The Scene

MusicDetour.com’s commentary on music, performances, and the DC metro area music scene

This Saturday, head out to the Alexandria Recreation Center to catch some great live music . . . for FREE! This year’s Del Ray Music Festival should be a great time to take the whole family out and enjoy an eclectic mix of music. I’m not entirely sure where the festival gets its name, but if you do, please share it in the comments section. The music will be rockin’ from 10am-10pm. Grab your sunscreen and make your way to Alexandria. Full line up with times after the jump. (more…)

Few bands that come out of Britain could be described as funky, but one group of brits that has been laying down funk music since the 1970s is The Average White Band. Their biggest hit that you may recognize is their instrumental jam “Pick Up the Pieces”. The group is playing two nights (Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th) at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Both shows start at 7:30pm and are a bit expensive ($49.50), but it will be money well spent. I saw them 10 years ago at the Hampton Jazz Festival and I’m sure they are every bit as funky today.

There hasn’t been much written about the Birchmere on here lately, but that is changing today. Victor Wooten and JD Blair are playing together at the Birchmere on Monday, March 23 (playing together again Tuesday the 24th at Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD). Victor Wooten is a bass playing monster and JD Blair has one of the solidest drum grooves on the planet. A couple years ago, I was fortunate enough to catch these guys at rehearsal before they went on tour as the Victor Wooten Band; these guys are solid. If I wasn’t busy both night, I’d be there front and center. Not sure if they are on tour as a duet or just billing it as their band together. (more…)

Every year there is a massive bluegrass festival in Galax, VA known as the “Old Fiddler’s Convention“.  People come from around the world to southwest Virginia to camp-out, show-off some incredible talent and eat some great food. This year’s convention is August 4th-9th. However, if you can’t make it down to Galax (its about 4.5 hours from the beltway), then you should go to Jammin’ Java in Vienna at Noon or the Birchmere at 7:30pm on Saturday, July 12th to catch the Old Time Banjo Festival. I’d be partial to see it at the Birchmere for the atmosphere, but both venues should be a great opportunity to catch some live bluegrass music.

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One of the most recognizable voices in music belongs to Aaron Neville. His voice is immediately identifiable from one note alone. Tonight, Monday, June 30th, Aaron and his brothers, Art and Charles, will be performing at Rams Head Tavern (aka On Stage) at 7:00pm. Make sure you catch the soulful sound of The Neville Brothers in Annapolis, MD. If you can’t make it out to Annapolis tonight, they are also playing at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA on Tuesday, July 1st at 7:30pm.

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Yes, I used the term “Alternative Swing Band” and all of you who remember the mid-to-late-90s know what I’m talking about. The Squirrel Nut Zippers are coming to Rams Head Tavern (Annapolis) to play two shows on June 4th, Wednesday night (6:30 and 9:30pm). They’ll have the Firecracker Jazz Band opening up for them for both shows. Check out this unique blend of Alternative Rock and Big Band Jazz, you won’t be disappointed.

Note: They will be playing again Thursday, June 5th, at the Birchmere in Alexandria,Va.

For the 31st straight year, the City of Alexandria will be holding its Memorial Day Jazz Festival beginning Monday @ 1pm. Its at Fort Wade Park and will be moved to the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium in the case of rain.

Schedule:

1 p.m. – Difficult Run Jazz Band
2 p.m. – Project Natale
3 p.m. – Larry Brown Quintet
4 p.m. – Sandra Johnson Quintet
5 p.m. – Al Williams