These next two weeks bring classical music with a twist, the pop rock of Paramore, and much more. Also, don’t miss H Street Festival on September 16th. This highly anticipated fest spans 11 blocks and features exhibitors, food vendors, and performers of all kinds as a way to showcase the arts of DC.
Image courtesy of Young The Giant
On The Hill:
Free music is always a great way to spend a Saturday. The Brodown Throwdown 6 features bands such as NAMES, Mike of Doom, and High Waisted on the first floor of the Rock & Roll Hotel club space. There will also be DJs on the second floor and the rooftop bar playing all afternoon and evening. This event is part of the H Street Festival on September 16. The Rock & Roll Hotel opens at noon and is completely free. The complete lineup and set times can be found here.
Hailing all the way from Australia is the indie rock meets alt-country trio, Middle Kids. They are well known in their home country and are rapidly gaining momentum all around the world. Middle Kids have been featured on Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists You Need to Know” and their single “Edge of Town” has blown up. This single was featured on Elton John’s Beats 1 show and has amassed over 5 million Spotify streams. Catch Middle Kids on September 20 at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Pick up your tickets here.
Around DC:
You don’t hear the phrase ”Finnish cello metal band” very often, but Apocalyptica brings it to life. Comprised of four classically trained cellists, this band performs mainly instrumental music, but with the occasional vocal talents of artists such as Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) and Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace, Saint Asonia). In honor of their 1996 debut album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, Apocalyptica issued a re-release with new tracks and is now revisiting the album on a tour around the US. Check out this classical music with a twist on September 9 at Lincoln Theatre. Buy your tickets now.
Mondo Cozmo, the project of Josh Ostrander, began in 2016 and hasn’t slowed down since. The single “Shine” skyrocketed Mondo Cozmo’s popularity to the top with millions of Spotify streams, crazy radio play, a TV debut with Jimmy Kimmel, and acclaim from Entertainment Weekly, NPR, and Consequence of Sound. He has sold out nearly every headlining show and supported Bastille on their arena tour. The music is fun and full of energy, but also passionate and poetic: It’s the perfect show to round out your summer! Catch Mondo Cozmo and his new album Plastic Soul at U Street Music Hall on September 12. Buy your tickets now.
At this point, it is safe to say that Paramore has become an icon of an entire generation’s teen angst. Since forming in 2004, Paramore has undergone many changes and their music has evolved. However, they never fail to bring their honest, anthemic, emo-pop to the masses. This continues to ring true with their latest release, After Laughter. Don’t miss Paramore at the MGM at National Harbor on September 13. Pick up your tickets here.
I just saw this same lineup in Denver last month, so you can take my word that this next show will be well worth your time. Joywave, a NY electro/indie band, will get your attention with hits like “It’s A Trip!” and “Dangerous,” as well as the frontman’s bold mustache. Cold War Kids may dig into their discography for hits both new and old, yet their energetic music never fails to keep the crowd going. Young The Giant will take the stage in support of their newest album, Home Of the Strange, to wrap up the night with their amazing on-stage presence. Don’t miss out on this great show on September 16 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Get your tickets now.
Just Announced:
Rock & Roll Hotel
- 11/1: Views
- 11/7: White Reaper
- 11/17: Felly
9:30 Club
- 11/2: JR JR
- 11/9: The Strumbellas
- 11/14: Silversun Pickups
U Street Music Hall
- 11/12: The Shadowboxers
- 11/15: Bully
DC9
- 10/1: Emarosa
Lincoln Theatre
- 10/19: Vance Joy (Sold Out)
Fillmore Silver Spring
- 10/3: Manchester Orchestra
- 11/14: The Used w/ Glassjaw
- 11/16: Thrice and Circa Survive w/ Balance & Composure
The Anthem
- 10/27: The Head and the Heart
- 12/17: Pentatonix (Christmas Tour)
- 1/10: The Killers
MGM at National Harbor
Don’t wait to buy your tickets for the recently announced shows this winter! These big shows will sell out quickly!