show will get an opportunity for a virtual meet and greet with Ally live on Facebook.
Livestream Preview: Bobby Thompson @ Facebook Live, 4/29/20
Bobby Thompson (Photo courtesy the artist)
The Hamilton might be temporarily closed, but it still hosts performances on its Facebook page. Wishing you could stop by The Hamilton for happy hour? Missing live music in The Loft? Join The Hamilton Loft Virtual Happy Hour series!
On Wednesday, April 29, The Hamilton Loft Virtual Happy Hour series features DC folk-blues guitarist Bobby Thompson.
Livestream Preview: Jorma Kaukonen @ YouTube, 4/18/20
Jorma Kaukonen performs at The Birchmere on Oct. 4, 2012. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Highly respected veteran guitarist Jorma Kaukonen livestreams a performance from his Fur Peace Ranch this Saturday, April 18, via YouTube.
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