- Catch Janine Wilson perform at Iota. Photo by Frank Turner
THURS., FEB. 4
Janine Wilson at IOTA
After just finishing her latest album, “Wakin’ Up,” Janine Wilson is taking her award-winning sound to the streets. Look forward to original tunes like “Kiss You at Hello,” “It Should Be Me” and “Not For Real.” And don’t forget to wish this songbird a Happy Birthday. 9 p.m. $12. — AE
IOTA Club & Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com
FRI., FEB. 5
Hotspur w/No Second Troy, Margot MacDonald Band and Boys Will Be Boys at 9:30 Club – Early Show
One show with three top-notch local bands is rare enough; add in the fact that it’s at the 9:30 Club and you can confidently say this is going to be one hell of a show. Headlining band Hotspur has recently been featured on MTVU, and in On Tap and Alternative Press. Their high-energy sound has earned them the right to take the lead here. Every song on their latest album, “You Should Know Better By Now,” is mature, catchy and universally appealing. Joining them will be local rockers No Second Troy, Margot MacDonald and this month’s On Tap Band of the Month, Boys Will Be Boys. Doors at 6 p.m. $15. — AE
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com
TUES., FEB. 9
Ted Garber joins Justin Tarawick this month at Iota. Photo courtesy of Imagine PR.
Ted Garber and Justin Trawick at IOTA
Singer/songwriter Ted Garber, who recently released “American Rail,” will join Justin Trawick for his monthly acoustic residency at IOTA on February 9 at 8 p.m. Garber showcases a raw blues style while local music veteran Trawick performs Americana-tinged rockers that bring to mind artists ranging from Ryan Adams to Citizen Cope. Garber also rocks a mean harmonica, so you’re in for a treat. 8 p.m. $10. — AE
IOTA Club & Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com
WED., FEB. 10
The sounds of New Orleans make their way up to DC via Dr. John at the Birchemere.
Dr. John & The Lower 9-11 at The Birchmere
For one night this February, New Orleans is coming to us in the form of a funky blend of swamp R&B, pop, jazz, gospel, blues and rock music that only Dr. John, The Night Tripper and the Lower 9-11 can provide. Expect fan favorites “Iko, Iko,” “On A Mardi Gras Day” and “Right Place, Wrong Time” but stay for the remarkable NOLA psychedelic swamp jam that defines Dr. John sandwiched between tunes like “Makin’ Whoopee,” “Big Chief,” and “How Come My Dog Don’t Bark (When You Come Around).” 7:30 p.m. $39.50. — CP
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com
Celebrate DC9's party of the year with Ebony Bones!
FRI., FEB. 12
DC9 Six Year Anniversary Party w/Ebony Bones! hosted by Liberation Dance Party
Let it be said here: This show is going to sell out so get your $8 tickets today. DC9 is celebrating six years of operations and it is going to be a PARTY. Headlining the night is Ebony Bones!, whose stage show is just as impressive and upbeat as her post-punk electro music that has been taking the world by storm. Open bar from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are only $8 and you can purchase them online. —
Eric Lidell brings his soulful sounds to Jammin Java.
MON., FEB. 15
Eric Lindell and the Jamie McLean Band at Jammin Java
California-born, New Orleans-schooled singer/songwriter/guitarist Eric Lindell is on tour to promote his latest Alligator CD, “Gulf Coast Highway.” Compared to the likes of Van Morrison and Delbert McClinton, Lindell’s soulful R&B tunes have won him critical and popular acclaim across the country. His 2007 release, “Low On Cash, Rich In Love,” made enough noise to lock an appearance on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” in front of an audience of millions. 8 p.m. $20.00 — CP
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com
FRI., FEB. 19
Arlo Guthrie & Family “The Guthrie Family Rides Again!” at The Birchmere
To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, Arlo Guthrie released a recently discovered lost tape from 1969, entitled “Arlo Guthrie: Tales of ’69.” Arlo’s daughter, Sarah Lee Guthrie, also just came out with a family album, “Go Waggaloo,” on the Smithsonian Folkways label. On the upcoming “Guthrie Family Rides Again” tour, the Guthrie Family will pay tribute to such distinguished artists as Billy Bragg, Wilco, Eliza Gilkyson, Janis Ian, Wenzel, The Klezmatics and others as they perform many of their newly written tunes featuring unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics. — CP
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com
SAT., FEB 20
Ravenous w/ Daddy Lion at The Red and The Black
Think Flaming Lips with a little Weezer, Presidents of These United States and, dare I say, a little Cake thrown in. Breaking into the DC scene with a dazzling display of musicianship and quirky lyrics, Ravenous are pure entertainment. The bill is supported by Daddy Lion and a yet-to-be-named opening act. Tickets are $8, first band hits the stage 9 p.m.
The Red and The Black: 1212 H Street, NE, DC; 202-399-3201; www.redandblackbar.com
SUN. FEB. 21
The Editors w/ The Antlers and The Dig at the 9:30 Club
The Editors are back and in a damn good way. Supporting their newest release, “In This Light And On This Evening,” they’re coming to DC to head the 9:30 Club. Hailing from the UK, this platinum-selling four-piece band has often been compared to Echo & the Bunnymen and Joy Division — but their sound is strictly The Editors. If you enjoy synth pop/post-punk songs with mean guitar riffs and ambiguous lyrics, you won’t be disappointed. 7:30 p.m. $20 — CP
THURS., FEB. 25
Cage the Elephant proves there really "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked."
Cage the Elephant w/As Tall As Lions, Morning Teleportation at 9:30 Club
No, there “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” Maybe you know the song, but do you know the band? Cage the Elephant, hailing from Kentucky, is a band that is true to itself. With straight-forward lyrics that reflect social issues and life situations, Cage the Elephant doesn’t hold back musically; they are fraught with pure, passionate, straight-up rock that makes the coldest of women move their hips. 7 p.m. doors. $15. — CP
9:30 Club: 815 V St NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com
SUN., FEB. 28
The 24th Annual Wammies at The State Theatre
Hometown bands will join together for this annual event that celebrates the local music community. Produced by the Washington Area Music Association, the awards cover a wide range of genres of music and the show features representative performances. Artists scheduled this year include the Afro Bop Alliance; Be’la Dona; Hotspur; Patty Reese Band; and more. Tickets are available and priced at $35 for non-WAMA members and $20 for WAMA members. The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Keep your fingers crossed because On Tap Magazine has been nominated again for Most Supportive of Washington Music! For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.wamadc.com. — AE
The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St. Falls Church, VA; 703-237-0300; www.thestatetheatre.com
WED. , MAR.3 “>
Alice in Chains celebrates their first new album in 14 years with a show at DC’s DAR Constitution Hall.
Alice In Chains w/Middle Class Rut at DAR Constitution Hall
Featuring new lead singer, William DuVall, Alice in Chains is touring in support of their September 2009 release, “Black Gives Way To Blue,” their first full-length album in 14 years. This show should be a trip down memory lane worth taking. Supporting the tour is Middle Class Rut, or MC Rut, a two-piece band that rips the air with screaming guitar riffs and vocals. Fans of Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine and Jane’s Addiction shouldn’t miss this “opening” act. 7 p.m. doors. $38.50. –CP
DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D St. NW, DC; 202-638-2661; www.dar.org
