Fantastic Negrito performs at Sixth and I Synagogue on July 25, 2018. (Photo by Will Colbert)
There’s only one Fantastic Negrito — and he was at DC’s Sixth & I recently. The historic synagogue isn’t the typical blues venue, but the Grammy Award-winning musician isn’t your typical bluesman. Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, better known by his current musical incarnation Fantastic Negrito, is the embodiment of new blues.
Trey Anastasio performs at Sixth & I on Feb. 14, 2018. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
In his solo album Traveler, released in 2012 and co-produced with Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Jónsi), Trey Anastasio imagines a convergence of the many roads he has taken in his remarkable musical career. That convergence was on display Valentine’s Day evening at Sixth & I, where the frontman for Phish took the stage for a solo acoustic performance in a sold-out show.
I can safely say that all the concerts I attended in 2017 exceeded my expectations, but of course I say that about all live music. I was fortunate to photograph over 80 shows in 2017, from artists both well known to those just starting out. I’m truly inspired watching these talented musicians and their courage in getting up on a stage to lay their souls bare. Or as the L.A. Times’ David Ackert so eloquently put it, “…musicians and singers are willing to give their entire lives to a moment — to that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation that will stir the audience’s soul.” Continue reading
Martin Gore performs with Depeche Mode at Capital One Arena on Sept. 7, 2017. (Photo by Ben Eisendrath /Instagram+Twitter: ConspiracyCaptures/GrillworksBen)
The year 2017 was a good year for revisiting old friends as they returned to remind us that they truly still “got it.” In the past year, Parklife DC reviewed a great deal of musicians and bands, and the performances that really distinguished themselves often came as something of a pleasant surprise.
Emily Haines performs as Emily Haines and The Soft Skeleton at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue on Dec. 2. 2017.
Scene: Birds chirped, signifying the arrival of morning. Emily Haines stumbled into stage and put down a suitcase. She changed into a dressing gown and goes to sleep, only to be woken moments later by her alarm clock.
She began an internal monologue, which admonished her for not getting enough sleep. The monologue in her head continued for a spell as Emily got up to play some songs solo at a piano. She appeared to be struggling with some questions: Is this where she wants to be? Is there some place or time to which she would like to return? Or has she never truly moved forward?
Emily Haines (Photo by Justin Broadbent)
Emily Haines, the always melodic lead singer of Metric, released Choir of the Mind, a solo album with her project The Soft Skeleton, in September via Last Gang Records/eOne. Emily launched a solo tour that arrives at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Keith Jeffery performs at EdgeFest in Dallas, Texas, on April 27, 2013. (Photo by Alexa Stickler)
Brothers Keith and Michael Jeffrey, better known as alternative rock band Atlas Genius, put on a lively show at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on Monday. Atlas Genius is currently on a US tour following the release of their new single, “63 Days,” the band’s first new music for nearly two years.
