Wondering what to do with your time in between the holiday seasons? Why not check out a show or two at your local venues? Over the next two weeks, DC will have some Grateful Dead-style orchestral music, as well as YouTube sensations The Piano Guys and acoustic singer-songwriters.
On the Hill:
Kris Allen is most well-known for being the winner of American Idol Season 8 back in 2009. His folk-inspired take on modern songs propelled him to the top of the competition and fostered his success after his win. Union Stage presents Kris Allen at the Miracle Theatre on December 7. You can pick up your tickets here.
Foreign Air is starting their co-headlining tour with DC trio SHAED. Foreign Air is known for their electronica and indie pop flair that has captivated audiences near and far. You can find an exclusive interview with the band here. SHAED, pronounced “shade,” consists of talented brothers Max and Spencer Ernst and powerhouse pop vocalist Chelsea Lee. Their genre-bending music has received rave reviews since their debut single. This show is perfect for fans of Alt-J, Phantogram, and Sylvan Esso. You won’t be disappointed! Catch Foreign Air and SHAED on December 8 at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Get your tickets now!
Around DC:
Alice Merton has taken over the airwaves across Europe and the US with her hit “No Roots,” complete with powerful drums and an incredibly catchy chorus. This breakthrough, wanderlust-laced hit is all about having your home not be a location– instead, home can be the people you love. Merton takes her inspiration from her nomadic lifestyle of picking up and moving to a different country over and over again throughout her life. Her big move from Canada to Germany at just 16 fueled the inspiration for this song and her EP, No Roots, which then catapulted her to the top of German music charts before jumping over the pond to top the US charts. Don’t miss Alice Merton at DC9 nightclub on November 30. Buy your tickets here.
The Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead experience by recreating their June 1991 RFK show. The Orchestra builds off the extensive Grateful Dead catalog to bring together old fans and new by encapsulating the energy and experience of the band. The Orchestra has performed in countries around the world at festivals and sold out shows. They have even created their own music festivals in the US and Jamaica! For even more information on the orchestra, read their bio here. Don’t miss the Dark Star Orchestra on December 2 at The Anthem. Get your tickets now!
Jake Bugg is an English singer-songwriter who draws influence from Oasis and The Beatles, among others. Bugg’s debut album in 2012 hit number one on the UK albums chart when he was only 18. It then hopped over the pond to make waves in the US. He has played huge festivals and shows around the world as people flock to hear his distinctive, smooth vocals and powerful instrumentals. This show is for fans of Bob Dylan, Ben Howard, and The Beatles. He is currently on tour in support of his fourth album, Hearts That Strain. Jake Bugg will perform at the Sixth and I Synagogue on December 10. Tickets are available here.
What started out as a few family men coming together to create music has morphed into the YouTube sensation of The Piano Guys. The quartet consists of a pianist, cellist, videographer, and producer. Together the guys combine classical and contemporary music and create visually stunning videos. Their YouTube channel has over 5 million subscribers and had already surpassed one billion views by August 2016. They have played their one-of-a-kind renditions to sold-out shows around the world, but now it is DC’s turn. The Piano Guys will play 5 shows at the National Theatre on December 13, 14, 15, and 16. Tickets for each date can be found here.
Just Announced:
Rock & Roll Hotel
- 2/8: Thurston Moore
- 2/28: Diet Cig
- 3/9: Alex Cameron
9:30 Club
- 2/14: Sleigh Bells
- 2/16: ZZ Ward
U Street Music Hall
- 2/2: Flint Eastwood
- 2/10: Anti-Flag & Stray From the Path
- 2/17: Wylder
Anthem
- 2/13: BORNS
- 2/25: Tyler, the Creator
Lincoln Theatre
- 3/27: Rob Bell
DC9
- 12/16: Trophy Eyes
- 2/20: Flor
Capital One Arena
- 1/25: Lana Del Rey
Holiday shows are coming your way next time on The Set List!