This summer, bands both large and small are making their way through DC for club shows and festivals!
Now, Now open for X Ambassadors at the 9:30 Club in February 2018. Photo by Brittani Wert.
On The Hill:
From the loud guitars and punk attitude of Beach Slang to the minimalist sound of Quiet Slang, singer James Alex has it covered. Alex’s newest project, Quiet Slang, combines a cello and piano with his already-raspy voice and tender, honest lyrics. Just months after beach Slang formed, the idea for Quiet Slang emerged from an NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The project’s first release in October included two Beach Slag songs and two covers, but Alex notes that a sophomore release would have more originals. Don’t miss Quiet Slang on July 12 at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Get your tickets here.
On Petal‘s latest full-length, Magic Gone, frontwoman Kiley Lotz looks at the duality of life – the highs and the lows that encompass everyone’s story– on the two halves of the album. Side A, deemed “Tightrope Walker,” shares the feelings of Lotz before entering treatment for her mental health and Side B, “Miracle Clinger,” tells of her recovery. Lotz’ powerhouse, raw vocals shine on the album. Petal will play alongside Camp Cope at the Rock & Roll Hotel on July 18. Tickets are available now.
Around DC:
The Minnesota-born duo Now, Now is back on the road with their latest release in four years. The band is currently touring in support of their third full-length album, Saved, released in May. Their indie-rock has a distinct pop influence and a strong beat that makes it the perfect music for a summer drive. Saved brings the band’s most direct and open lyrics to their growing fanbase. Catch Now, Now on July 14 at Songbyrd. Tickets are available here.
The Get Up Kids was an influential part of the emo scene of the mid-90s. The 5-piece band toured with acts such as Weezer and Green Day before headlining shows of their own around the world. The band’s most recent release, the four-song Kicker EP, only further shows that The Get Up Kids can create music that withstands trends and the test of time in the emo scene. Their upbeat guitars, chiming keyboards, and the lyrics capture the idea that the journey of the band is not ending anytime soon. Don’t miss The Get Up Kids at the 9:30 Club on July 15. Buy your tickets here.
DC101’s annual Kerfuffle festival is back again! This one-day event brings in bands large and small for an amazing lineup year after year. This year’s lineup features Fall Out Boy, Rise Against, Awolnation, AJR, Robert DeLong, Mt. Joy, and L.I.F.T. Spend the day at Merriweather Post Pavilion for hours of great live music on July 22. Get your tickets now!
Courtney Barnett has made a name for herself in indie-rock, since her debut release in 2015, with her distinctive, enthralling voice and insightful lyrics. Barnett has brought her energetic live shows to audiences on five continents around the world and to stages of some of the biggest festivals. Rolling Stone hailed her as, “one of the sharpest, most original songwriters around.” Her second album, Tell Me How You Really Feel was released in May. Don’t miss Courtney Barnett on July 24 at the Anthem. Buy your tickets now.
Just Announced:
Rock & Roll Hotel
- 11/20: Yellow Days
- 12/7: Amber Run
9:30 Club
The Anthem
- 10/6: Florence + the Machine
- 10/17: Death Cab for Cutie
- 10/18: CHVRCHES
- 11/7: Tenacious D
- 11/16: Young the Giant
DC9
- 11/12: Charlotte Lawrence
Black Cat
- 11/10: The Joy Formidable
- 11/20: The Menzingers
Gypsy Sally’s
- 9/21: Shane Smith & The Saints (21+)
Check back at the end of the month for The Set List’s coverage of the very last Vans Warped Tour stop at Merriweather!