funk

Live Review: Oh He Dead @ Jammin’ Java — 7/3/2020

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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.”

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Preview: Oh He Dead @ Jammin’ Java, 7/3/20

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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!

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Song of the Day: “Give Love to Get Some” by The Brothers Macklovitch

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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.”

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Livestream Preview: Oh He Dead @ Jammy Jamz, 4/7 + 4/10/20

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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.

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Live Review: Tank & The Bangas @ The Anthem — 2/29/20

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Tank and the Bangas - The Anthem DC - 02.29.20 3Tank 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.

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Preview: Tank and the Bangas @ The Anthem, 2/29/20

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Tank and the Bangas (Photo by Gus Bennett Jr.)

Last year, Tank and the Bangas made their major label studio debut with Green Balloon. The band quickly blew up, scoring a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. The R&B group is now on tour opening for The Revivalists, and you should arrive early to see them when they perform at The Anthem on Saturday, Feb. 29.

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Snapshots: Saint Motel @ 9:30 Club — 2/11/20

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AJ Jackson fronts Saint Motel at 9:30 Club on Feb. 11, 2020. (Photo by Casey Vock)

A band from Los Angeles whose sound has been described as indie pop but is something much more dynamic than that, Saint Motel recently made its way to DC as part of its 2020 world tour and Parklife DC was there to shoot photographs at the sold-out 9:30 Club.

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