Welcome
We’re so glad you’re back here with us to explore the DC music scene in all its genres and forms. As always, every word in this newsletter is 100% AI free. So let’s get some new songs in your ears and square away plans to go out for a live show, shall we?
In the News
This time the WashingtonCityPaper’s 2023 Spring Arts Guide consumed the DMV music news last week. Among their picks for featured shows in the near future are some of our DC faves: ska lifers Kill Lincoln; soulful singer Ari Voxx and her Sad Lads; brass band Black Masala; glam rock Bat Fangs; go-go musical director Jru Anthony; and R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn. Writer Ella Feldman also recaps the recent DC9 weekly residencies from Ari Voxx and Grady that we clued you into in earlier editions of this newsletter.
Red Pill / Blue Pill / Beauty Pill
Beloved art rock band Beauty Pill announced the re-release of their breakout 2015 album Beauty Pill Describes Things As They Are on sonic mastermind Chad Clark’s new label Findings. Instead of Bandcamp, the coke-bottle green vinyl edition (with bonus tracks!) will only be sold in record stores on Saturday April 22nd, aka Record Store Day. Get in line behind us.
In collaboration with the Essential Tremors podcast and spangly new record store art sound langauge, Clark will interview 4AD label head Nabil Ayers about his new memoir “My Life in the Sunshine” at 8 PM that Saturday night, April 22nd, at City-State Brewery in NE DC. You can get both book and vinyl signed that night, and then sleep like a baby.
In the meantime, head to Bandcamp to peruse Beauty Pill’s new odds-n-sods compilation Abandonware and decide what price is right for you. If all this doesn’t convince you to sign up for the Beauty Pill Bandcamp email list, I officially give up.
Don’t Stay Home This Week
Monday March 6th
After months of buildup, the Washington Women in Jazz Festival is finally here. Founder Amy K Bormet leads her trio for the opening show of her weekly Monday residency at Blues Alley. The 9 PM slot is already at capacity, so grab tix for the 7 PM set now now now!
Tuesday March 7th
Let’s head back to Blues Alley Tuesday night for vocalist Alison Crockett aka Ms. Diva Blue performing selections from her forthcoming album Echoes of an Era Redux, revitalizing the music of the 1982 Echoes of an Era LP that featured Chaka Khan, Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Clarke, Joe Henderson and Lenny White.
Wednesday March 8th
The Mod Orchestra is a new funky jazz quartet featuring saxophonist Frank Mitchell Jr. and drummer Mylie Durham IV, two musicians always worthy of recommendation. Wednesday night they’re back at Bossa in AdMo for their monthly residency, with no cover charge.
Thursday March 9th
The Kennedy Center kicks off the Black Girls Rock festival with an opening party Thursday night celebrating the launch of a new online platform called Black Girls Bond. Founder and DJ Beverly Bond takes over the Studio K space to present Be’la Dona, Mumu Fresh and more incredible talent from women of color.
Friday March 10th
Friday night at the Runaway features two of DC’s finest rock bands, Cinema Hearts and Venray, providing a warm welcome for Brooklyn band Native Sun.
Saturday March 11th
Honestly, when was the last chance you had a chance to see Witch Coast live? The fuzzed-out stoner rock band plays the Pie Shop on Saturday night, opening for punk rock duo Teen Mortgage and a new dream-o band from Go Cozy’s Homero Salazar called Close.
Sunday March 12th
Are you a little partied out by Sunday afternoon? Let songwriter and storyteller Drew Gibson mellow into your hearts at the new House Concerts at Hill Center series near Barracks Row.
And We’re Out
That’s about enough Bandcamp embeds for you to chew on this week. Thanks as always for reading, and do write us back with your requests, suggestions and feedback. In the meantime, buy some music and make plans with absent friends to meet up for burgers, drinks and sonic adventures that make you extra glad you remembered your earplugs. See you next week, DMV.
** Paul