Head out to your local venues for a few weeks filled with pop, indie rock, genre-defying folk, and a punk festival you won’t want to miss!
Image courtesy of the artist
On The Hill:
L.A. based electropop duo FRENSHIP is on the road once again following their massive Europe and US tour supporting Bastille. The band’s summer 2016 hit “Capsize” immediately captivated audiences and put the band’s infectious sound on everyone’s radar; they are now back with the strong, chorus-centered single “Love Somebody.” The band has been named one of Spotify’s top upcoming artists and played massive festivals around the world, but now it’s your chance to see them in an intimate setting. Don’t miss FRENSHIP on April 12 at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Buy your tickets now.
Lucy Dacus has made her mark as one of indie rock’s most promising new artists following her 2016 debut. With the release of her brand new album, Historian, it’s clear that her attention to detailed, dynamic melodies and storytelling-style lyrics creates a rich concept album for music lovers everywhere to enjoy. Historian showcases Dacus’s take on cautious optimism in the face of adversity with influence coming from real life events. Dacus is doing two shows in one night due to overwhelming demand. Go give this Richmond, Virginia girl some love and check out the late show on April 14 at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Get your tickets here.
Around DC:
Damaged City Fest is back for a sixth year of punk and hardcore in the Nation’s Capital! The four-day, three-venue fest draws fans and bands from all over the world, including a handful right from the DC area. This year’s lineup features the punk legends Limp Wrist with their first DC show in 12 years, Radioactivity, Turnstile, The Flex, and many more! The Set List had the opportunity to chat with both Jeff from Radioactivity and the founder of the festival, Chris Moore. For the full lineup, the daily schedules, and to purchase tickets, visit their website here.
When you think of folk-rock music, your first thought would not be to add some hip-hop and electronica. However, that is exactly what Judah and the Lion did when they crossed genre boundaries with their debut full-length album, Like Kids These Days, and again with Folk Hop n’ Roll. Their albums, just like their live performances, are full of electric energy that captures the attention of every listener. The band’s first show at the 9:30 Club on April 16 sold out quickly, but tickets for April 17 are still available here.
Rick Astley is never gonna give you up because he’s back and headed right to D.C. Since his start three decades ago, Astley has made waves in pop-culture with his immediately recognizable voice and chart-topping singles, such as the infamous “Never Gonna Give You Up.” He went on to release a number 1 album, 50, in 2016 and has been touring since. Don’t miss out on your chance for the ultimate Rickroll and buy your friends some tickets to the Lincoln Theatre on April 18 now.
On April 6, DC101 and Mattress Warehouse present the Blossom Bash, a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival! The concert features San Francisco-based rock band Third Eye Blind, the legendary English rock group Bush, and the up and coming indie rockers of Lovelytheband. If you were able to pick up tickets to this show at The Anthem, you are in for an incredible concert. The event is currently sold out, but you may be able to find a few tickets on re-sell sites.
Just Announced:
Rock & Roll Hotel
9:30 Club
- 5/4: TAUK
- 5/18: Nav
- 6/13: Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite
- 6/15: American Aquarium
The Anthem
- 5/3: Alice In Chains
- 5/7: Kygo (18+)
- 8/25: Beach House
U Street Music Hall
- 6/10: Night Riots
- 6/20: Alexis Taylor
Lincoln Theatre
- 6/9: Gomez
- 6/17: Yann Tiersen (New Date)
- 11/9: An Evening with The Tallest Man On Earth
More local concerts are being announced all the way into late summer, so check back with The Set List to snag tickets to all of your favorite artists!