DC's biggest blog for concert reviews
Burna Boy performs at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Sept. 15, 2019. (Photo by Will Colbert)
What if I told you that giants roamed the earth? What if these powerful beings could leap across continents with ease? A sold-out audience at The Fillmore Silver Spring recently witnessed a bonafide musical colossus. The titan was none other than Nigerian singer and songwriter Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy.
Sting performs at Wolf Trap on Aug. 26, 2019. (Photo by Jason Nicholson)
In May, Sting released My Songs, his 14th studio album, reimagining some of his best-known hits from his solo career and his time with The Police. On tour now, Sting performed those songs at Wolf Trap recently, and Jason Nicholson captured the majesty and brawn of one of the world’s most thoughtful rockers on film.
Rebelution performs at MECU Pavilion on Aug. 8, 2019. (Photo by Rashad Polk)
With a pristine sunset over the Inner Harbor as a backdrop, Rebelution brought their good vibes and good times to MECU Pavilion for their Baltimore stop on their headlining Good Vibes Summer 2019 Tour. The good vibes were apparent as they radiated throughout the lawn, the pavilion, the stage — basically the entire venue.
Justin Trawick, The Circus Life podcast host and lead singer of Justin Trawick and the Common Good, performs at 9:30 Club, July 27, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss/ aristrauss.com)
“Life’s a circus and this is The Circus Life.”
Frequent listeners to the Circus Life podcast recognize that phrase because it’s how host Justin Trawick begins each episode of the podcast which is recorded live in remote locations in and around the nation’s capital. The interview-based podcast features conversations between Justin and influential and interesting individuals in music and culture.
Joe Harkum (Photo courtesy Ticketfly)
Baltimore’s reputation has taken a hit over the past year or so due to a recent spike in violence and crime in the city. Friday night, I got to witness first-hand how music can bring people together and help us to be bigger than our problems at Baltimore Soundstage thanks to Maryland’s own Pasadena.
Damian Marley performs at The Anthem on July 13, 2019. (Photo by Will Colbert)
The idea of a “family business” may be an antiquated notion for some but not if you’re a Marley. Bob Marley’s progeny have been making hits for decades and there’s no sign of that tradition ending. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley recently took the spotlight at The Anthem in DC. The three-time Grammy winner performed his signature dancehall reggae, father’s timeless classics, and possibly introduced us to the next Marley hitmaker.
Stephen Marley performs at The Fillmore Silver Spring on July 11, 2019. (Photo by Chris Castillo)
Grammy winner Stephen “Ragga” Marley most recently released One Take: Acoustic Jams, a five-track EP, last year via Ghetto Youths International, the Marley family label. He dropped by The Fillmore Silver Spring recently on an extended acoustic tour, and Chris Castillo got some pix!
Damian Marley (Photo courtesy Roc Nation)
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley released Stony Hill, his 12th studio album, in 2018, and it went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Now Bob Marley’s youngest son heads to The Anthem for a show on Saturday, July 13.
Dispatch performs at Wolf Trap on June 29, 2019. (Photo by Jules McNamara)
Jam band Dispatch released Live 18, a live album, earlier this year, and hit the stage at Wolf Trap recently to showcase those live chops. Jules McNamara got some pictures!
Ocean Alley (Photo courtesy ngage)
If you’re still looking for this year’s summer jams, look no further than Australia — and more specifically, Australian band Ocean Alley. The band brought summer to the Rock and Roll Hotel recently!