DC’s top blog for live concert reviews
Alan Scott (Photo courtesy Sacks & Co.)
In the wake of social unrest and long-overdue increased awareness of institutionalized racism surrounding the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others, DC songwriter and recording artist Alan Scott’s viral 2016 single and video “You Only See Me When I’m Gone” — written originally to address issues of race and police brutality following the tragic death of Eric Garner — was recently re-released.
Torrey B. (Photo courtesy the artist)
Singer-songwriter Torrey B. performs at Jammin’ Java on Thursday, July 16. The soulful DMV singer-songwriter appears as part of the Jammin’ Java’s series, “A Song & A Slice: A Socially Distanced Outdoor Concert Series,” in a show to benefit Black Lives Matter DMV.
Oh He Dead performs at Jammin’ Java on July 3, 2020. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
More than once it’s been said that, despite our differences, music’s greatest gift is its ability to break down barriers, bring people together, and unite us in common cause. In this age of pandemic lockdowns, economic uncertainty, and just plain fear of the future, that those in need, particularly struggling local musicians, would work to support causes larger than themselves, is a beautiful testament to the power of song.
Oh He Dead recently performed for a packed, but socially distanced, crowd as part of Jammin’ Java’s “A Song & A Slice: A Socially Distanced Outdoor Concert Series.”
Oh He Dead performs in Bethesda, Maryland, on Jan. 25, 2020 (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Jammin’ Java’s Summerfest continues this Friday, July 3, with Oh He Dead. Originally founded as a duo in 2014 by Andy Valenti and CJ Johnson, the band now consists of five players: CJ on vocals and Andy on rhythm guitar with Alex Salser (lead guitar), John Daise (bass), and Adam Ashforth (drums). A healthy mix of classic R&B, funk, and folk, the Washington Post calls Oh He Dead’s music an “infectious and soulful sound.”
The show is currently sold out, but read on to see what you can expect if you’re going!
The Brothers Macklovitch (Photo by Tim Saccenti)
Grammy-nominated siblings A-Trak and Dave 1 finally release music together. As The Brothers Macklovitch, the turntable icon and Chromeo frontman meld funky influences from their formative days (Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies, Masters At Work) with crisp production and soulful hooks, aided by rising R&B star Leven Kali on debut Fool’s Gold single “Give Love to Get Some.”
Khruangbin (Photo by Tamsin Isaacs)
Khruangbin recently released a new single, “So We Won’t Forget,” a track from their forthcoming album, Mordechai, out June 26 on Dead Oceans, in association with Night Time Stories.
Aztec Sun performs at the Rosslyn JazzFest 2018. (Photo courtesy Rosslyn BID)
Union Stage is bringing artists to you via Instagram in a livestream for its You & US: A Live Series. Next up is DC’s own Aztec Sun performing via Union Stage’s Instagram on Tuesday, May 5.
Oh He Dead (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
DC’s own Oh He Dead is getting in on the streaming game… with a twist!
CJ and Andy will perform in their jammys. Folks watching are asked to post a pic of themselves in their nighttime attire to their Instagram story, and tag @Ohhedead and #JammyJamz.
Oh He Dead streams the Jammy Jamz via Facebook Live on Tuesday, April 7, and Friday, April 10.
Tank and the Bangas performs at The Anthem on Feb. 29, 2020. (Photos by Casey Vock.)
There’s something invincible and miraculous about a musical act that never really fit into a specific genre and probably never will.
But it’s tough to understand where a record store clerk might slot albums from the Grammy-nominated Tank and the Bangas, an inexplicably fascinated posse of musicians who about eight years ago in the birthplace of jazz — the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans — and have become one of the hottest acts on tour today.
The Motet (Photo by Shervin Lainez)
Denver-based funk and soul ensemble The Motet continue to hit the road after a busy year in 2019, supporting their critically-acclaimed studio album, Death or Devotion. The Motet play 9:30 Club in a double bill with TAUK on Friday, March 13.
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