This is my list of upcoming shows that interest me, with the caveat that my taste in music is, well, eclectic. In addition, while some of this music interests me because I have seen it before and know that I want to see it again, other things may have been recommended by friends or simply caught my fancy given my mood at the time. I try to update this frequently enough that it is actually useful and I try to include whatever info I have. I also try to get it from reliable sources, but no source is perfect. And, I myself am capable of mistakes. Therefore, it may be worth a check with the venue before planning your life around what you see here. Also check back here closer to the show, as I do go back and correct entries if I learn that they are wrong. Got comments or reactions? Shows I should add? Write to karokaro AT verizon DOT net.
Want to know what I really see?
December 26 Thursday: Dave Chappell Band plays JV's. Anthony Pirog will be playing with the band. Show is at 8. JV's Restaurant is located at 6666 Arlington Blvd. in Falls Church, Va.
December 27 Friday: David Wax Museum plays Hamilton Live David Wax Museum’s eclectic and exuberant sound blends the ancient and ever-relevant rhythms of traditional Mexican music with amber pop hues and unabashed rock riffs, all tethered together by seductive harmonies. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 for standing, $25 for seated and $35 for better seats.
December 27 Friday: KIVA plays New Deal Cafe. KIVA is a percussive acoustic worldbeat ensemble. Show is 8 to 11.
December 28 Saturday: Kitchen Dwellers play Union Craft Brewing with Fireside Collective. Kitchen Dwellers play folk-infused bluegrass spiked with psychedelic vision and rock energy. Fireside Collective plays progressive bluegrass. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $30.69 with all fees from the Ottobar web site. This is a 21+ show.
December 28 Saturday: ilyAIMY plays Catonsville Clubhouse. ilyAIMY plays acoustic folk rock. Doors open at 7. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $20 online $25 at the door. Catonsville Clubhouse is located at 10 St. Timothy's Lane in Catonsville, Maryland.
December 28 Saturday: Kelly Bell Band plays Collective Encore. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $28.89 with fees. The Collective Encore is located at 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia, Maryland.
December 29 Sunday: Gogol Bordello plays Baltimore Soundstage with Jon Spencer and Grace Bergere. Gogol Bordello plays punk. Jon Spencer is a singer, composer and guitarist. Grace Bergere sings of love, loss, and redemption. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. Tickets are $43.50. This is an all ages show.
December 29 Sunday: Corey Arceneaux at Zydeco Hot Peppers play Hank Dietle's. Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers play zydeco. Show is 6 to 9. Tickets are $20.
December 29 Sunday: Rumba Club plays Takoma Station. Rumba Club combines jazz and instrumental Latin dance music. Show is 6 to 9. Admission is $20. Takoma Station is located at 6914 4th Street in Northwest DC.
December 30-31 Monday and Tuesday: Yonder Mountain String Band plays Hamilton Live. Yonder Mountain String Band plays progressive bluegrass. Opening act on Monday is The Plate Scrapers. The Monday show doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $35 for standing, $50 for seated. The New Year's show doors open at 7:30 and the show is at 9. The opening act for New Years Eve is Fireside Collective. Both opening acts play progressive bluegrass. Tickets for the New Year's show are $50 for standing, and $70 for standing. One hopes you at least get a glass of champagne for that.
January 3 Friday: Volcanic Ash Ensemble plays Rhizome. Ensemble Volcanic Ash combines jazz, chamber music, contemporary classical and punk. Show is at 7. Tickets are $15 to $25.
January 3 Friday: Trio Sefardi plays Millennium Stage. Trio Sefardi performs traditional songs of the Sephardim, the descendants of Jews exiled from Spain in 1492. Show starts at 6. The show is free but a ticket is required and is available December 18.
January 3 Friday: Robert Lighthouse plays Hank Dietle's. Robert Lighthouse plays blues guitar and harmonica. Show is 9 to 11:55. Admission is $10.
January 4 Saturday: Celtic Underground plays Atlas Brewing Ivy City. Celtic Underground plays acoustic Irish folk with a touch of Americana. Show is 3 to 6.
January 4 Saturday: Motherfuckers JMB & Co. play Rhizome with Applied Communications. Motherfuckers JMB & Co. are an instrumental trio with Geologist (Brian Weitz) on hurdy gurdy, Marc Minsker on bass, guitar, harmonium, and Jim Thomson on percussion. Applied Communications Applied Communications is Max Wood, whose lo-fi, anti-rock antics consist of discordant vocals, found sounds, and a deconstruction of art. Show is at 7:30. Admission is $10.
January 5 Sunday: This show will likely not take place if the federal government is closed. Anvil Orchestra plays live soundtrack for a showing of The Adventures of Prince Achmed at The National Gallery. The members of Anvil Orchestra for this showing are Terry Donahue and Roger Clark Miller, formerly of Alloy Orchestra. The Adventures of Prince Achmed is a 1926 German animated fairytale film by Lotte Reiniger. It is the oldest surviving animated feature film. The National Gallery is located at 6th and Constitution Avenue in Northwest DC. Showing is 2 to 3:30. Gallery opens at 10 am should you want to take a look around. The event is free, but a reservation is required.
January 5 Sunday: Seth Kibel plays New Deal Cafe with Orchester Prazevica. Seth Kibel is one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier woodwind specialists, working with some of the best bands in jazz, swing, and more. Orchester Prazevica plays high-energy dance music drawing on the tradition of Eastern European Czardas and Gypsy Swing but widely influenced by jazz and blues. Show is 6 to 8.
January 11 Saturday: Zeta plays Metro Baltimore with Lobby Boxer and Lastima. Zeta plays Venezuelan post rock. Lobby Boxer plays indie rock. Lastima plays emotional tunes that combine elements of black metal, shoegaze, screamo, and post-metal. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. Admission is $18. This is an all ages show.
January 11 Saturday: Dave Chappell Band plays New Deal Cafe. Dave Chappell band plays roots rock and blues. Show is 7 to 10.
January 16 Thursday: Cracker plays The State Theatre. Cracker is an indie folk rock band. Doors open at 7, show is at 8:30. Tickets are $30.
January 17 Friday: Muscle plays a punk and drag benefit for the Baltimore abortion fund at Ottobar with Hormone, Suppai Helwa and Damn Da'Myah. Muscle plays punk. Hormone plays punk. Suppai Helwa plays bizzaro trash glam grunge rock. Doors open at 7, music at 8, drag at 11. Admission $15. This show is 18+.
January 18 Saturday: Escaper plays the 8X10 with Mono Means One. Escaper is a space rock dance band. Mono Means One is a instrumental progressive/psychedelic trio with John Ferrara on bass. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $20.19.
January 18 Saturday: Yeison Landero plays Millennium Stage. Yeison Landero is a cumbia musician. Show is at 6. The show is free, but it is necessary to get a ticket which becomes available on January 1, 2025.
January 22 Wednesday: Chuck Prophet and Cumbia Shoes play Hamilton Live. Charles William Prophet is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer who has become a big fan of Cumbia. Doors open at 6, show is at 8. Tickets are $15, $25 for seated, $35 to sit on the dance floor, which seems not to be quite the spirit of Cumbia.
January 23 Thursday: YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan play the Music Center at Strathmore. YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture which is well known by Japanese people as the hometown of Japan. Show is at 8. Tickets are $28 to $78.
January 23 Thursday: David Grubbs plays Rhizome with Susan Alcorn and The Caribbean. David Grubbs is an American composer, guitarist, pianist, and vocalist. Susan Alcorn has taken the pedal steel guitar far beyond its traditional role in country music. The Caribbean is an American experimental pop group. Show is at 7. Admission is $20.
January 24 Friday: Black Masala plays Pearl Street Warehouse with Eastern Standard Time. Black Masala is a brass band with elements of Romany, second-line, bhangra, and funk horn. Eastern Standard Time brings together top musicians from the jazz, soul and Caribbean music scenes of the nation's capital. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. General admission tickets are $18, elevated seating $30.
January 24 Friday: David Grubbs plays Design Distillery with Susan Alcorn and The Caribbean. David Grubbs is an American composer, guitarist, pianist, and vocalist. Susan Alcorn has taken the pedal steel guitar far beyond its traditional role in country music. The Caribbean is an American experimental pop group. Show is at 7. Tickets are 7 $24.93 through Dice. Design Distillery is a furniture store located at 1414 Key Highway in Baltimore.
January 24 Friday: A Night of Hard Rock and Metal at Hub City Vinyl with Spiral Grave, Merciful Zero and Anxietia. Spiral Grave plays doom metal. Merciful Zero plays hard rock. Anxietia plays sludge metal. Doors are at 7, show is 8 to 10. Admission is $17.85. This is an all ages show. Hub City Vinyl is located at 28 East Baltimore Street in Hagerstown, Maryland.
January 24 Friday: Electric Grandmother plays Atlas Brewing Ivy City with Bassmasters, AJ and the Kids, Jester and the Mad Pranksters and DJ Johnny Panic. The Electric Grandmother is the story of a couple and their lives, come together to make humorous, surreal, post-modern music and imagery. Bassmasters is a synth punk duo. AJ and the Kids is an original rock band with a bit of psychedelic rock, classic rock, and just plain rock. Jester & The Mad Pranksters are a gothic synth punk band. DJ Panic is a dark electronic DJ. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Admission is $5. This is a 21+ show.
January 25 Saturday: Chuck Prophet and Cumbia Shoes play Rams Head On Stage. Charles William Prophet is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer who has become a big fan of Cumbia. Doors open at Noon, show is at 1. Tickets are $30. This is an all ages show. There is probably no room for dancing.
January 28 Tuesday: Delta 8 plays Rhizome with Schmuk, Muscle and Sad Roach. Delta 8 plays hardcore punk. Schmuk is an egg punk band. Muscle plays punk. Sad Roach plays punk. Doors open at 7, show is at 7:30. Admission is $12.
January 30 Thursday: Galactic plays the 9:30 Club accompanied by vocalist Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph. Opener is Jah Works. Jah Works plays roots rock reggae. Galactic is a jazz and funk based jam band. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $40.
January 30 Thursday: Reggie Right Eye and the Missing Pieces play New Deal Cafe. Reggie Right Eye and the Missing Pieces play blues and roots rock. Show is 7 to 9.
January 31 Friday: Brandon Seabrook plays Rhizome with Janel and Anthony. Brandon Seabrook is a guitarist and banjoist. His music fuses a wide range of traditions, including punk rock, jazz, pop, and metal. Janel and Anthony Janel and Anthony is the collaborative venture of two of the fastest rising stars in DC's burgeoning experiential music scene. Show is at 7. Tickets are $15 to $25.
January 31 Friday: Dumpstaphunk and special guest George Porter, Jr. play the 8X10. Dumpstaphunk plays funk. George Porter, Jr. is a bass player and is recognized as one of the progenitors of funk. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $53.05.
February 1 Saturday: Gordon Sterling and the People play Pearl Street Warehouse. Gordon Sterling and the People are a jam rock and soul ensemble. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $30 for balcony seating.
February 2 Sunday: Skullcap plays Fadensonnen. Skullcap is Janel Leppin, Anthony Pirog and Mike Kuhl. Show is at 8 to 11 and is free. Fadensonnen is located at 3 West 23d Street in Baltimore.
February 2 Sunday: Big Richard plays Jammin' Java with The Shoats. Big Richard plays traditional bluegrass, old time, classical, modern bluegrass, country, and pop. The Shoats are an alt folk group who make music rooted in their Appalachian home. Door open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $20 for general admission in advance, $25 for general admission on the day of the show, and $30 for whatever Jammin' Java is calling premiere these days. I recommend looking closely at what it covers.
February 5 Wednesday: Big Richard plays the 8X10 with The Shoats. Big Richard plays traditional bluegrass, old time, classical, modern bluegrass, country, and pop. The Shoats are an alt folk group who make music rooted in their Appalachian home. Door open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $24.72.
February 5 Wednesday: Yasmin Williams plays Patterson Theater. Yasmin is an acoustic fingerstyle/lap tapping guitarist who combines modern, percussive fingerstyle techniques with a laid back compositional style. Tickets are $30, virtual streaming is $15.
February 5 Wednesday: Dustbowl Revival plays Hamilton Live. Dustbowl Revival is an American roots orchestra. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 for standing, $20 for seated.
February 5 Wednesday: Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats play Fillmore and perform their new album Nell' Ora Blu. The opening act is Jonathan Hulten who writes dark folk songs. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $41.75 to $55.
February 6 Thursday: Third Coast Percussion plays The Club at Studio K. Third Coast Percussion puts on virtuosic, energetic performances that celebrate the extraordinary breadth and depth of the musical possibilities in the world of percussion. Show is at 7. Tickets are $15 to $35. Studio K is apparently somewhere in the Kennedy Center which is located at 2700 F Street in Northwest DC.
February 6 Thursday: Lettuce plays The Fillmore with GZA. Lettuce combines funk with strains of hip-hop, rock, psychedelia, jazz, soul, jam, go-go, and the avant-garde. GZA is a rapper. Standard ticket is $49, you can pay more if you want.
February 6 Thursday Dustbowl Revival plays Elkton Music Hall with special guest ZG Smith. Dustbowl Revival is an American roots orchestra. ZG Smith is an indie folk singer and songwriter. Show is at 8. Tickets are $32.
February 6 Thursday: Shemekia Copeland plays at Collective Encore. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets ate $39.90. Collective Encore is located at 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia, Maryland.
February 7 Friday: Yasmin Williams plays Birchmere. Yasmin is an acoustic fingerstyle/lap tapping guitarist who combines modern, percussive fingerstyle techniques with a laid back compositional style. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $29.50.
February 8 Saturday: Honeyfunk plays Settle Down Easy Brewery. Honeyfunk plays Motown style bluegrass. Settle Down Easy Brewery is located at 2822 Fallfax Drive in Falls Church.
February 11 Tuesday: Dom Flemons plays Rams Head On Stage. Dom Flemons is a folk musician, black country artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, slam poet, record collector, curator, podcaster, cultural commentator, influencer, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. Tickets are $35.
February 11 Tuesday: Mdou Moctar plays The Birchmere. Mdou Moctar is a is a Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Agadez, Niger, who performs modern rock music inspired by Tuareg guitar music. This is an acoustic show. Tickets are $35.
February 14 Friday: TAUK plays The Atlantis. TAUK is a progressive rock fusion band. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $25.
February 15 Saturday: Scythian plays Weinberg Center. Scythian is an Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, world group. Show is at 8. Standard tickets are $35, $30, and $25. A variety of discounts are also available.
February 15 Saturday: Cymande plays Howard Theatre. Cymande is a British funk band that has been around since the '70's. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $50 for seating, and $150 for a meet and greet experience. This is an all ages show.
February 16 Sunday: Wolf Eyes play the Ottobar. Wolf Eyes is an American experimental music group. Additional bands to be announced. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $28.37.
February 16 Sunday: Papadosio plays The Recher with Uncle Kunkel's One Gram Band. Papadosio combines prog rock, livetronica, jazz and jam. Uncle Kunkel’s One Gram Band is a Baltimore-based music group playing high-energy funk-rock music. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $33.40.
February 20 Thursday: OKAN plays the Robert & Arlene Kogod Theatre at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Juno Award-winning Afro-Cuban group OKAN, led by singer-songwriters Elizabeth Rodriguez on violin and Magdelys Savigne on percussion, makes joyous music that doesn't fit comfortably into any single genre. Show is at 8. Tickets are $10 for students, $30 for everyone else. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is located at 8270 Alumni Drive, Suite 3800 in the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
February 20 Thursday: The Warren Wolf/Allyn Johnson Experience plays at New Spire Arts which is related to the Weinberg Center. Warren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist including vibraphone. Allyn Johnson is a jazz pianist. Show is at 7:30. Standard price ticket is $20.
February 21 Friday: King Face plays Black Cat with The Messthetics and Bed Maker. King Face was founded at the tail end of 1984 and King Face came into the Washington D.C. hardcore punk scene during its most creative and boundary-pushing period. They are not the rapper running around in a MAGA hat. Messthetics is a punk band with Anthony Pirog, Brendan Canty and Joe Lally. Bed Maker is Jeff Barsky, Amanda MacKaye, Arthur Noll and Vin Novara. Show is at 8. Tickets are $20.
February 21 Friday: Slambovian Circus of Dreams plays Avalon Foundation. Slambovian Circus of Dreams plays rootsy, rockin’ psychedelia. Doors open at 6:30. Show is at 7. Tickets are $30. Avalon Foundation is located at 40 East Dover Street in Easton, Maryland.
February 22 Saturday: Slambovian Circus of Dreams plays Elkton Music Hall. Slambovian Circus of Dreams plays rootsy, rockin’ psychedelia. Show is at 8. Tickets are $32.
February 22 Saturday: Little Red and the Renegades play New Deal Cafe. Little Red and the Renegades play zydeco, New Orleans funk and swamp rock. Show is 8 to 11.
February 28 Friday: Westcott & Wave Band plays the New Deal Cafe. Wescott and Wave features Guitar-driven vintage rock, blues, and original music featuring Waverly Milor (Hard Swimmin' Fish), Mike Westcott (4-time Semi-finalist in the International Blues Challenge), Gene Monroe (Corey Arsenault's Zydeco Hot Peppers), and Mike Aubin (Deanna Bogart Band). Show is 8 to 11.
February 28 Friday: Sierra Hull plays Hamilton Live with Stephanie Lambring. Sierra Hull plays mandolin and other instruments and sings. Stephanie Lambring is a singer/songwriter. Seats are sold out, tickets for standing are $30.
February 28 and March 1 Friday and Saturday: Jason Isbell plays solo at Warner Theatre. Jason Isbell a singer songwriter and was in the Drive-By Truckers and later formed The 400 Unit. The cheapest tickets are $75.50 and there are not a lot of them left. Next up are $118 and $151.50. After that, it is up to the imagination of the seller.
March 1 Thursday: The Wild Anacostias play Cheverly American Legion Post. The Wild Anacostias are a Raucous Merry-Making Multi-Morphous Louisiana-style Party Band!
March 5 Wednesday: Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys play Elkton Music Hall. Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite boys play rockabilly and roots Americana. Show is at 8. Tickets are $25.
March 5 Wednesday: Louisiana Calling plays Rams Head On Stage. Louisiana Calling is a collaboration of Sonny Landreth Band and The Iguanas. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. Tickets are $45.
March 8 Saturday: Black Masala plays New Deal Cafe. Black Masala combines Romany, second-line, bhangra, and funk. Show is 8 to 11.
March 8 Saturday: God Street Wine plays The Atlantis. God Street Wine is a jam band from New York City. Their music is an amalgam of rock, jazz, bluegrass, funk, psychedelia, pop, Americana, reggae, progressive, and more. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $35.
March 15 Saturday: Deanna Bogart plays a matinee show at Rams Head On Stage. Deanna Bogart is a singer and multi-instrumentalist. Doors open at noon, show is at 1. Tickets are $35.
March 16 Sunday: Ana Popovic plays Rams Head On Stage with Jax Hollow. Ana Popovic is a blues singer and guitarist. Jax Hollow is a guitarist and singer who plays classic rock, blues and Americana. Doors open at 5:30. Show is at 6:30. Tickets are $36.50.
March 20 Thursday: Reggie Watts plays Black Cat. Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts is an American comedian, musician, beatboxer, and actor. His improvised musical sets are created using only his voice, a keyboard, and a looping machine. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 day of show.
March 22 Saturday: Yo La Tengo plays The Howard with Sun Ra Arkestra. Yo Lo Tengo plays indie rock. Sun Ra Arkestra plays experimental Jazz. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $39.99 for general admission, $75 for seats.
March 22 Saturday: Patterson Hood plays The Atlantis with Lydia Loveless. Patterson Hood is a musician and songwriter who plays with Drive By Truckers. Lydia Loveless is an American alternative country singer-songwriter whose music combines pop music, classic country, honky tonk and punk rock. Doors at open 7:30. Tickets are $35.
March 23 Sunday: Helmet plays Union Stage with Slomosa. Helmet plays alternative rock. Slomosa plays Tundra Rock. Doors open at 6, show is at 7. General admission tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of show, "premiere" tickets are $50. Your views of "premiere" may differ from those of the venue.
March 24 Monday: Ally the Piper plays Union Stage. Ally the Piper blends classic rock and heavy metal with Celtic influences. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $45 "premium" (look at the seat map carefully before believing it is premium), and $65 to get early venue access for the sound check. This is an all ages show.
March 25 Tuesday: Sona Jobarteh plays the Music Center at Strathmore. Sona Jobarteh was born into a Griot family from the Gambia, a tradition that dates back seven centuries and is the first female within this tradition to become a professional virtuoso on the Kora. Show is at 8. Tickets are $28 to $68.
March 29 Saturday: Scythian plays Hamilton Live. Scythian plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions. Show is 6:30 to 8. Tickets are $25 for standing, $30 for seated.
March 29 Saturday: Pascuala Ilabaca plays New Spire Arts. Pascuala Ilabaca is a Chilean singer and songwriter, noted for her voice with accompaniment on accordion and piano. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $38.25 unless you qualify for a discount, in which they are $33.25.
March 30 Sunday: Donna the Buffalo plays Rams Head On Stage. Donna the Buffalo plays folk, rock and zydeco. Rams Head On Stage is not exactly a dance venue. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. Tickets are $30.
April 3 Thursday: MSSV plays Pearl Street Warehouse with Motherfuckers JMB and Company. MSSV is Mike Watt, Mike Baggetta and Stephan Hodges. Motherfuckers JMB & Co. are an instrumental trio with Geologist (Brian Weitz) on hurdy gurdy, Marc Minsker on bass, guitar, harmonium, and Jim Thomson on percussion. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $35 for seats in the balcony. This is an all ages show.
April 4 Friday ilyAIMY play New Deal Cafe. ilyAIMY play acoustic folk rock. Show is 8 to 11.
April 4 Friday: Trey Anastasio plays a solo acoustic show at Warner Theatre. Trey Anastasio is the lead guitar and vocalist for Phish. Show is at 7:30. Public sale starts at 10 on December 5.
April 7 Monday: Mogwai plays the 9:30 Club. Mogwai are a Scottish post-rock band. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $26. Mogwai have partnered with PLUS1 to support War Child. $1 from every ticket sold will help War Child to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children affected by war.
April 11 Friday: Black Violin play Warner Theatre. Black Violin
is a hip hop duo who play accompaniment on violin and viola. Show is at 8. Tickets on sale November 13.April 11 Friday: Asleep at the Wheel plays the Weinberg. Asleep at the Wheel plays American roots music. Show is at 8. Tickets are $42, $37 or $32 dependent on its location and can be less dependent on your age, employment and other things.
April 12 Saturday: California Guitar Trio plays a matinee show at Rams Head On Stage with Kaki King. California Guitar Trio is a primarily acoustic guitar trio formed by guitar players who met while studying with Robert Fripp. Kaki King is a guitarist and composer. Doors open at noon, show is at 1. Tickets are $39.50. This is an all ages show.
April 12 Saturday: Heather Aubrey Lloyd plays Spire New Spire Arts. Heather Aubrey Lloyd is an amazing vocalist and musician who plays with ilyAIMY and Ayreheart and others. Tickets are $33.25.
April 13 Sunday: Eilen Jewell plays a matinee at Ram Head On Stage. Eilin Jewell plays country and blues. Doors open at noon, show is at 1. Tickets are $30. This is an all ages show.
April 19 Saturday: Oh He Dead plays 9:30 Club. Oh He Dead is a DC-based indie soul band with haunting harmonies and murder ballads. Doors open at 6. Tickets are $25.
April 21 Monday: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds play Anthem. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are an Australian rock band formed in 1983 by vocalist Nick Cave, multi-instrumentalist Mick Harvey and guitarist-vocalist Blixa Bargeld. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $89.50 to $129.50. Here's hoping you get a chair for that.
April 24 Thursday: Nefesh Mountain plays Elkton Music Hall. Nefesh is a progressive Americana group Nefesh Mountain is a New York based progressive bluegrass band that bridges elements of American folk and Appalachian bluegrass with Celtic folk and Jewish melodies. Show is at 8. Tickets start at $45.
April 26 Saturday: Kala Ramnath, Banerjee Abhijit and Christylez Bacon play together at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Maestro Kala Ramnath belongs to a violin dynasty from India- a unique musical lineage of seven generations which straddles both the classical systems of the subcontinent. Abhijit Banerjee is an award-winning tabla player and composer. Christylez Bacon is a hip hop music artist and multi-instrumentalist. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets start at $38.
May 1 Thursday: Twisted Pine plays New Spire Arts Twisted Pine plays progressive bluegrass. Tickets are $13.25 + $5.
May 2 Friday: The Damned play 9:30 Club with The Bellrays. The Damned are an early British punk band. The Bellrays have a punk, rock, soul sound that is uniquely theirs. Doors open at 10. Tickets are $55.
May 4 Sunday: Napalm Death plays Baltimore Soundstage with The Melvins with Weedeater and Dark Sky Burial. Napalm Death are credited as pioneers of the grindcore genre by incorporating elements of crust punk and death metal. The Melvins play sludge metal, experimental rock and alternative metal. Weedeater is stoner metal and sludge metal band. Dark Sky Burial is a project by Napalm Death's Shane Embury. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. I'm sure it costs something, but no information yet.
May 10 Saturday: Devin Townsend takes his new album, PowerNerd, on tour and will be playing the Fillmore. He describes Powernerd as a succinct but still progressive record that pulls from its mastermind’s childhood love of vintage rock. Show is at 8. No prices yet.
May 11 Sunday: The Devil Makes Three plays 9:30 Club with Bridge City Sinners. Devil Makes Three blends bluegrass, old time, country, folk, blues, jazz, and ragtime music. Bridge City Sinners span the continuum from prohibition era jazz to Appalachian death folk. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets at $30.
May 16 Friday: Los Amigos Invisibles play Hamilton Live. Los Amigos Invisibles is a Venezuelan band which plays a blend of disco, acid jazz and funk mixed with Latin rhythms. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8.
May 31 Saturday: Beausoleil Avec Michel Doucet plays the Avalon Foundation. Beausoleil Avec Michel Doucet plays Louisiana French music from traditional to modern. Doors open at 7:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $40. The Avalon is located at 40 East Dover Street in Easton, Maryland.
June 13 Friday: Moon Hooch plays Union Craft. Moon Hooch is a Brooklyn-based band comprised of two saxophonists a drummer and a ton of energy. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. This show is 21+. Tickets are $35.90, which I would assume is total. Union Craft is located at 1700 West 41st street, Suite 420, in Baltimore.
Allyworld is located in Tonal Park, which is primarily a music production studio. It is a small seated venue with a relatively low stage. Sound was good (as one would hope considering the location). When I was first there the band had brought beer and wine, but I have not seen that since. Tonal Park is located at 7014C Westmoreland Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland. It is not well signed.
An Die Musik is a classical, jazz and world music venue. Located on the second floor of a classical music record store, it seats 100 or so in comfy chairs that would appear to have been obtained from the remodeling of a nice, but rather stodgy hotel. A small bar serves beer, wine, juice and water at reasonable prices. An Die Musikis located at 409 North Charles Street, Second Floor, in Baltimore, Maryland 410-385-2638.
The Anthem is a gigantic venue on the Wharf in Southwest DC. It is a short persons dream as there are tons of places where you can see everything on stage. Plenty of bars. And water is available at the bars or from water fountains/refill stations around the venue. They also have a Vigilante coffee stand on the second floor. Food, on the other hand, was more trouble than it was worth, at least when I tried it. The process of getting people into the venue also needs to be ironed out, but they are new. The Anthem is a cash free venue - you need some form of plastic for everything but merch. Finally, parking can be difficult depending on what is going on and much of it is rather expensive. Ticketing is now being handled by TicketMaster.
Atlas Brewing is a brewery. As such it is a big cavernous building with a bar some tables, some more tables outside, and a brewing area. The beer is great. As for food, sometimes there are tacos, and you can bring your own or order food delivered. Shows are in the brewing area, which means even less temperature control than in the rest of the building. Atlas Brewing is located at 2052 West Virginia Avenue in Northeast DC.
Atlas Performing Arts Center is an arts center located in the Atlas District in Northeast DC. It has multiple theaters - The Lang Theater, which holds 262 people, the Sprenger Theater, which holds between 100 and 280 people, depending on how it is set up, Lab Theater I which holds 40 to 80 people, and Lab Theater II, which holds 60 to 90 people. Atlas Performing Arts Center is located at 1333 H Street in Northeast DC.
The Atlantis is located at 2047 9th Street in Northwest DC 9:30 Club. It is named for and is a tribute to The Atlantis on F Street, which became the original 9:30 Club. It is rather more roomy though and has a balcony. Most shows are standing only and all ages. This venue is cashless.
The Baltimore Soundstage is a fair size venue near Power Plant Live. Actual amount of the space used varies per show, but it can apparently hold up to 1,000 for an all standing show. Seating also varies, with most shows having some seating available on a first come, first service basis. Other shows are seated only, limiting capacity to 500. Some are standing only. They have a decent beer selection, and food in baskets. The box office is open 1 hour before doors for any show and has normal box office hours. Sunday and Monday closed unless there is a show or event Wednesdays 9am to 5 pm Thursday-Saturday noon-5pm Phone Orders 410-244-0057 same as box office hours. Online tickets come from TicketMaster. Garage over top of the venue (get ticket validated for rebate). Can also use Pier V, which is usually cheaper. (Need validation for that one also). Baltimore Sound Stage is located at 124 Market Place in Baltimore.
Bethesda Theater used to be Bethesda Cinema and Drafthouse. There is seating for 300 in the two level dining area and for 200 more in the theatre seats in back. There is a also a bar in lobby but it has no view of the stage. For dance shows they take out the lower half the dining space and make it a dance floor. Sometimes tickets are for reserved seats and sometimes not. Tickets are from Instant Seats. The theater seats are always preassigned. There is a $10 minimum in the dining area. They "suggest business casual." There is a 340-car public parking garage right around the corner on Cheltenham Drive. Parking is $0.80/hr. Bethesda Theater is located at 7719 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland. 240-330-4500.
The Birchmere is the latest and largest incarnation of the same club that has been with us for years. Most shows are in the concert hall, but some are in the bandstand, which has a dance floor, but less seating. Most recently, they have started using the "Flex Stage" in the bandstand. It is at the far end of the hall and there is no seating at all. Food is served in the Music Hall, or was the night I was there. The Club has strict rules about being seated and quiet during concert hall shows and enforces them. The rules are slacker in the bandstand, which is also available if you need to talk or smoke during a show in the concert hall. It is adviseable to get there before the concert hall doors open in order to get the best seats, especially if you have a group that wants to sit together. The Birchmere opens at 5, the doors to the concert hall open at 6 and most shows start at 7:30. Food is passable bar food, but steep, and the beer selection is good. Tickets are available through TicketMaster, or with a $3 service charge from the box office, which is open from 5 to 9 on show nights. The Birchmere is located at 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. 703-549-7500.
The Black Cat gets rated the place in DC that the bands most like to play and the good vibes hang over for the audience. A very easy venue to get along with. Historically shows have started late, but they have recently announced that they will be scheduling shows earlier during the week, so people can make it to the subway before it closes. On Fridays and Saturdays, however, they do not close until 3. The new location has a concert hall upstairs, and a smaller performance space and a cafe with decent food downstairs. The smaller performance space, the Backstage, has woefully inadequate air conditioning. The Black Cat is located at 1811 14th Street NW. 202-667-7960. Tickets available from FreshTix through the Black Cat web site, or without service charge from the box office, which is open from 8 to midnight. The Black Cat says that it is an all ages venue, but it actually requires parental permission for anyone under 18.
Black Rock Center for the Arts is an arts center with a nice little theatre in which they have music and other performances. I would say it holds about 220 people. They sell beer and wine. Black Rock Arts Center is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown, Maryland. 301-528-2260.
Blues Alley is a long standing jazz club in Georgetown. Georgetown rent is covered with two shows a night, surcharges, and a requirement that each person spend at least $15 on food and drinks. The view of the stage is usually great. Hours are daily, 6 to 12:30. Full dinner menu available at the 8 pm show, light fare for the later shows. Food really has not impressed me. Blues Alley is located behind 1073 Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest DC. 202-337-4141.
Bossa Brazilian Bistro a small restaurant and bar in Adams Morgan that bills itself as a Caipirinha and mojito bar and art gallery. They have live music in the front window most days and salsa on Friday and Saturday. They open at 5:30 every day but Monday and are open to 2 during the week and to 3 on Fridays and Saturdays. They are located at 2463 18th Street in Northwest DC. 202-667-0088.
Capital Turnaournd is a relatively new venue in Southeast DC run by Union Stage Presents. It is apparently a work in progress, but the music hall is rather large and is set up for seated shows, The seating is fairly comfortable, has plenty of leg room, and there is a fair slant to the floor so sight lines are fairly good. Seating on the sides, however faces the middle of the room and not forward to the stage, which is crick in the neck territory for sure. As far as other creature comforts there is lots of space to lounge, but no food and the selection at the bar is dismal. They literally had nothing I was willing to drink. Also, the one time I went there, their web site said doors were at 6:30 when they had moved them to 7:30. I showed up not long after the announced open because I like to have time to check out a new venue before the show. People who got tickets early apparently got notice of the changeby email, but I bought mine four days before the show and the email had only a start time. So I looked at the web site, went down to check the place out and got turned away by rather rude staff. That is incompetence of the worst kind and I will be avoiding them until I have some indication that they have learned to do better. Worst yet, at some point the people who run this have extended their influence over not only Jammin' Java, Miracle Theater and this venue, but also Songbyrd, Howard Theatre, and Union Stage, and now I want to avoid all of them. If you decide to go to them, all I can say is to do everything you can to wring correct information out of them. Myself, I think it is crappy and can't be bothered to have to interrogate people to see if the information on their web site is accurate before buying a ticket or going to the show. Rather than repeat experiences like that I will avoid them. Capital Turnaround is located at 770 M Street in Southeast DC.
Carroll Cafe is a venue in Seekers Church just into the District outside Takoma Park. . They have a beautiful room and the sound is incredible. Music is the second Friday of most months and tends to be folk or roots. Vegetarian food is available as are beverages (though probably not alcohol). Carroll Cafe is located at 276 Carroll Street Northwest. They can be reached at info@carrollcafe.org
Carter Barron Amphitheater is a U.S. Park Service facility in Rock Creek Park. It is an outdoor facility that has seating for about 4,200 and some picnic areas inside. They have been closed for years while decisions are made about how to address severe structural problems with the amphitheater. Despite the picnic areas they do not allow cans, bottles, hard coolers or picnic baskets. They also do not allow photography, recording devices or pets. The box office is open from noon to 9pm on event days only. The address is 4850 Colorado Avenue (near 16th). The concert line is 202-426-0486. For park information call 202-895-6000.
The CFG Bank Arena is a large venue (capacity 14,000) that was the Baltimore Civic Center and had a variety of other names. The seating is not made for tall people or wide ones. In addition, they don't seem to have much in the way of air conditioning. On the bright side, the rows are not as steep as in some large venues. Concessions are expensive, but not as bad as some and the lines are not bad. Some of it is self-check out and STILL offers you a selection of tip levels. Parts of it are bizarrely dark and the rest rooms are off in corners. Lots of parking nearby though, and the venue web site gives you a link to it.
Chapala Blue Beetle Rock Bar has apparently closed
Cheverly American Legion is an American Legion Hall. It has a huge space, a good size stage, tons of table space, and reasonably priced beer. The time I was there, they also had food. The Cheverly American Legion Hall is located at 3608 Legion Drive in Cheverly, Maryland.
Club 603 is a private home that hosts house shows. It is very nice, holds up to about 50, and many shows sell out. Many people bring beer, wine and food to share. Information about the location will be provided to you if and when you buy a ticket.
Comet Ping Pong is a pizza and ping pong place run by the same folks who run Buck's Fishing and Camping two doors down. For shows they clear the ping pong tables out of the back room, which is about the right size for three ping pong tables (i.e., not very large) and rather spare. The stage, which otherwise holds the third ping pong table, is about 6 inches high. They have also been having outdoor shows. Tickets are handled by EventBrite. Kitchen is open until 9 Sunday through Wednesday, 9:30 on Thursday, and until 10:30 on Friday and Saturday. Shows start late, usually around 10. They have a great beer selection and pretty good pizza. Comet Ping Pong is located at 5037 Connecticut Avenue in Northwest DC. 202-364-0404.
DAR Constitution Hall is a concert hall owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is a rather large hall and the sound quality at some of the seats up on the sides is really bad. There are usually bars in the lobby, but you cannot take a drink to your seat, with the result that the lobby is incredibly crowded before the show and during intermission. The web site claims that light fare is served at all events, but they must have hidden it well. Tickets are available only through Ticketmaster unless the promoter has made other arrangements. There is no box office. Constitution Hall is located at 1776 D Street in Northwest DC.
The Depot is long with a bar along the left on the way back to the stage area which is not large but there is at least one screen that allows you to see from the bar. Beer selection varies and is usually decent if small. They also serve some wine, and have a full bar. The Depot is located at 1728 North Charles Street in Baltimore. 443-324-5190.
Dew Drop Inn is a classic dive, at least downstairs. I haven't been upstairs, but it apparently has food. Downstairs stage is on the floor opposite the bar. It doesn't have a wide beer selection, but there is good beer to be had. The building looks like a closed up warehouse and it is right next to a busy railroad track (which you cannot hear while the music is playing). There is tons of street parking. Dewdrop Inn is located at 2801 8th Street in Northeast DC. 202-791-0909
DC Nine is where Asylum used to be. Music is upstairs, which has been rearranged to fit it better than it used to although the stage is still tiny, and about six inches high. There is a bar, with a passable beer selection and a few places to sit. DC Nine opens at 7 Thursday though Saturday and at 8 the rest of the week. They post times for venue doors and shows. The doors simply do not open at that time. Show times are generally within 30 minutes of what is posted. Tickets are available through EventBrite. Some shows are 18+, the rest 21+. DC Nine is located at 1940 9th Street in Northwest DC. 202.483.5000.
Earp's Ordinary is a large basement room with a good size but kind of low stage. It has tons of seating at the table and along the bar (at least 300), They have a large beer selection and decent food. Doors generally open at 4. Earp's Ordinary is located at 10420 Main Street in Fairfax, Virginia. There is plenty of street and free surface lot parking.
Echostage; is enormous. (30,000 square feet). I have seen capacity numbers from 2000 to 6000). It is a huge room with a floor leading up to the stage and balconies across the back and partly up both sides. The back balcony is really too far from the stage to be useful, though I suppose it is better than being on the floor that far back. The crowd dynamics are about what you would expect for a space that large full of people who are all trying to see the same stage, and the fact that the stage is too low for a room that size does not help. At least parts of the balcony are blocked off for VIP. The beer selection is terrible (and apparently expensive). There is no food at least not down with the hoi polloi. Tickets are handled by TicketMaster. Located at 2135 Queens Chapel Road in Northeast DC. There is pay parking nearby of varying prices, but nonpay parking is sketchy.
The 8X10 is a relatively small venue with a dance floor, back area with a bar down the side, and a balcony level with a bar in back. It is currently on sale as the owners want to retire. It has a good beer selection, but no food on site. The dance floor is spring-loaded: serious structral paranoids will stand directly in the center. Also, 8X10 is coming up on its 20 year anniversary with the current owners. They are talking about selling. So if you ever wanted to own an historic and famous venue, this is your chance. All shows are 18+. Those under 21 pay $3 extra at the door. Tickets available from the box office for very reasonable fees and from Neon Ox (which was MissionTix).. The address is 8 and 10 East Cross Street in Federal Hill across from the Cross Street Market. 410-625-2000.
Elkton Music Hall is a fair size square (capacity 300+) with a good size service bar along one side and good size stage in the far corner. The stage is about three feet high, making it possible to see well for a fair distance. Some shows are fully seated, others have a seated area, but all have seating for those who need it. Parking is easy. Staff and customers were friendly and laid back. They have a good beer selection, but no food. Elkton Music Hall is located at 107 North Street in Elkton, Maryland.
Fillmore Silver Spring is one of a chain of Live Nation Fillmore's across the country. You would think a chain would have some institutional knowledge about how to run a venue, but I am afraid you would be wrong. It is generally an all standing venue and theoretically holds 2000 people on the floor and in a balcony with multiple risers. But while they claim standing only, they have installed two rows of seats in the side balcony, reducing their capacity and overcrowding the floor for sold out shows. I have seen them charge extra on the spot for those seats, but the other night any that they weren't using for promotions were available on a first come first serve basis. Risers above the first provide no view at all for many people. Also they tend to keep the lights low before the show and during breaks - so low that it is difficult to see to meet up with your friends. For reasons that aren't clear announced times are often wrong. In fact, they have to be wrong, as they often do not match between their web site, facebook, and their recorded phone message. Box office hours are Monday through Friday noon to 6, Saturday 11 to 4. Box office tickets carry a $1 service charge. Tickets also available through Live Nation. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland. 301-960-9999.
Fort Reno Park is, for all intents and purposes, a big field on Chesapeake Street between Nebraska and Wisconsin Avenues near the Tenleytown Metro. Shows are from 7 to 9:30 and are free though donations are always welcome. No glass, alcohol, or drugs are allowed. The address is 4000 Chesapeake in Northwest DC.
49 West Coffeehouse and Gallery is a restaurant located at 49 West Street in Annapolis. They have music in their back room and also serve food and beverages back there. The food is good, and not unreasonably priced for Annapolis. An extremely civilized place to see a show. They handle their own reservations. 410-626-9796.
Galaxy Hut is an incredibly tiny place (the capacity sign says 48) located at 2711 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington near the Clarendon Metro. After a post-COVID hiatus they are now booking shows for Sunday nights. Most shows start at 9 and are $10. They are also 21+' Galaxy Hut continues to serve food and beer. They have a good beer selection. The food is mostly vegan but dairy cheese is available.
The Bullpen at Half is a paved city block at 1299 Half Street in Southeast DC. The block is set off from the rest of the world by stacks of shipping containers, fences, and stalls for the sale of food and drink. It mostly serves as a bull pen for people on their way to Nationals' games to drink on the way to the game, but it is rented for other events. Sanitary facilities are mostly (if not totally) in the form of sani johns. In general, food, furniture and other amenities depend on the person putting on the event. If you are left to rely on the Bullpen for nourishment, you are pretty much left with tubular food. Drinks are always Bullpen and selection is broad, but not exciting. They do occasionally have shows.
Hamilton Live is a venue in the basement of the Hamilton located at 600 14th Street in Northwest DC. It has a seating capacity of 300 and room for another 150 to stand. Some shows are sold by the seat while others are open seating. The stage is roomy, and the sound is good. Food and alcohol are downtown prices, but not outrageously so. The menu is somewhat limited - with lots of pizza and appetizers, and some sliders and sushi. On the other hand, the restaurant upstairs has a full menu and is open late. Hamilton Live favors credit cards, and is frightened and confused by the use of cash. Shows during the week usually start at 7:30, on the weekend at 8:30. Tickets are available online, from the ticket counter, or from waitstaff in the venue. Parking is available for $10 at 1325 G Street if you get the ticket validated.
Hank Dietle's is a homey tavern that holds license number 001. It is a large room with a corner stage a dance floor, tables from the 60's and a bar in back. They do not serve hard alcohol. They have both local and occasional national acts. Hank Dietle's is located at 11010 Rockville Pike in Rockville, Maryland.
Hell's Bottom is a VFW Post, with a bar, cheap beer (with some for the beer snobs), and a stage area that is only slightly higher than the rest of the room. It is fairly laid back. Hell's Bottom is located at 6420 Orchard Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Hill Center is located in the Old Navy Hospital in Southeast. It is a small room on the second floor and nice sound. They sell beer, wine and snacks. Hill Center is located at 921 Pennsylvania Avenue in Southeast DC. Parking is tight, But there is a parking lot at Tyler Elementary School for events that start after four if all else fails.
Hill Country Barbecue is a large barbecue place. It used to have live shows before COVID but now does not. Located at 410 7th Street in Northwest DC. 202-556-2050.
The Howard Theatre is a recently renovated historic theater. It holds 600 people for seated shows, 1,000 for standing shows. Whatever it says on the ticket, there is always some seating, and sometimes significantly more than "standing room only" would indicate. They have a full menu for some shows, snacks for others, and a full bar. Seats come with a $10 minimum. Balcony seating is now all tables. Tickets are available from the box office (noon to 5 or later Tuesday to Sunday) or the web site, which uses TicketWeb. The Howard Theatre is located at 620 T. Street in Northwest DC. Parking is available on the street, in a lot on the corner of 7th and T, and there is valet parking as well. Some or all of the parking can be purchased in advance. Parking on the street is possible and there is a parking lot across the alley from it. Box office is 202-803-2899. Howard Theater is a Union Stage Presents venue.
Jammin'; Java is a coffeehouse and bar located in Vienna, Virginia. It seats maybe 100 for seated shows, and holds up to 200 for shows with less seating. You can now pick some seating in advance when purchasing tickets. But if you buy general admission for a show with less seating, you might want to arrive early. Jammin' Java is a Union Stage Presents venue. They have a fair and reasonably priced selection of beer, and serve food in baskets. They are all ages all the time. Jammin' Java closes at midnight during the week, and at 2 am on Friday and Saturday. The address is 227 Maple Ave East, in Vienna, Virginia. 703-255-1566.
The Lincoln Theatre is a remodeled old theater with seating left in place. Mostly floor, slanted as it should be, but also side boxes and a shallow balcony. The venue is generally all ages. Pretty Limited beer and wine selection in the lobby, don't know about the upstairs bar. Tickets are sold by TicketMaster. It is located at 1215 U Street in Northwest DC. 202-888-0500. Tickets available through TicketFly, the box office (open noon to start of headliner on show days), and the 9:30 and Merriweather Post box offices.
Lisner Auditorium is a concert hall on the campus of George Washington University. If they are currently having events they are hiding it really well. It is theater seating, and it is small enough that none of the seats are really bad. There is usually a small bar, and they sell very limited snacks, candy bars mostly. Tickets are available from the box office and from Ticketmaster. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday 11 through 5. It does not accept credit cards. It is also open starting approximately 60 to 90 minutes before each performance. There is a $1 per ticket service charge at the box office. Lisner Auditorium is located at 730 21st Street in Northwest DC. 202-994-6800.
Madam's Organ is a small venue located at 2461 18th Street NW, in Adam's Morgan. Had always thought of it as kind of cozy, but went recently and I had to stand in line for about 20 minutes to get in, and there was a DJ upstairs and the foot traffic for that made the experience like trying to dance in a crowded hall way. Go see the mural that has the neighborhood up in arms. She doesn't look topless to me, but what do I know? 202-667-5370.
Maryland Meadworks is exactly what it sounds like. It is a bit small and pretty much serves mead and nothing else. But the mead is good and outside food is welcome. Stage is pretty much the back corner. It is open Thursday and Friday 4 to 10, Saturday noon to 10, Sunday noon to 7. Maryland Meadworks is located at 4700 Rhode Island Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland. 301-955-9644.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is a classic pavilion-- 5,200 reserved seats in front, lawn for 10,000 in back. It has had significant upgrades in recent years. They finally have a craft beer stand with a great selection, but it is way in back. No outside food or drink other than sealed bottles of water is allowed. The Pavilion is now run by IMP. Tickets are sold by TicketMaster. Doors open 1 and 1/2 hours before show time. In Columbia, just drive up 95 or over on 175 and get in the traffic jam. The parking lots open at 5 for most shows. The price of parking is included in the ticket. However, it is now necessary to reserve your parking when you buy your ticket. (Not sure what you do if you don't buy a ticket in advance. Parking is by zones, and available parking varies by show. I predict a mess. Tickets are available through Ticket Master and from the box office on show days. 410-715-5550.
Metro Gallery has had a change of ownership (but to people who have worked there) and is apparently changing its name to Metro Baltimore. It is a classic Baltimore venue that used to be two places and has the support posts down the middle to prove it. Stage is in the front to the left, and bar is in the back on the left, with the right devoted to art and plumbing. The stage is about 2 and a half feet high, 15 feet long and about 12 feet deep. Bar has an excellent selection of beer and wine and is open from 6 pm to 2 am. Shows are 21+ unless they are not. Tickets available online from Etix or at the door. Metro Gallery is located at 1700 North Charles Street in Baltimore.
Metropolitan Kitchen and Lounge has a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, a venue with bar on the second floor, and a lounge and dining area on the roof. The venue itself is on the small side, and about a third of it is a slightly raised stage. Other than a bench or so there is no seating. I don't think they are currently having shows. The bar is outside the venue proper. Metropolitan is located at 169 West Street in Annapolis. 410-280-5160.
Theatre at MGM National Harbor seats 3,000 people and really is not a bad place to see a show once you manage to get into it --if you are under 21 you have to navigate around the casino to get there and no matter what your age is, when I was there the line to get in was really long. And it is expensive.
Millennium Stage is the venue for the daily free show at the Kennedy center. The shows are held at one of two stages at either end of the Grand Foyer every single day of the year at 6 pm and are free. They now require a reservation but that is free. There is a happy hour from 5 to 6 at the Grand Foyer bars near the performance, and, unlike anywhere else in the Kennedy Center, you can take your drink and food (such as it is) to your seat. It is worth showing up a bit early if you would like an actual seat. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F Street in Northwest DC.
Montpelier Arts Center has numerous music series each year, including jazz and classical. The shows are held in the main gallery, which holds a few hundred people. No alcohol is served, but they have punch and cookies at intermission. Tickets are sold by season or by ticket. Montpelier Arts Center is located at 9652 Muirkirk Road off Route 197 in Laurel, Maryland. Their phone number is 301-377-7800.
Mother's Federal Hill Grille is a restaurant and bar with a venue in back. There are tables on the sides of a wide hall that makes up the back part of the venue and continue down the side as it widens out with the bar along the other side. If you want to sit you need to show up when the doors open and get one of these tables, but none are close to the stage, and the back ones really aren't. They have pretty good food and a fair beer selection (as well as wine and mixed drinks). The bar part was really loud when we were there. Mother's Federal Hill Grille is located at 1113 South Charles Street in Baltimore. 410-244-8686.
The Mansion on O Street is just that, but complete with hidden passages and doors and rooms full of really cool stuff. They don't have a lot of shows, but if you find one make sure you arrive early to check the place out.
New Deal Cafe is a cafe located in Old Greenbelt at 113 Centerway. It has a comfortable coffee room in front, and a larger, but still relatively small, concert space in back. Food is served by the Greenbelt Coop, the beer and wine selection is good. The Atmosphere is excellent. There is almost never a charge to get in, but bring some $$ for the band. 301-474-5642.
The 9:30 used to be a too cool for its own good club over on F Street with the singular claim to having a stage located in a place where almost no-one in the club could see it. The move to the old WUST hall at 815 V Street NW is an improvement both in livability and in attitude, but don't expect down home friendliness. All shows are all ages. An IMP venue. Doors open at 7:30 during the week, 9 on Fridays and 7 on Saturdays. Show times vary depending on the number of bands and can be found on their web site. The food is actually quite edible. Capacity is about 1,200. Tickets are available from TicketMaster, or from the box office, which is open from noon to 7 on week nights, but until 11 if there is a show, and 6-11 on saturday and sunday. The 9:30 number is 202-393-0930
Jiffy Lube Pavilion is a large outdoor pavilion out near Manassas run by Live Nation. Pavilion seating is plentiful and the lawn seating is pleasant and actually allows you to see and hear the show. They serve outrageously expensive beer and equally expensive food, and limit carry ins to one sealed water bottle. Remember to bring that bottle, because their water is literally not potable. They allow you to bring in a blanket, and will rent you an "appropriate" chair. Shows start at 8 unless otherwise specified. The box office is open from noon to intermission on show days. Tickets are also available from Live Nation. Parking is included in the price of the ticket, and there are not really any other options. Traffic and parking management are so bad that there have been shows where some people never made it in. They don't particularly seem to care, and they certainly don't refund your money if it happens to you. Be warned that it can also sometimes take hours to get out of the lot. Take I-66 to exit 43B or 44 and follow the signs from there. 703-754-6400.
Orion Sound has a small studio where they host music occasionally. As you would imagine, the sound is excellent. Lately they have been supplying chairs, and sometimes people bring food. It is pretty much BYOB. All shows are all ages.
Ottobar is now in the old Club Midnite at 2549 North Howard Street in Baltimore. It is much roomier than the old one, has a real stage, and it is easy to get to the bathrooms. Other than that, the same spirit is in effect, and there is still no food. Most shows are 18 and over. The doors open at 9 and the show starts at 10 unless other times apply. There are also shows upstairs on occasion, but it is a much smaller, much lower stage. Tickets are available through Etix. Phone is 410-662-0069.
The Patterson is a venue operated by the Creative Alliance. It has all sorts of exhibits and activities in addition to shows and has recently been having less music. The performance space is set up according to the needs of each performance and may have more or less seating, standing or dancing space. Capacity for performances ranges from 210 to 250. Beverages are available. Tickets can be bought at the box office, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 7 or online from their website. The galleries are free so take a look while you are there. The Patterson is located at 3134 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore. Street parking is relatively easy to find.
Pearl Street Warehouse is located on the Wharf at 33 Pearl Street in Southwest DC. It has a capacity of between 150 and 300 people depending on whether it is seated, standing, or some combination of the two. They serve food and alcohol. Shows are 21+ unless otherwise specified. Tickets are available online through TicketMaster and at the box office. The box office has a flat $1 service charge. Unlike other Wharf venues, it accepts cash. Parking is generally available, but often expensive. It offers classic diner food, opening for breakfast at 8:30 am and staying open until close. It is closed on Monday. Pearl Street Warehouse is a Union Stage Presents venue.
Pherm; is a brewery with a fair-sized room, a bar, and spread out tables with a small stage up front. They are located at 1041 MD-3 in Gambrills, Maryland. Music is occasional rather than the point, which is beer.
Pier 6 is a small concert pavilion located on the Inner Harbor off of President Street, which is on the right after you pass Harborplace and the National Aquarium. While the pavilion is relatively small, the lawn is even smaller. (If you think of your own lawn you may not be far off). They do not allow you to bring in glass containers or alcohol and their own beer and food selection is pretty slim. Once when I was there they ran out of their only decent beer by the set break. It has just changed its name back to Pier 6 and its management back to Live Nation. It wasn't great under Live Nation before, but it was horrible under whoever had it in the interim. Venue maintenance was not their thing in the past, we'll see how it goes now. (July 3, 2022 and they still haven't fixed the stall doors in the bathroom. It has been years). Beer selection and prices have been terrible. Tickets are available from the box office, which is open from noon until 9 on concert nights and from Live Nation. Having gotten myself into their parking once, my advice is don't. It is outrageously expensive, and despite the fact that the lots are tiny, it takes forever to get out.
The Pie Shop is exactly what it sounds like, but with music. A wide variety of Delicious pies are sold downstairs and there is a bar and live music upstairs. There is a good beer selection upstairs, and a low stage at the front with standing room, but not much in the way of seats other than the floor, a couple of pews on the wall near the stage, and the bar stools at the bar. The Pie Shop is located at 1339 H Street in Northeast DC.
The Quarry House is a dive bar in Silver Spring with a surprisingly good beer menu for a dive. It is downstairs has one entrance (and thus one exit) and is shaped like a C with the band at one end of the C, so location is important. The Quarry House is located at 8401 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland. Look for the stairs. Tickets are handled by Dice.
The Ramshead On Stage is a small concert hall. All seating is at tables, and there is no standing (or dancing) for most shows. Tickets are sold by seat, so have your group organized when you go to buy the tickets. Also, a lot of Ramshead shows sell out, so it is worth buying early. Food in the concert hall is bar food and the prices are not low but not outrageous. A more varied menu is available in the restaurant, but they do a heavy business, so there is no guarantee that you can get seated and eat before the show. Most shows are 21+, the exception being occasional weekend matinees. Tickets are available from the Ramshead, in person website which uses AXS. AXS says you have to download and use their app to use your tickets, but at Rams Head On Stage you can just show your ID to the nice people at the box office. The box office number is 410-268-5111. The Ramshead is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. 301-261-1118/410-268-4545
The Ramshead Live is being closed by the current management. It is not clear whether anyone will take it over. It holds about 1500 people in three levels and has screens thoughout the venue for areas without a full view of the stage. There is some seating. Since the restaurant closed, food is of the stadium variety. Rams Head Live is the world of hidden costs - Tickets listed as $18 at the door cost me $21.40, the coat check was $3, and beer, while not outrageous, was a bit high for Baltimore. Also, the new management charges for water. FInally, they use AXS for tickets - a vendor established just to make TicketMaster look better. Rams Head Live is located at 20 Market Place in Baltimore. 410-244-1131.
The Recher is the old Recher Theater redone and spiffed up. Standing room only for most shows. Nice long bars and passable selection of drinks. The Recher is located at 512 York Avenue in Towson, Maryland. There is now a parking garage about a block away.
Rhizome DC is a nonprofit community arts space located at 6950 Maple St NW, in the Takoma neighborhood of Washington DC. Among the arts, of course, is music. Shows are usually held on the main floor of the house, and there is usually seating. There is generally a $10 suggested donation. Parking is available on site and nearby.
7 Locks Brewing is a brewery with a fairly large room, a lot of tables, and a space in the corner where they sometimes have music. They are located 12227 Wilkins Avenue in Rockville, Maryland. Music is occasional rather than the point, which is beer.
The Sidebar is a tiny little bar with a capacity of maybe 110 right near the old Ottobar at the corner of Lexington and Guilford. It has been closed for years for a substantial renovation, but apparently there has been some progress.
6th & I is an historic synagogue at the intersection of 6th and I streets in Northwest. It is fairly large and has pew seating on the main floor and the balconies. There are concessions at some shows, but no food is allowed in the area where the shows are. Gallery Place Metro is nearby. Availability and cost of parking varies depending on what is happening at Verizon Center.
Slash Run is closing as soon as its lease runs out. While it lasts it is classic burger joint with vegan options and a good beer selection. It has booths in front and a raised area with a bar in back. Bands play on the floor in the front window. The only bathroom I found was a one - holer, but there may be more. Parking in the neighborhood is residential parking until 8:30 and is rather scarce. Slash Run is located at 201 Upshur Street in Northwest DC. (202) 838-9929.
Songbyrd Music House has apparently moved to 540 Penn Street in Northeast DC. The new venue has a 200 person capacity. Tickets are by Dice. They have some food, but they are also near many restaurants. There is outdoor seating for food and drinks. Beer selection is limited but has some good ones.They also have a few cocktails, som of them in cans.
The Spanish Ballroom is architecturally not unlike a high school cafeteria, but with more interesting trim and a much better floor. It is all about dance floor and music there is virtually always for a dance. It is alcohol and smoke free, and any food and drink that are available are not permitted on the dance floor - which is most of the venue (7,500 square feet). For information on what is happening at the ballroom, see Dancing in the Park. The Spanish Ballroom is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. 301-492-6282.
The State Theatre is a venue in an old movie theater in Falls Church. The downstairs goes up in four levels with seating on the back three (though that may vary) and the balcony retains the theater seating in back, and wings have been added on the side. Total capacity is 800 for shows with some seating, 900 when all standing, but that may not include the added balcony space. The stage is actually visible from almost anywhere, even if you are as short as I am. And the sound is excellent. They have a somewhat limited menu, but serve real food, not just snacks. Most, if not all shows are 18+ and there is a $3 tax if you are under 21. Tickets are available from the box office and online from FreshTix on the State Theatre's web site. Box office hours are 12 to 5 Monday through Friday and 6:30 to 11:30 on show nights. The State Theatre is located at 220 N. Washington Street in Falls Church. 703-237-0300.
Strathmore; is an historic mansion on an 11 acre lot belonging to Montgomery County. Music and arts presentations take place in the mansion, on the grounds, and in the 1976 seat Music Center at Strathmore, a state of the are concert hall. The Mansion is about you would expect a mansion to be, and has a bar across the hall from the the music area. They might sell some chips, but that is about it. It seats up to 110 people for concerts. The Music Center has actual food prior to the show, and beer and wine before the show and during intermission, but it is obscenely expensive. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland. Parking is available in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage off of Tuckerman Lane, and is free for ticketed events. The Mansion is located at 10701 Rockville Pike in Rockville, and has its own parking. Not sure how the lawn works. 301-581-5200.
Street Car 82 Brewing Company is a brewery with seating inside and out. It is located at 4824 Rhode Island Avenue (also known as Route 1) in Hyattsville. They often have food trucks and are very close to Pizzeria Paradiso.
Union Craft Brewing is a brewery that occasionally has music. The space is cavernous, the beer is good, the food is limited. It has parking and there is more on the street. Union Craft Brewing is located at 1700 West 41st Street, Suite 420, in Baltimore.
Union Stage is located on the Wharf at 740 Water Street in Southwest DC. There is a tap room on the ground level that opens at 5. The venue is downstairs and holds 450 standing or 225 for seated shows. There is an elevator as well as stairs to get to the venue. Beer and pizza are sold on both floors. Despite the fact that it is a pretty new building they seem to have HVAC issues with the downstairs. I have never been cold there, but way too hot is not uncommon. "Premium" seating is available at some shows, but in some cases it is further away than any of the standing. Union Stage is an all ages venue. Parking is available, but not inexpensive. Needless to say, this is a Union Stage Presents venue.
The Warner Theatre is a grand old theatre located at 513 13th Street in Northwest DC. It seats 1847, slightly over half on the floor, the rest in balconies and boxes. Lately they are apparently starting to look for renovation money, as they are having a lot of comedy and music. They serve alcohol, and let you bring it to your seat, but the prices are steep and the lines are long. Don't show up hungry. Tickets are available at the box office or through Live Nation. The phone number is 202-783-4000.
Weinberg Center for the Arts is a converted theater in downtown Frederick that has movies, speakers and live shows. It has a total capacity of 1,147 - 739 in the orchestra, 116 in the mezzanine, 292 in the balcony. They serve beer and probably wine in the lobby. Weinberg Center is located at 20 West Patrick Street in Frederick, Maryland. 301-600-2828.
Wolf Trap is the ultimate outdoor venue in this area, but don't expect to see anything rowdy there. Acoustics in the pavilion are great, sound and view from the lawn are good if you show up early to get a good spot. Wolf Trap allows food on the lawn in any kind of container, and beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, in glass, aluminum, or plastic. They have recently become more restrictive about the size of the coolers you bring in. But you can still relax and drink champagne in glasses while you watch the show, it doesn't bother them. It is also now possible to buy an adult sippy cup in which to take beverages into the pavilion. There are rules though: this is a federal facility and they still follow the rule of zero tolerance for drugs. Oh yeah, and you can't get married on the grounds. There are no age limits, but you need a ticket for every human being, no matter how young. During colder parts of the year Wolf Trap shows are at the Barns, which are nearby. You can't bring your own there, but they do have a fair selection, and the surroundings are pleasant. Tickets are available from the box office which is open from 10 to 6 during the week, from noon to 5 on the weekend, and until 9 on show nights and also from their website, which is essentially torture. I cannot exaggerate exactly how much torture. Wolf Trap not only keeps its ticket prices for shows a secret until they go on sale, they don't provide them then either. To get prices, one has to click on individual seats in the desired section. You can't even mouse over the section, you have to pick a seat, and then cancel it if it is out of range. The confusion this causes makes it extremely difficult to make informed choices, and I believe that is their aim. Nice behavior for a federal agency eh? Wolf trap is located in Virginia right off of the Dulles toll road.