Music Picks

WED., MAR. 3

Ha Ha Tonka at DC9
Named after a state park in their home state of Missouri, Ha Ha Tonka is a four-piece rock outfit with a little bluegrass twang that reflects their Midwest roots. Their unpretentious lyrics and middle America sound make them instantly likeable. Catch them at intimate DC9 before they head out to play South By Southwest. Show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8. – ND
DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; 202-483-0666; www.dcnine.com

THURS., MAR. 4

Jack’s Mannequin w/fun., Vedera, Sunday’s Roulette at 9:30 Club
When Jack’s Mannequin first announced their March 3 show at the 9:30 Club, tickets were instantly gone. However, you’re not down for the count yet. They’ve added a second night so fans that missed out hopefully won’t anymore. Come check out the artist responsible for hits like “Holiday From Real” and “Diane, the Skyscraper.” Tickets are $29.50 and doors open at 6 p.m. –AE
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

THURS., MAR. 4

Hoots and Hellmouth at IOTA
Hoots and Hellmouth will headline IOTA with Stripmall Ballads opening for the Philadelphia-based band. H&H plays music that is representative of American roots yet with a soulful touch. They’re sure to play hits from their most recent album, “The Holy Open Secret,” among others. The trio goes on at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $12. –AE
IOTA Club & Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

WED. & THURS., MAR. 3 & 4

Gaelic Storm at The Birchmere
It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since Gaelic Storm’s appearance in Titanic, but this popular group is coming to Alexandria’s Birchmere for two performances on March 3 and 4. The March 4 show is sold out, but tickets are $35 and still remain for Wednesday the 3rd. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Be sure to get tickets before they sell out and see this Celtic melody meets worldly sounded band.
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com

FRI., MAR. 5

Photo courtesy of Rounder Records

Sondre Lerche at The Rock and Roll Hotel
Musical polymath Sondre Lerche may be nearing national treasure status in his native Norway, but remains largely unknown stateside. That could be because his half-dozen albums have treaded every genre from jazz to power pop, but his latest, “Heartbeat Radio,” brings them all together, making for his most accessible record to date. New York singer-songwriter JBM (aka Jesse Merchant) opens. The show begins at 10 p.m. Tickets are $20. – HG
The Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; 202-388-7625; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

 

FRI., MAR. 5

The Vita Ruins CD Release w/Ra Ra Rasputin & Cobra Collective
Mainstage beginning at 9 p.m., The Vita Ruins will host their CD Release amongst some other notable acts in our area. The Vita Ruins’ long awaited release entitled “A Day Without A Name” will be the first full-length album for the DC-based band. This indie band is one worth checking out. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. –AE
Black Cat DC: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

SAT., MAR. 6

Pat Green w/Wade Bowen at 9:30 Club
Country artist extraordinaire Pat Green is returning to the 9:30 Club for an early show with Wade Bowen. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $35. Take your chances at winning a pair of tickets from On Tap! Visit our contest page at www.ontaponline.com/pages/contests.php to enter. –AE
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

SAT., MAR. 6

The New Retro at Velvet LoungeWearing suits and having fun: it’s a rare conception to think of but The New Retro pulls it off naturally. The band is the lovechild of a Marvin Gaye-Red Hot Chili Peppers one night stand that yielded a blessing.  Their high-energy performances as well as their dark-driven blues numbers warrant praise and acts as a reminder that life is for living and having fun.  ‘The Defenders of the Funk” carry on their legacy in support of the “Grayscale” record release party put on by Navi, an up-and-coming hip-hop artist out of College Park, MD, with infinite flow, hellacious beats, and most dangerous of all: a conscientiousness mind. $10. 10 p.m.
The Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; 202-462-3213; www.velvetloungedc.com

MON., MAR. 8

Jenny Owen Youngs at IOTA
There is something shocking about hearing Jenny Owen Youngs for the first time. It’s not her sweet voice or simple songs. It’s the disconnect between her innocent schoolgirl looks and her foul mouth. Expect to be entertained by this hardworking singer-songwriter. Show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. – ND
IOTA Club and Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

MAR. 9-10

Photo courtesy of Henry Rollins

Henry Rollins at The Birchmere Spoken Word, The Frequent Flyer Tour
Henry Rollins, the former Black Flag frontman, punk icon and DC native, can’t seem to slow down. Although his music career may be on stand-by, his spoken word career is hotter than ever. His three month North American Tour finds him at the Birchmere for a night that promises to be full of thought provoking, amusing reflections on life. Don’t miss this smart, intuitive show that will make you go hmm. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25. – CP
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com

THURS., MAR. 11

The Low Anthem at 9:30 Club
South by Southwest. Bonnaroo. Lollapalooza. The Low Anthem have been playing all the trend-setting festivals in the last year and gaining major momentum. This talented band switches from mesmerizing harmony drenched lullabies to raspy foot-stomping jams while switching between dozens of instruments. Show at 10 p.m. Tickets are $15. – ND
9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

MON., MAR. 15

Sherwood at Jammin Java
Straight up pop-rock by a group of fun-loving Californians who have been spending the past few years crafting radio friendly tunes. Heavy touring to promote their latest album, Qu, brings them back to DC to headline Jammin Java only a few months after playing 9:30 Club. Drummer Joe Greenetz was called “The Animal” in college. Come to the show to see why. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $13 day of show. – ND
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave., Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com

MAR. 15 & 16

John Hiatt & The Combo with Holly Williams at The Birchmere
John Hiatt’s career has spanned more than 30 years. His collection of songs have been covered by everyone from Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and BB King , Three Dog Night and The Neville Brothers. Don’t miss Slow Turning, Master of Disaster, The Tiki Bar is Open, Have a Little Faith in Me, Angles Eyes and many more of his classics in an intimate setting. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $49.50. – CP
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com

FRI., MAR. 19

Photo courtesy of Erin Lassahn

Tom McBride and the Whig Party at IOTA
It’s hard to believe that Tom McBride and the Whig Party is still an unsigned band, but hopefully not for much longer for this talented local act. Tom McBride and his whole crew will be at IOTA on March 19, sure to play hits from last year’s release, Like a Lion, among others. They have a strong stage presence that instantly brings in any crowd, all night long. Their clean sound is supported by Tom’s strong vocals and a talented group of musicians. Tickets for this show are just $10 and the show begins at 9 p.m.
IOTA Club & Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

 

FRI., MAR. 19

Liberation Dance Party at DC9
Put your dancing shoes on because DC9 is bringing you new music and music videos beginning at 9 p.m. If you need a little incentive to bust a move, they also have an open bar from 9 to 10:30 p.m. for rail cocktails only. For $7 you can’t beat this. Grab your friends and enjoy.
DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; 202-483-5000; www.dcnine.com

FRI., MAR. 19

Photo courtesy of Kix

Kix, ZO2 and Baby Jayne at Zaxx
For those of us with rocking memories of crazy big hair filled with Steve Whiteman gyrating on all over the stage in the 80’s, and have The Itch to get your fill of Body Talk, Cold Shower and Sex, then get your advance tickets today to a show promising to bring back those crazy days. But Don’t Close Your Eyes…or you just might miss it! 21+. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $27 in advance and $30 day of show.Jaxx Nightclub: 6355 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

 

FRI., MAR. 19

Kingsley Flood, Threadbare Orchestra and Tall Tall Trees at Velvet Lounge
The Velvet Lounge will be thrice as nice on Saturday, March 20 with this trio of talent. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the music begins at 10 p.m. at this 21 and older show. And as a bonus, downstairs, DJ Pas and DJ Busca will also be spinning. $8.
Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; 202-462-3213; www.velvetloungedc.com

TUES., MAR. 23

Thee Vicars at the Quarry House Tavern
An English four-piece from a town called (cough) Bury, Thee Vicars channel the 4/4 fury of American garage rock icons The Sonics with an extra added dash of Anglicisms by way of Billy Childish and early Kinks singles. (As if the matching suits weren’t a dead giveaway.) Norway’s Pirate Love — fresh off a stint at SXSW — open. The show begins at 8 pm. – HG
Quarry House Tavern: 8401 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD; 301-587-8350; www.quarryhousetavern.com

WED., MAR. 24

SevenMaryThree
With hits like “Cumbersome” and “Water’s Edge” in the mid 90’s, 7M3 is touring once again, supporting their live acoustic record, Backbooth. Although released in 2008, the record reminds us of how great they are live with Jason Ross’s powerful and distinctive voice, strong songwriting and a catalog of songs from their 15 year career. If we’re lucky, maybe they will perform their amazing rendition of Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is.” All ages show. Tickets are $20-$23. Doors at 7 p.m. – CP
Jaxx Nightclub: 6355 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

THURS., MAR. 25

2U at The State Theatre
Sorry, it’s not U2 but close…it’s the world’s best U2 tribute band, 2U! Check out all your favorites like “All Because of You” and “Sweetest Thing” at this show when doors open at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7:30 and tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door.
The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA; 703-237-5717; www.thestatetheatre.com

THURS., MAR. 25

Jukebox The Ghost, Tally Hall and Skybox at Black Cat
Jukebox The Ghost, an On Tap featured band, will headline the Black Cat March 25 alongside Tally Hall and Skybox beginning at 8 p.m. on the mainstage. Jukebox The Ghost hails from DC and combines pop sounds with rock influences that come off in a quirky and unique way. Upbeat and catchy, this show is a guaranteed hit. $13. –AE
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

THURS., MAR. 25

PopGun Showcase w/ Deleted Scenes at The Velvet Lounge
Brooklyn’s PopGun booking agency is giving Washington a taste of their current roster with this one-off showcase/party. DC’s own indie darlings, Deleted Scenes, headline, while three neighbors from up north — Savoir Adore, Grandchildren and Mon Khmer — round out the bill. The show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8. – HG
The Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; 202-463-3213; www.velvetloungedc.com

FRI., MAR. 26

Imperial China, Cephalopod, Miracles and Busses at Velvet Lounge
Four bands will begin rocking the Velvet Lounge beginning at 10 p.m. on March 26. Imperial China, a band hailing from DC –and one of On Tap’s bands to watch –headlines this show with their indie sound and incredible stage presence. Fill this Friday night with tons of music while downstairs features Will Alberque and Jennder. Tickets are just $8 for this popular U Street destination. –AE
Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; 202-462-3213; www.velvetloungedc.com

SUN., MAR. 28

Army of Me (Acoustic) w/Colleen McCarron at Jammin Java
DC based band Army of Me is slowly becoming a household name around here. Their latest release, Make Yourself Naked” is an EP with five tracks that are mature and infectious. Vince Scheuerman provides vocals that fit in nicely with their group’s indie pop sound. Hear them in person when they headline Jammin Java in an acoustic show with Colleen McCarron on March 28. Tickets are just $10 in advance and $13 at the door. 7:30 p.m. –AE
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com

MON., MAR. 29

Japandroids, Love Is All and Tennis System at Rock N Roll Hotel
Japandroids is making DC just one of the many stops on their worldwide tour, as the headline this popular DC music venue. The garage-rock band that hails from Canada has recruited Love Is All and local act Tennis System to kick things off. Doors open at 8 p.m. for this show that brings out a slew of rockers. $13 in advance and $15 at the door. –AE
Rock N Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; 202-388-7625; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

TUES., MAR. 30

Photo courtesy of Matthew Good

Matthew Good at IOTA
Hailing from British Columbia, Matthew Good was the lead singer in one of Canada’s most successful alternative rock bands in the 1990’s – The Matthew Good Band – with hits like Everything Is Automatic, Indestructible and Apparitions. Good’s life experiences, emotional turmoil and temperament lends itself well to his body of music which is wrought with moving vocals, aggressive arrangements and well-constructed straight forward songwriting. This musician, author and activist fights the good fight in both his personal and professional life and his music shines through. – CP
IOTA Club & Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8340; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

 

TUES., MAR. 30

Photo courtesy of Alternative Tenticles

Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo School of Medicine at The Black Cat
In the years since the Dead Kennedys split, their always acerbic frontman Jello Biafra has had innumerable one-off side projects, but has tended to stay focused on his spoken word work. Now he’s getting back to what he does best — political critique that dost rock — with a new backing band and their first full-length, “The Audacity of Hype.” Doors open at 8 pm. Tickets are $12. – HG
The Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

 

TUES., MAR. 30

Wordsmith album release party at the Eye Bar
Praised by national magazines like Hip Hop Weekly and considered one of the most influential hip hop artists in the DMV, Wordsmith continues to make his mark well beyond the borders of the mid-Atlantic region. After teaming up with hip hop legend Chubb Rock last year on a collaboration album entitled “Bridging the Gap,” Wordsmith is releasing his first solo album entitled “Vintage Experience.” Couple this with a barrage of strategic mix tape releases equaling hundreds of thousands of downloads, his own record label, as well as songs licensed to Sega and Puma Fragrances, this hip hop artist is priming himself for commercial success. Already a mainstay on college radio, his first single “Hook Up Hotline” off his new album has received airplay on over a dozen urban radio markets and climbed as high as number 15 on the Indie charts. As a theater-trained performer, Wordsmith is noted for his energetic stage show and has shared the spotlight with numerous A-list hip hop artists including Wu Tang Clan, Poor Righteous Teachers, Boot Camp Clik, and Wale. Despite the irony of his unsigned status, Wordsmith’s music has been played on world-class venues including MTV’s Mixtape Monday’s, XM Radio, and ABC. All of this has grown his reputation as an unsigned emcee who works like a signed one. The album release party is open to the public and Wordsmith will be performing the evening of the release. 9 p.m. – TP
Eye Bar: 1716 I St. NW, DC; 202-785-0270; www.eyebardc.com