Acoustic Open Mic
You know you’ve been practicing in the shower for as long as you remember. Whether it’s in the style of Muse, Madonna or Wham, you can test your crowd appeal at L.A. Bar on Thursday nights for Acoustic Open Mic Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Just head in to the friendliest bar in town and sign in at the bar.
L.A. Bar & Grill: 2530 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA; 703-685-1560; www.lowerarlingtonbarandgrill.com
WED, SEPTEMBER 2
Peter Frampton at The Birchmere
This Grammy award-winning musician and amazing guitarist will grace the stage at Birchmere on September 2 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this concert are $75, but well worth it as you witness this multi-instrumentalist in person. Who can forget his signature guitar riffs and hits like “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do,” and “Show Me the Way.” Brining together decades of fans, this is a not-to-miss show. –Ashley Estill
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com
Apoptygma Berzerk with Into the Presence & The Surrender
Apoptygma Berzerk is a Norweigian musical group that plays danceable synthpop. Internationally known for their upbeat and high energy music, they have won multiple awards and have been on the top 10 music charts in both Germany and Scandinavia.
Into the Presence is initially noted for it’s famous members: vocalist/guitarist Luis Carlos Maldonado (John Waite, UFO); drummer Tim Alexander (A Perfect Circle, Primus, and Puscifer); and cellist Ana Lenchantin (Vanessa Carlton, Gnarls Barkley, Trent Reznor, Queens of the Stone Age, Damien Rice, and Billy Corgan).
Into The Presence’s debut album is receiving tremendous reviews. More specifically, Top40-Charts.com exemplifies the specific beauty of this album: “The songs are highly accessible, yet deceptively complex as the layers are peeled away.” Doors open at 7p.m. and tickets are $20. For details: www.930.com.
9:30 Club: 815 V St., NW, D.C.; 202-393-0930; www.930.com
THURS, SEPTEMBER 3
CocoRosie at The Black Cat
A sisters duo, CocoRosie uses piano, harp, and various children’s toys, electronic instruments, and noisemakers to create their unique “freak folk” sound. Show starts at 8 PM. $15. – Nick Vroblesky
The Black Cat: 1811 14th Street NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490;
www.blackcatdc.com
Pet Shop Boys at DAR
Constitution Hall
Twenty-three years later, The Pet Shop Boys are still making music with their album Yes, which reached #4 on the UK album charts. Show starts at 8 PM. $53-$73. – Nick Vroblesky
DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D Street NW, D.C.; 202 628-1776; www.dar.org
The Wallflowers at 9:30 Club
After a brief try with a solo career, Jakob Dylan returns to front The Wallflowers on tour with their new Wallflowers Greatest Hits album. Show starts at 7 PM. $25
– Nick Vroblesky
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, D.C.;
202-265-0930; www.930.com
SAT, SEPTEMBER 5
MOJO at Fat Tuesday’s in Fairfax
MOJO, a trio from Centerville with a Bob Marley meets Sublime sound, will be performing at Fat Tuesday’s in Fairfax with Poor Mans Lobster, Dub City Renegades, and Fairgrounds, beginning at 8 p.m. MOJO’s specialty combines rock and hip hop with reggae and their chill sound won’t disappoint. –Ashley Estill
Fat Tuesday’s: 10673 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA; 703-385-5717;
www.myspace.com/fatsfairfax
On Tap Bus Trip to Counting Crows at Merriweather
Join On Tap on our party bus as we head to see The Counting Crows with Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana at Merriweather Pot Pavilion. Counting Crows is one of those bands you follow for the long haul. For just $45, this all-inclusive trip includes a kick-off party at the Greene Turtle, transportation, and a lawn ticket. Already have a ticket? See our bus only option for $25. Buses are BYOB (beer and wine only) and you are welcome to bring food on board. Yes, there’s also a bathroom on the bus. Visit https://store.ontaponline.com to purchase your tickets.
Greene Turtle: 601 F St. NW, D.C.; 202-637-8889;
www.greeneturtle.com
On Tap Bus Trip to Jimmy Buffett at Nissan Pavilion
What better way to celebrate the final days of summer than a Jimmy Buffett show at Nissan Pavilion. This trip is for bus ride only. Get on the bus and unite with other Parrott Heads for one great adventure in paradise. Jimmy Buffett’s career has been as colorful as the Western Caribbean clothes that he so famously wears. Let us do the driving so you can check out classic hits like “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and of course, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Your ticket includes round trip transportation, and a send-off party with complimentary appetizers. Meet new friends and bring your crew and travel to the show hassle free. Visit https://store.ontaponline.com to purchase tickets before they sell out.
Nissan Pavilion: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, VA; 703-754-6400;
www.livenation.com
Rock the House Festival 2009
The Rock the House Festival brings some of the top names in Hip Hop to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds for a day of non-stop music. Artists confirmed include: Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Pitbull, EPMD, Baby Bash, Inspectah Deck, Keith Murray, DJ Ramzy, Jah Work and Culture Shock. Tickets are on sale online at a special internet pre-sale price of $29 for general admission; and $85 for VIP. For details on the artists, the contest and more, visit www.rockthehousefestival.com Montgomery County Fairgrounds: 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, MD; 301-926-3100;
www.mcagfair.com
21st Annual D.C. Blues Festival
Yes, you’re in luck, it’s happening again. The 21st Annual D.C. Blues Festival is coming to the Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park. From noon to 7 p.m. take in this free festival featuring Teeny Tucker, Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, Eddie Turner with a special Tribute to John Cephas by the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation. Stick around for the official after party with CW Harrington & The Blues Messengers at American Legion Post 41 in Silver Spring from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Purchase tickets to the after party at www.dcblues.org.
Carter Barron Amphitheatre: 16th and Colorado Ave. NW, D.C.; www.dcblues.org
SUN, SEPTEMBER 6
40oz to Freedom at
The State Theatre
Ah, Sublime. Where would we be without their classic hits like “Caress Me Down,” “Santeria,” and “What I Got?” Based out of San Diego, 40oz to Freedom is the ultimate Sublime tribute band and will be making their way through out area when they visit The State Theatre in Falls Church. Lead vocalist and guitarist Dane Scott will make you melt with his incredible guitar riffs and show stopping performance. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and ticket are $11 in advance and $13 at the door. –Ashley Estill
The State Theatre: 220 N Washington St., Falls Church, VA; 703-237-0300;
www.thestatetheatre.com
MON, SEPTEMBER 7
Chairlift at The Black Cat
The band behind the iPod commercial song which sings, “I tried to do handstands for you…” proves that they have a full list of tunes that will also stick in your head. Show starts at 8 PM. $13. – Nick Vroblesky
The Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490;
www.blackcatdc.com
TUES, SEPTEMBER 8
Kings of Leon at Merriweather Post Pavilion
The Grammy-winning family rock band from Tennessee has hit it big with their album Only By Night, featuring “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” Show starts at 7:30 PM. $36-$46. – Nick Vroblesky
Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD; 410-715-5550;
www.merriweathermusic.com/
Motorhead at 9:30 Club
The classic British metal/hair band is still rocking their hard, heavy, fast, loud, dirty rock, and after 30 years, still doing it well. Show starts 7 PM. $35. – Nick Vroblesky
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, D.C.;
202-265-0930; www.930.com
Justin Trawick at IOTA
Every second Tuesday of the month, catch local singer Justin Trawick as he performs his monthly acoustic residency at IOTA. On September 8th, Jesse Harper from “Old School Freight Train” will open for Justin Trawick, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are just $10 to catch this amazing duo.
IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340;
www.iotaclubandcafe.com
THUR, SEPTEMBER 10
Once Okay Twice at Garretts
Local indie-rock band Once Okay Twice will headline Garretts in Georgetown with Little Big Heart & The Wilderbeasts on Thursday, September 10. Little Big Heart & The Wilderbeasts will perform at 9 and On Tap featured band, Once Okay Twice will go on at 10 p.m. Tickets are just $5.
Garrett’s: 3003 M St. NW, D.C.; 202-333-1033; www.garrettsdc.com
FRI, SEPTEMBER 11
The Benjamins at Clarendon Grill
New Jersey based band, The Benjamins, will be brining their high-energy rock show to Clarendon Grill on September 11 at 10 p.m. With a mix of classic favorites and original songs, this band is not to be missed.
Clarendon Grill: 1101 N. Highland St., Arlington, VA; 703-524-7455;
www.cgrill.com
Jazz in the Garden
Surround yourself with culture and beauty when you sit back and enjoy an evening of jazz in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art.
Robert Redd (jazz pianist) followed by U.S. Navy Commodores (big-band jazz) on September 11 from 5:00p.m. to 8:30p.m. For more information visit, www.nga.gov/programs/jazz.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: 7th Street and Constitution Ave., NW, D.C.; 202-737-4215; www.nga.gov/feature/sculpturegarden/general/index.shtm
Todd Rundgren Live: A Wizard, A True Star at The Strathmore
“Sometimes,” Todd Rundgren sang, “I don’t know what to feel.” But sometimes you do know what to feel. And right now I feel like saying what I’ve contended for many years, which is that Rundgren’s A Wizard, A True Star is simply The Greatest Album Ever Made. An album of vaulting ambition – of wizardry and true stardom – released into an unsuspecting world by a contrary, super-precocious wonderboy who should have been the biggest thing to happen in the ‘70s but who was just too complex and polymorphous for lasting pop success. Rundgren will performing his landmark album ‘A Wizard, A True Star’ in its entirety, and more.
Show starts at 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $69 to $125.
Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD; 301-581-5100; www.strathmore.org
9/11 Benefit Show Featuring Along Those Lines at The State Theater
In honor of the anniversary of 9/11 and to support our wounded soldiers, there will be a benefit concert at The State Theatre featuring the bands Along Those Lines, Redshift, Seven Ten Oil and Dreaming of Eden. The goal of the event is to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Doors open at 7:30 for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
The State Theater: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA; 703-237-0300; www.thestatetheatre.com
SAT, SEPTEMBER 12
19th Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival
The Rosslyn Jazz Festival takes place in Gateway Park, a sylvan slice of urban greenery nestled between the sheer towers of Rosslyn and the gothic spires of Georgetown University just across Key Bridge from D.C. Headliners this year are: Holly Cole, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Layfette Gilchrist, Frederic Yonnet. Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is available for $5 at Atlantic Parking Garage, located at 1911 N. Ft. Myer Drive. For details call the Rosslyn Events Line at 703-2-Rosslyn or visit
www.rosslynva.org.
Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Hwy., Arlington, VA; 703-276-7759 http://www.rosslynva.org/play/calendar/jazz-festival
SUN, SEPTEMBER 13
Perez Hilton Tour – Ladyhawke & Ida Maria
Ladyhawke is a New Zealand born musician who’s music is both 80’s and electro pop inspired. She has performed all over the world including the UK where her shows continue to sell out. Her music is described as fun and upbeat, her main goal when she performs is to sing music that will put a smile on her audience’s face. Following Ladyhawke is Ida Maria, this also foreign born Norway chick is described as the epitome of romance and sexuality. Her punk pop music is often referred to as having a split personality of both sugar and spice and anger and love. Think Katy Perry but more on the rocker chick side. Doors open at 8p.m. and tickets are $20.
9:30 Club: 815 V St., NW, D.C.;
202-393-0930; www.930.com
TUES, SEPTEMBER 15
Army of Me at The Black Cat
Local rock sensation Army of Me has been around since 2001 and steadily improving their lyrical content and sound. The indie-rock trio will most likely perform songs from their latest album Citizen and throw a few others in the mix. Check them out at The Black Cat for their 9 p.m. performance. Tickets are $10. –Ashley Estill
The Black Cat: 1811 14th St., NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490;
www.blackcatdc.com
Son Volt at 9:30 Club
Sonvolt is an alternative country group back on the music scene after an extended hiatus. heir music ranges from soft folk country to rockin bar house. Think Bob Dylan and Neil Young all wrapped up in one. Jay Farrar, who pioneered the alt-country movement in the mid-90s with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco fame, tours again with his band for his eighth studio album. Show starts at 7 p.m. $20.
9:30 Club: 815 V Street NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com
WED, SEPTEMBER 16
Matt & Kim at The Black Cat
The drum and keyboard pop duo are touring with their newly discovered fame when their single “Daylight” caught mainstream attention in Bacardi commercials. Show starts at 8 p.m. $13 AVD/$15 DOS.
– Nick Vroblesky
The Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490;
www.blackcatdc.com
Steve Moakler at Jammin Java
This 20-year-old Pittsburgh native plays heartfelt rock tunes with sincere lyrics reaching beyond his age. He’s back in town to support his first full length album, “All the Faint Lights.” Show starts at 7 p.m.
$10/advance, $13/door – Nick Donner
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566;
www.jamminjava.com
THUR, SEPTEMBER 17
Rhett Miller at The Black Cat
The former Old 97s frontman brings his early-Elvis-Costello, harmony-meets-heartache sounds on tour to promote his fourth solo album, Rhett Miller. Show starts at 8 p.m. $16. – Nick Vroblesky
The Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490;
www.blackcatdc.com
Yo la Tengo at 9:30 Club
Staples of the indie-rock world, Yo La Tengo continue their driving organ and guitar sound with its upcoming album, Popular Songs. Show starts at 7 p.m. $20.
– Nick Vroblesky
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, D.C.;
202-265-0930; www.930.com
FRI, SEPTEMBER 18
Hotspur at Rams Head Live!
Maryland/D.C. sensation Hotspur will be rocking out Rams Head Live! in Baltimore on Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m. Joining them will be fellow local act Fools & Horses in this all-ages show. Hotspur is known for their amazing live shows thorughout the East Coast with their high-energy and catchy lyrics. Check them out when they come home for just $10.
Rams Head Live!: 20 Market Pl., Baltimore, MD; 410-244-1131;
www.ramsheadlive.com
Moby at 9:30 Club
Get ready to jump, dance and scream because the king of techno and electronic, Moby is here. Once scorned for his new ways of music and lifestyle, Moby is now one of the biggest names in dance music. Drawing from disco, pop, guitar, punk, movie soundtracks and more his beats and sounds can be heard anywhere from major motion pictures to super model cat walks. So get your tickets quick because this show is surely one not to be missed. Music begins at 10p.m. and tickets are $35.
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, D.C.;
202-265-0930; www.930.com
SAT, SEPTEMBER 19
Alan Jackson at Merriweather Post Pavilion
With more than 50 singles in the Top 30 lists over his career, the country singer brings his new-style honky-tonk on tour to Merriweather. Show starts at 7:30 PM. $35-$75. – Nick Vroblesky
Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD; 410-715-5550;
www.merriweathermusic.com
Benjy Ferree w/The Black Hollies at IOTA
Indie rocker Benjy Ferree will perform at IOTA with New Jersey band The Black Hollies. Expect songs from Ferree’s latest album Come Back to the Five and Dime Bobby Dee Bobby Dee. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. –Ashley Estill
IOTA Club & Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340;
www.iotaclubandcafe.com
The Horrors at The Black Cat
The British garage revival band brings their dark, haunting, goth-ish tunes to The Black Cat with their latest album, Primary Colors. Show starts at 9 PM. $15. – Nick Vroblesky
The Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490;
www.blackcatdc.com
TUES, SEPTEMBER 22
The Walkmen at 9:30 Club
After finishing a tour with Kings of Leon, The Walkmen return to their hometown in D.C. as headliners to promote their upcoming album. Show starts at 7 p.m. $15.
– Nick Vroblesky
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, D.C.;
202-265-0930; www.930.com
Juliette Lewis at Rock and Roll Hotel
Yes, this is the Juliette Lewis you are thinking of—the Academy Award and Emmy nominated actress from movies such as Cape Fear and Old School. She has a band, a new CD, and is rolling through DC on a headlining tour. Show starts at 8 p.m. $16 – Nick Donner
Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, D.C.; 202-388-7625;
www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
THUR, SEPTEMBER 24
Mat Kearney at 9:30 Club
Mat’s second album “City of Black and White” dropped in May. Although he has moved away from the blend of acoustic rock and hip-hop that got him noticed in 2006, his new album is a strong follow up, proving he hasn’t lost the ability to craft catchy melodies. Show starts at 7 p.m. $25 – Nick Donner
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, D.C.;
202-265-0930; www.930.com
FRI, SEPTEMBER 25
The Beach Boys Twisted at Jammin Java
What would Good Vibrations or Surfer Girl sound like if Kiss, Ozzie Osbourne, Bob Marley, or Amy Winehouse sang it? Find out when the Vienna branch of the Paul Green School of Rock Music returns to Jammin’ Java with The Beach Boys-Twisted. Playing all the Beach Boys hits, don’t miss this show that begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only $10. If you want to double your fun, check them out again on Saturday, September 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566;
www.jamminjava.com
Yeah Yeah Yeahs at 9:30 Club
Since their song “Maps” put them on the map in 2003 this NYC band has evolved their art-rock sound with electronic beats and body-moving bass lines on their newest album, “It’s Blitz!” Doors open at 8 p.m. $25 – Nick Donner
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, D.C.;
202-265-0930; www.930.com
Snow Patrol with Plain White T’s at DAR Constitution Hall
With quiet vocals and comfortable mid-tempo beats, the popular Scottish band tours the US for their fifth studio album, A Hundred Million Suns. If Snow Patrol isn’t enough, the Plain White T’s will be joining them in concert to double your listening pleasure. Show starts at 8 p.m. $33. – Nick Vroblesky
DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D St. NW, DC; (202) 628-1776; www.dar.org
SEPTEMBER 26 & 27
Derek Webb at Jammin Java
Perhaps best known for his work with Caedmon’s Call, Derek Webb recently released his 5th solo album. Derek brings his brand of thoughtful folk-rock along with his wife, Sandra McCracken, opening. Show starts at 6 PM on Sat. and 7 p.m. on Sunday $15/advance, $18/door – Nick Donner
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566;
www.jamminjava.com
MON, SEPTEMBER 28
Memphis 59 with Adam Marsland’s Chaos Band at The Galazy Hut
Check out local band Memphis 59 as they take the stage with Adam Marsland’s Chaos Band at The Galaxy Hut. Marsland, who is based out of Los Angeles, is going on tour to promote his upcoming release, Go West. Take a closer look at Marsland and the boys of Memphis 59 in this cozy venue.
The Galaxy Hut: 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-525-8646;
www.galaxyhut.com
WED, SEPTEMBER 30
Regina Spektor at DAR Constitution Hall
The singer/songwriter keeps her “anti-folk” movement alive with haunting piano and quirky tunes while touring for her fifth studio album, Far. Show starts at 8 p.m. $43. – Nick Vroblesky
DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D St. NW, DC; 202 628-1776; www.dar.org
