Interview: Karen Jonas (New Album: The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams)

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Mickey McCarter in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged Americana, country, Interview, Jammin' Java, Karen Jonas, Virginia.

KarenJonas1 Karen Jonas (Photo courtesy Big Hassle)

The voice of country music in the DMV is a big, bright voice that belongs to Virginia native Karen Jonas. A regular sight on DC concert stages, Karen releases her fifth album, The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams, on Friday, Aug. 28 via Yellow Brick Records.

On past tours, Karen has visited Texas, New Mexico, California, and their neighbors, scribbling notes while on the road. She drew upon those memories to animate the characters of The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams. The results are a little bit peppy and a little bit sad but always full of life.

Prior to the new album’s release, Parklife DC’s Mickey McCarter chatted with Karen about the record, her band, and her desire to get back on the road. And Karen plays a free outdoor album release show with her full band at Jammin’ Java on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Preview: Brandon “Taz” Niederauer @ Jammin’ Java, 8/28/20

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged blues, Brandon Niederauer, Jammin' Java, New York City, R&B, soul, Taz Niederauer.

Brandon “Taz” Niederauer (Photo courtesy the artist)

(Editor’s note: We have confirmed this event is free! — updated!)

Seventeen-year-old Brandon Niederauer, nicknamed “Taz” for his ferocious guitar playing, is living proof that dreams really do come true.

You can see so for yourself in a free outdoor show at Jammin’ Java on Friday, Aug. 28.

Preview: Torrey B. @ Jammin’ Java, 7/16/20

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Parklifer in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged DC, funk, Jammin' Java, R&B, soul, Torrey B..

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.

Preview: Wandering Lies @ Jammin’ Java, 7/11/20

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Parklifer in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged DC, Jammin' Java, post-grunge, Wandering Lies.

Wandering Lies (Photo courtesy the band)

Wandering Lies is a female-fronted rock band based out of DC. By combining their do-it-yourself work ethic, and unwavering dedication with a signature sound, singer Angie Pepa, rhythm guitarist Noli Conty, lead guitarist David Chaletzky, bassist Myk Menez, and drummer Jason Brooks are paving their own road to success.

That road includes a stop for “A Song & A Slice: A Socially Distanced Outdoor Concert Series,” at Jammin’ Java on Saturday, July 11.

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

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Mark Caicedo in Live Review, Local Spotlight and tagged DC, folk, funk, Jammin' Java, Oh He Dead, soul.

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.”

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

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Mark Caicedo in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged DC, folk, funk, Jammin' Java, Oh He Dead, soul.

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!

Preview: My Kid Brother @ Jammin’ Java, 6/27/20

Posted on June 25, 2020 by Parklifer in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged Alternative rock, Jammin' Java, Leesburg, My Kid Brother, Virginia.

My Kid Brother (Photo courtesy Fearless Records)

My Kid Brother recently signed to Fearless Records and released new music in March — then the coronavirus pandemic struck! So, the band hasn’t had a lot of opportunity to play their new songs live.

But Jammin’ Java comes to the rescue with “A Song & A Slice: A Socially Distanced Outdoor Concert Series,” and My Kid Brother performs there on Saturday, June 27!

The show is free but suggested donations go to support Black Lives Matter DC. What a great opportunity then to hear new tunes from these local indie rockers.

Preview: Gordon Sterling @ Jammin’ Java, 6/26/20

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Parklifer in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged blues, DC, George Sterling, George Sterling and The People, Jammin' Java, psychedelic, soul.

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.

Live Review: Elizabeth II @ Jammin’ Java — 6/20/20

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Mark Caicedo in Live Review, Local Spotlight and tagged DC, Elizabeth II, hard rock, Jammin' Java.

Beth Cannon fronts Elizabeth II at Jammin’ Java on June 20, 2020. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)

Normally, summer has been in full swing for weeks by this point each year. Concerts, festivals, parades, baseball, road trips and, of course, late evenings out with friends. But as we all know, this summer ain’t normal.

So when Jammin’ Java announced its “A Song & A Slice: A Socially Distanced Outdoor Concert Series” to celebrate the opening of Union Pie (Jammin’ Java’s new pizza shop), a glimmer of hope sprang up that maybe summer had actually returned. And that maybe things could feel a little more normal.

Recently, Elizabeth II turned in a 90-minute, stripped-down, acoustic set to kick off the series.

Preview: Rachel Levitin @ Jammin’ Java, 6/25/20

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Parklifer in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged DC, folk, Jammin' Java, Rachel Levitin.

Rachel Levitin (Photo courtesy the artist)

The outdoor series continues with DC folk singer Rachel Levitin at Jammin’ Java on Thursday, June 25, in a show benefiting the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.