There are plenty of once-a-year events in the coming weeks including Fourth of July celebrations, free music by the river, and even a performance at The Kennedy Center! Check out these highlights to see what DC has to offer.
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On The Hill:
If A Capitol Fourth on the Capitol lawn isn’t really your speed, The National Sylvan Theater might be a better fit. Starting at 6 pm on July 4, the United States Navy Bands, including the Cruisers Rock Band, Country Current Band, Navy Concert Band, and the Sea Chanters, will be performing. This is a free event and a perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July while supporting your troops!
Head over to the Yards Park Boardwalk for the Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series. This event is free and open to the public, so everyone can enjoy the view of the river, great music, and the local restaurants in the area. On July 7, The Reagan Years will be the entertainment for the night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The Reagan Years is known as the east coast’s original 80s tribute band and has played countless sold out shows. Spend your Friday night on the boardwalk with all of your favorite MTV generation covers!
You may not recognize the name, but you have probably heard the songs of Rooney. Mid-2000s hits like “When Did Your Heart Go Missing” and “I’m Shakin,’” reminiscent of British invasion rock and 80s pop, and will definitely be stuck in your head if you look them up. In a career that is coming up on nearly two decades now, Rooney has toured the world multiple times and is still going strong. You can catch Rooney, with support from Run River North, on July 8 at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Get your tickets now.
Sir Sly has nailed the entrancing dark pop thing they have going on. The Guardian has described the music of this L.A. trio as having “the surging sadness of Coldplay and the catchiness of Maroon 5”, and I think it’s pretty spot on. Their single, “High” has topped charts this spring and is the perfect upbeat, catchy song to push you right into summer. SHAED will also be performing with Sir Sly. This Washington DC based pop trio has received praise from around the world and been compared to powerhouses such as Florence and the Machine, Sylvan Esso, and Sia. Plus, who can resist an incredible female vocalist? Pick up your tickets for the show at the Rock & Roll Hotel on July 12 here.
Around DC:
Cayetana is the epitome of small, DIY indie rock. This Philadelphia trio prides itself on vulnerable, yet strong and extremely catchy music. In just a few short years, these three talented women have found their niche. They have even created their own record label, Plum Records, to release their second full-length album. Their first album, Nervous Like Me, gained the band a ton of attention, dedicated fans, and tours with The Menzingers and Against Me. Cayetana will be performing at Songbyrd on July 6. Get your tickets now.
For something a little more out of the ordinary than your usual club show, check out Declassified: Ben Folds Presents at The Kennedy Center on June 30. This event features music from the National Symphony Orchestra, singer-songwriter Ben Folds, singer/composer/producer/guitarist Blake Mills, and Cuban R&B/rap singer Danay Suarez. This unusual night offers an incredible blend of multi-genre 21st century and orchestral music. Your ticket includes access to free festivities before and after the show –a pre-show concert and beer tasting– as well as entrance to the concert hall. For more information about the event and to buy tickets, click here.
Just Announced:
Rock & Roll Hotel
- 9/27: Touché Amore
- 10/12: Andrew W.K.
- 11/13: Alex Clare
U Street Music Hall
- 9/12: Mondo Cozmo
- 9/16: Astrid S
9:30 Club
- 9/9: The Afghan Wings
- 9/19: Broken Social Scene
Songbyrd
- 8/19: Jay Prince
- 9/3: A.CHAL
Lincoln
Union Market
- 10/6-10/8: All Things Go Fall Classic (featuring Foster the People, Galantis, Young Thug, and many more)
The Anthem (Southwest Waterfront)
- 10/12: Foo Fighters (sold out in one minute online, but if you really can’t miss it, tickets are currently selling for over $1000 here and here)
- 10/17: LCD Soundsystem
- 4/8/18: Lorde
Check back next week for more events coming your way!