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Reflection Eternal in DC

Dave — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:10:23 +0000

It’s been a while since Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek collaborated on an album, but Reflection Eternal just released their latest album Revolution per Minute: Rise Against. To promote their new album they are kicking out a national tour together and they are stopping in Washington, DC this week. Be sure to catch them at the Black Cat this Thursday, June 10th, at 8:00pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show, so buy them now. They have special guest Tabi Bonney opening up for them.

Roots Album, Finally?

Dave — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:31:53 +0000

The Roots have been teasing everyone since the fall now. But it sounds like their new album, “How I got Over,” will finally drop on June 22nd. If they postpone the release again, I’m going to start believing that it isn’t coming. The novelty of The Roots on the Jimmy Fallon Show wore off quickly when I realized hearing them meant suffering through Fallon, I hope this album is a better endeavor. Expect a review once I get my hands on this album in a month.

Delfest 2010

Dave — Thu, 20 May 2010 01:13:44 +0000

In a career that has seen him play by a different set of rules more often than not, Del McCoury’s willingness to take risks has once again paid off. While many traditional bluegrass festivals are struggling just to stay afloat, McCoury’s own DelFest continues to grow.

Thanks to their unmatched musicianship and high energy, freewheeling shows, the Del McCoury Band have built a unique following for a traditional-leaning bluegrass act in the 21^st century, with an audience that’s more under than over 30 years old—and that’s not only kept McCoury’s career on an upward arc as he passes his 50^th anniversary in the business, but shaped his festival, too. For when Del and his team created the first DelFest in 2008, the decision was quickly made to forgo a traditional lineup and format for an event that would bring together a unique blend of the old and new—presenting everyone from Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra and sacred steel artists The Lee Boys to bluegrass Hall of Famer J. D. Crowe, with members of the McCoury Band forging links between them by sharing the stage with all three.

For Del, bringing in young jam band fans not only ensured the success of the event, but offers an opportunity to showcase for them the music he’s loved for more than half a century. For instance, even when DelFest 2009’s memorable storm forced the Saturday night shows indoors, the Del McCoury Band followed through on a plan to present an introduction to bluegrass inspired by the “Story Of Bluegrass” offered at the very first multi-day bluegrass festival back in 1965, complete with one of its original organizers, bluegrass historian Fred Bartenstein. “We knew that with Dark Star Orchestra performing that year, we were going to have a segment of Grateful Dead fans who might have had a familiarity with bluegrass, but had never really been to a bluegrass show,” says McCoury of the decision. “So we felt we almost had a responsibility to share bluegrass with them.”

2010’s DelFest continues down the same path of outreach to new fans with a panoramic presentation of bluegrass and more. The bluegrass tradition old and new will, as always, be a strong component, with artists including Hall of Famer Bobby Osborne, IBMA Entertainers of the Year Dailey & Vincent, the Steep Canyon Rangers and the Gibson Brothers. At the same time, the lineup will feature artists who have stretched or crossed outright the boundaries of the genre, from veteran musical polyglot (and long-time McCoury buddy) David Grisman to youthful acts like the Avett Brothers, Mountain Heart, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Keller Williams & Friends featuring Jeff Austin and Keith Moseley. And as always, Del, Ronnie and Rob McCoury are likely to find their way on stage with most of these acts, acting once again as the common thread that makes DelFest so special.

In addition to the entertainment lineup, the educational component of DelFest will be available once again with the DelFest Bluegrass Academy, a friendly yet intensive three-day learning experience with the Travelin’ McCourys—Ronnie (mandolin), Rob (banjo), Jason Carter (fiddle), Alan Bartram (bass)—along with award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Ronnie Bowman. DelFest Academy will take place May 25-27, 2010. Get your Academy tickets now, space is limited, and the mandolin class is the first class that is almost at capacity.

DelFest will be held at the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD May 27-30, 2010. Four day adult passes to the festival, are currently $140, $125 for three day passes, and $110 for two day passes through April 12th. DELuxe Experience (VIP) packages are also available. In addition to 4 days and nights of non-stop music, ticket prices include free on–site camping with great facilities, artist playshops, kids activity area, a band competition, an arts and craft faire and access to plenty of food and beverage vendors.

Don’t miss out on this offer! For more information and to purchase tickets on-line visit www.delfest.com.

Music This Week in DC: 5/10-5/16

Dave — Mon, 10 May 2010 01:40:15 +0000

A look ahead at music playing in the DC area in the coming week.

Monday 5/10/10

Jammin’ Java: Just Surrender, All the Day Holiday and Comic Book Heroes – 7:00pm

Tuesday 5/11/10

Jammin’ Java: Joe Ryan, Ian Axel and Matt Duke – 7:30pm

Wednesday 5/12/10

Whitlow’s: Taylor Carson – 9:30pm

Thursday 5/13/10

Blues Alley: Larry Coryell – 8:00pm and 10:00pm (Two Shows Wednesday-Saturday Nights)

Birchmere: Iris Dement and Elizabeth Cook – 7:30pm

Friday 5/14/10

Attitude’s Bar: True Sound – 10:00pm

Saturday 5/15/10

Birchmere – Virginia Coalition – 7:30pm

Sunday 5/16/10

Jammin’ Java: Crash Test Dummies and Rob Morsberger – 8:00pm

True Sound in Blacksburg

Dave — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:29:55 +0000

For all of you around Blacksburg, VA for Virginia Tech’s Graduation, you’re in for a treat. True Sound is putting together a Show at Attitudes Bar to celebrate this year’s newest alumni on May 14th. Show starts at 10pm with DJ Sprigs. Tickets are $10 at the Door, $8 in advance.

Soulive in Baltimore

Dave — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:26:47 +0000

We’re back after a volcano induced break. One of the best funk jazz groups, Soulive, will be coming to Baltimore, MD Friday night (May 7th). They’re dropping by the 8×10 and you never know who will show up as their special guests. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.

Warped Tour 2010

Dave — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:43:54 +0000

The Vans Warped Tour (does anyone else miss when festivals weren’t corporately sponsored?) is coming to the Merriweather Post Pavilion. It’s on a Tuesday (July 20th), so its officially only for high school students out for summer or anyone willing to take a day of from work for it. Gates open at 11:am. Here’s the lineup:

The Dillinger Escape Plan

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band

After Midnight Project

Music This Week in DC: 3/8 – 3/14

Dave — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:49:53 +0000

A look ahead at music playing in the DC area in the coming week.

Monday 3/8/10

Black Cat: Henry Homesweet, Anamanaguchi, Sabre Pulse and Starscream– 8:30pm

Tuesday 3/9/10

9:30 Club: Dropkick Murphys – 7:00pm

Wednesday 3/10/10

Whitlow’s: Mama Black Sheep – 9:30pm

Thursday 3/11/10

Blues Alley: Najee – 8:00pm and 10:00pm (Two Shows Thursday-Sunday Nights)

Friday 3/12/10

The Auld Shebeen – The Backseat Betties – 9:30pm

Saturday 3/13/10

RFK Stadium – Shamrock Fest – 1:00pm

9:30 Club: Sound Tribe Sector 9 – 8:00pm

Sunday 3/14/10

9:30 Club: Sound Tribe Sector 9 – 8:00pm

Valentine’s Day in and around DC

Dave — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:29:31 +0000

Looking to take your special someone to see some music for Valentine’s Day? After being snowed in for what seems like all winter, hopefully everyone will be able to get out this Sunday either to celebrate with their better half or party and find a better half (at least for the night). There’s nothing like some live music to set the mood you are looking for. A list of shows in the Washington, DC metro area is after the jump.

Valentine’s Day – Sunday: February 14, 2010

Concerts First

Whitlow’s (Arlington, VA): 10:00PM

Galactic Funk at 9:30Club

Dave — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:16:52 +0000

A great show is coming this weekend. It seems fitting that in the run-up to Mardi Gras, 9:30 Club will be bringing some second-line funk to DC. Galactic will be jamming at 9:30 Club this Saturday, February 6th with special guest Cyrill Neville (of the Neville Brothers). Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are $25, so get them while you can. Also performing: Cedric Burnside and Lightnin Malcolm.

The Scene » Uncategorized

Reflection Eternal in DC

Roots Album, Finally?

Delfest 2010

Music This Week in DC: 5/10-5/16

True Sound in Blacksburg

Soulive in Baltimore

Warped Tour 2010

Music This Week in DC: 3/8 – 3/14

Valentine’s Day in and around DC

Valentine’s Day – Sunday: February 14, 2010

DC9 (Washington, DC): 11:00AM

Rock & Roll Hotel (Washington, DC): 11:00AM

Jammin Java (Vienna, VA): 02:00PM

Rams Head Tavern (Annapolis, MD): 05:30PM

Blues Alley (Washington, DC): 07:00PM

Jammin Java (Vienna, VA): 07:00PM

Jammin Java (Vienna, VA): 07:00PM

The State Theatre (Falls Church, VA): 07:00PM

Rams Head Live (Baltimore, MD): 07:30PM

The Red and the Black (Washington, DC): 08:00PM

Twins Jazz (Washington, DC): 08:00PM

Blues Alley (Washington, DC): 10:00PM

Whitlow’s (Arlington, VA): 10:00PM

Galactic Funk at 9:30Club