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Yasmin Williams performs at Union Stage in Washington DC on Nov. 22, 2021. (Photo by Casey Vock)
The hero the DMV might need is hanging out just across the Potomac, and she’s got a guitar in her hands.
And at just 25 years old, Yasmin Williams is on a trajectory to capture the attention of listeners far and wide as a multi-dimensional guitarist with an otherworldly skillset far beyond her years.
No BS! Brass Band performs at The Hamilton Live on Oct. 24, 2021. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Mix a little bit of New Orleans with a generous helping of funk and pop and you have the deliciousness that is No BS! Brass Band, the 11-piece that partied down at DC’s The Hamilton Live one recent evening.
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia (RVA all the way!), No BS! Brass Band was founded by Reggie Pace (trombone) and Lance Koehler (drums) who were students together at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Both were in separate bands and didn’t like some of the “stuff” that was going on, so they got together to form their own band and cut out “the stuff;” hence the name, No BS! Brass Band.
Sam C. Jones performs at Jammin’ Java on May 23, 2021. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Sam C. Jones is a threat. Or better said, a triple threat. After experiencing his two-set performance at Jammin’ Java this past Sunday evening, I was blown away by his singing and guitar chops, his dance moves, and the ease with which he commands a stage.
Lucy Dacus (Photo by Ebru Yildiz)
Lucy Dacus announces her third album, Home Video, out June 25 on Matador, and releases lead single/video, “Hot & Heavy.”
GWAR (Photo courtesy the band)
GWAR are currently in the midst of the 30th anniversary celebration of “Scumdogs of the Universe.” This includes two Drive-In shows set for Richmond, Virginia, on Oct. 10 as well as the release of 30th anniversary editions of the Scumdogs of the Universe.
Karen Jonas performs at Jammin’ Java on Sept. 10, 2020. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
Playing a parking lot is not exactly the dream of every working musician but in the age of Covid it may be the best gig in the world. The cool evening, the sweet scent of recent rain, and the soft city lights helped make Karen Jonas’ album release show on a recent night at Jammin’ Java if not a dream, a lovely end of summer outdoor show.
If one’s imagination was allowed to wander, even the fading daylight on the western horizon transported us to fiery desert sunsets as Karen and her band performed songs from her new album, The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams (Yellow Brick Road).
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.
GWAR (Photo courtesy Freeman Promotions)
Been stuck at home in your mom’s basement since March? Tired of watching the same old shit on Netflix and Hulu? Have you had enough of Ancient Aliens, and the Tiger King? Ready to throttle that no-neck Danzig twin Big Ed from 90 Day Fiancé?
GWAR has the solution! Your Lords and Masters are launching a brand new monthly variety show from their frozen fortress to warm the cockles of your cold dead hearts!
“Undead From Antarctica” premieres Sunday, Aug. 19, at 9pm ET, on GWAR’s YouTube Channel with special guest Lzzy Hale!
Kali Uchis (Photo by Amber Asaly)
Grammy- and Latin Grammy-nominated artist Kali Uchis shares the video for “Aquí Yo Mando” featuring Rico Nasty, directed by Phillipa Price. The song, produced by Tainy, is from Uchis’ forthcoming second studio album, her first Spanish language project.
Lauren Calve (Photo by Shane Gardner)
Northern Virginia native, storyteller, singer, and songwriter Lauren Calve recently released her Wildfire EP on June 23. She’ll perform songs off the EP during the final show of Arlington Arts’ concert series Lubber Run Live on WERA 96.7 FM on Friday, Aug. 8.
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