Should this site disappear, or updates stop, after August 21, you will know that either 1) an hour and half on the phone with Verizon got me false information, or 2) the information was right, but they muffed it anyway. Fingers crossed that I do not have to scramble to find a new home.
Want to know what I really see?
August 24 Wednesday: Ana Popovic and Walter Trout play Rams Head On Stage. Both plays blues rock guitar. Show is at 8. Tickets are $35.
August 25 Thursday: BIMA Fest at the Ottobar with Misery Index, Compression, Balor's Eye, Hellpie, Judge Mental and TBC. Mostly metal evening. Four day all access pass is $39 if you buy early. One day all access pass for Thursday is $15.
August 25 Thursday: Ronnie Baker Brooks plays Surf Club Live. Ronnie Baker Brooks plays blues guitar. Show is at 8.
August 25 Thursday: The Greencards play Jammin' Java. The Greencards play acoustic bluegrass and country. Show is at 8.
August 26 Friday: BIMA Fest at Joe Squared with Free Electric State, The Sky Drops, Gray Young and Solar Temple Suicides. Four day all access pass is $39 if you buy early. One day all access pass for Friday is $24.
August 26 Friday: BIMA Fest at Ottobar with Flying Eyes, The Moaners, Sal Bando, The Matrimonials, Lazlo Lee & the Motherless Children, Landspeedrecord!, White Bear and Lush Farm. Doors open at 6, show is at 6:30.
August 26 Friday: BIMA Fest at Windup Space with Notions , Imperial China, Slow Jets, The Library Is On Fire, (The Sounds of) Kaleidoscope and E Joseph & the Phantom Heart. Four day all access pass is $39 if you buy it soon enough. One day all access for Friday is $24.
August 26 Friday: BIMA Fest at the Sidebar with The Reticents, Thee Lexington Arrows, Walk The Plank, Sick Sick Birds, Key Figures, Mandroids and Cheapshots. Music from 7 pm to 1 am. Four day all access pass is $39 if you buy it early enough. One day all access for Friday is $24.
August 27 Saturday: BIMA Fest at Frazier's with Alto Verde CD Release featuring Alto Verde, Birds of Avalon, Squaaks, The Pauses and Deaf Scene. Four day all access pass is $39 if you buy it early enough. One day all access for Saturday is $25. Fraziers is located at 919 West 36th Street in Baltimore.
August 27 Saturday: BIMA Fest inside and outside the Sidebar with The Queers, Supreme Commander, Double Negative, Two Man Advantage, Nervous Impulse, McRad, War on Women, Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb, National Razor F.D.I.C., Daycare Swindlers, Fishnet Stalkers, Singleton, The Snallygasters, Blackout Brigade and the Cock Blocks. Music from 4 pm to 1 am. Four day all access passes are $39 if you buy them early enough. One day all access for Saturday is $25.
August 27 Saturday: Jack Dupon at Orion Sound is cancelled.
August 27 Saturday: Silopanna Music Festival at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Matt and Kim, Fitz and The Tantrums, Jimmies Chicken Shack, All Mighty Senators, Grilled Lincolns, Harper Blynn and more on three stages. Gates open at 11:30. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 day of show. The Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds are located at 1450 Generals Highway in Crownsville, Maryland.
August 27 Saturday: Funk-E-Fest at the Domes in Beltsville with The Heavy Pets, DJ Williams Projekt, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Segway, Shook, Sean Brown Society, Watermelon, Feinwood, Soohan and DJ Bohfunk. Gates open at 1:30, music starts at 2. Camping available for $5. Parking is $5 per car. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 day of show.
August 27 Saturday: Chuck Brown plays the 9:30 Club for his 75th birthday party, hosted by Bootsie Collins. Chuck Brown is the godfather of go go. Doors open at 9. Tickets are $30.
August 28 Sunday: Dex Romweber Duo plays the backstage at the Black Cat with Birds of Avalon. Dex Romweber Duo is a guitar and drums duo playing roots rock. Birds of Avalon play psychedelic rock. Doors open at 8. Admission is $10.
August 28 Sunday: Microscopic Septet plays An Die Musik Live. Microscopic Septet mixes swing era style jazz with influences from the entire jazz continuum. Shows are at 5 and 7. Tickets are $15. An Die Musik is located at 409 North Charles Street, Second Floor.
August 28 Sunday: BIMA Fest at Windup Space where Adam Hopkins presents Avant Jazz featuring Dave Ballou, Anthony Pirog, Mike Kuhl, Adam Hopkins and others from 5 to 8, followed by Soul Cannon (electronic), Muamin Collective, Casual Curious and Mammox from 8:30 to close. Four day all access is $39 if you buy it early enough. One day all access for Sunday is $10.
August 30 Tuesday: Vieux Farke Toure plays the 9:30 Club with Cheick Hamala Diabete. Vieux Farke Toure mixes traditional music from Mali with rock and reggae. Cheick Hamala Diabate is a West African historian in the Griot tradition, and a world-recognized master of the ngoni. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25.
September 1 Thursday: Quantum Fantay plays Orion Sound with Until Sunrise. Quantum Fantay is a psychedelic space rock band. Until Sunrise plays post rock and math rock.
September 2 Friday: John K Band plays the 8X10 Club. John K Band plays Dead and other covers as well as originals.
September 2 Friday: Tiny Boxes plays the Velvet Lounge with special guest Joel Cummins. Tiny Boxes is Bon Lozaga's new jam band. Guest Joel Cummins plays keyboards for Umphreys McGee. Doors open at 11, show is at 12 (after the Umphreys show at 9:30. Admission is $10.
September 2 Friday: Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman plays the Birchmere with Joe Uehlein. The Nightwatchman is Tom Morello playing acoustic folk. Joe Uehlein sings and plays guitar. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.
September 2-3 Friday and Saturday: Umphreys McGee play the 9:30 Club. Umphreys McGee is a prog / jam band. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $25.
September 2-4 Friday through Saturday: The Baltimore Grand Prix comes complete with music. On Friday Jimmie's Chicken Shack, The Cheaters, Tears of Mars and The Glenmont Popes. On Saturday Collective Soul, Steven Page, Charm City Devils, All Mighty Senators, Higher Hands, Can't Hang and Soul Island Rebels. And on Sunday The Bridge, Jah Works, Old Man Brown, Pasadena, Nelly's Echo and Benny Marchant.
September 3 Saturday: John K Band plays the State Theatre with Jeff Aug. John K Band plays Dead and other covers as well as originals. Jeff Aug plays guitar. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
September 3 Saturday: Glenmont Popes play the Rock and Roll Hotel. The Glenmont Popes play rockabillty. Doors open at 9, show is at 9:30. Admission is $10.
September 5 Monday: Rest Fest in Frederick. Music includes Blind Melon, Pat McGee Band, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, The Amish Outlaws, Jah Works, The Freddie Long Band, The Knolly Moles, Telesma, The Golden Butter Band, Frederick Rock School Kids, Lucy, Old Indian, Reid Schoenfelder and more. Tickets are $20 and are available from Tix.Com. Rest Fest will be held at Crumland Farm, 7612 Willow Road in Frederick, Maryland.
September 6 Tuesday: Big Sam's Funky Nation plays Baltimore Sound Stage. Big Sam's Funky Nation is a New Orleans funk band. Doors open at 6, show is at 8. Admission is $15.
September 8 Thursday: Ghostland Observatory plays the 9:30 Club. Ghostland Observatory combines electro-funk and rock. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $27.50.
September 8 Thursday: Zach Deputy plays the 8X10. Zach Deputy is a one man band playing "gospel ninja soul." Doors open at 8.
September 8 Thursday: Papadosio plays the Recher Theatre. Papadosio combines eclectic musical traditions with modern electronica. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
September 8 Thursday: Swans play Sonar with Sir Richard Bishop. Swans play experimental rock. Sir Richard Bishop is a composer, improviser, and explorer on acoustic and electric guitar. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $20.
September 9 Friday: Imperial China plays the Ballroom at Artisphere with Buildings. Imperial China plays mathy experimental punk. Buildings plays instrumental music. Show is at 9. Tickets are $8. Artisphere is located at 1101 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington Virginia.
September 9 Friday: Cold Hard Cash plays Surf Club Live. Cold Hard Cash plays Johnny Cash.
September 10 Saturday: Morglbl plays Orion Sound with Freak Kitchen. Morglbl plays jazz and prog, with a bit of Zappa influence. Freak Kitchen plays progressive metal.
September 10 Saturday: Buckethead plays the 9:30 Club. Buckethead is a fascinatingly bizarre (and great) guitar player. This is an early show, doors open at 7. Tickets are $25.
September 10 Saturday: Hampdenfest. Three stages of music and a DJ booth. Music includes Secret Mountains, Sri Aurobindo and Microkingdom. Music starts at 11, ends in early evening. The festival is held on 36th Avenue between Falls and Chesnut.
September 10 Saturday: Virgin Mobile Free Fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion with The Black Keys, Deadmau5, TV on the Radio, Cee Lo Green, James Murphy, Cut Copy, Big Sean, Patti Smith, Okkervil River, Empire of the Sun, Calvin Harris, !!!, Ghostland Observatory, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Porter Robinson, Two Door Cinema Club, Eclectic Method, Bombay Bicycle Club, Alberta Cross and Teddybears. show starts at 11 am. Tickets go "on free" at 10 am July 15, 2011 at Facebook.com/VirginMobileLive> TicketFly is handling. The only way to access tickets is to like them.
September 11 Sunday: Takoma Park Folk Festival with Dirty River Bluegrass Band (12-1 on the Field Stage), the U-Liners (2-3 on the Field Stage), Primitivity (2:15-3 7th Heaven) and many more. Festival is from 10:30 to 6:30. It is held at 7611 Piney Branch Road in Takoma Park, Maryland.
September 11 Sunday: Anders Osborne plays the Recher Theatre. Anders Osborne plays blues rock. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 day of show.
September 12 Monday: Japandroids play the Red Palace with Bass Drum of Death. Japandroids play garage rock. Bass Drum of death is a guitar and drum duo. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 day of show.
September 13 Tuesday: Sonic Circuits Prefest Fundraiser at Bella with Lost Civilizations, Immanent Voiceless and Slut Walk. Lost Civilizations is Mike Sebastian on tenor sax and bass clarinet and T.A. Zook on strings playing experimental music extemporaneously. Immanent Voiceless is an audiovisual project of Ivan Khilko. Slut Walk is a new trio of Alex Braden on guitar, Erica Fallin on flute and bass and Thomas Stanley on electrons. Show is at 8. Admission is $5. Bella is located at 900 Florida Avenue in Northwest DC.
September 14 Wednesday: Sonic Circuits Festival at AFI Silver Theatre. STYLUS present live soundtracks to two classic silent experimental films, James Sibley Watson and Melville Webber's Lot In Sodom and Man Ray's Emak-Bakia. STYLUS performs exclusively with vintage classroom turntables as their instruments. For Emak-Bakia they will be joined by Doug Poplin and Janel Leppin. AFI Silver is located at 8633 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.
September 14 Wednesday: Greensky Bluegrass plays the 8X10 Club with Feinwood. Greensky Bluegrass plays bluegrass. Feinwood plays bluegrass. Doors open at 8.
September 14 Wednesday: Secret Chiefs 3 play the Ottobar with Fat32 and guests. Secret Chiefs 3 play instrumental rock in a wide variety of genres. Fat32 is a drums and electronics duo. Doors open at 7, show is at 8.
September 14 Wednesday: Marah plays an acoustic show at Jammin' Java. Marah plays country rock. Show is at 8. Admission is $15.
September 15 Thursday: Sonic Circuits Festival at The Mansion at Strathmore with Okkyung Lee, Annette Krebs+Violet, Unmediated: Movement and Sound - Sharon Mansur & Daniel Burkholder (dance) with Cory O'Brien, Luke Stewart, Paul Neidhardt, Music from the Film. Show is at 8. Admission is $12.
September 15 Thursday: Tab Benoit plays Rams Head Live. Tab Benoit plays swampy blues rock. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $20.
September 15 Thursday: Glen Matlock and the Philistines play the Ottobar with bands to be announced. Glen Matlock and the Philistines play punk rock, including songs from Matlock's most famous band, The Sex Pistols. Doors open at 8, show is at 9.
September 15 Thursday: Jen Shyu and Mark Dresser play the Windup Space to celebrate the release of their new CD, Synastry. Mark Dresser plays contrabass. Jen Shyu is on vox and other instruments. Both play improvisational and avant garde jazz.
September 16 Friday: Savage Republic plays the Black Cat with Tone and Caspian. Savage Republic is an experimental industrial rock band. Tone is an instrumental prog band. Caspian is an instrumental post rock band. Doors open at 9. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 day of show.
September 16 Friday: Sonic Circuits Festival at Pyramid Atlantic with The Haters, Les Rhinocéros, Valentina Vuksic, Infant Factory (Blue Sausage Infant + Insect Factory) and Rind. Show is at 8:30. Admission is $12.
September 16 Friday: Kronos Quartet plays the Kay Theatre in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center joined by David Krakauer. Kronos Quartet is dedicated to expanding the range of the string quartet. Show is at 8. Tickets are $45.
September 16 Friday: Urfaust plays Golden West Cafe with Black Anvil and Krallice. Urfaust plays atmospheric black metal. Black Anvil plays black and thrash metal. Krallice plays experimental black metal. Doors open at 10. Admission is $10.
September 17 Saturday: Sonic Circuits Festival at Veterans Plaza. Anthony Pirog conducts Terry Riley's in C. Show is at 5 and is free. Veteran's Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring, Maryland.
September 17 Saturday: Sonic Circuits Festival at Pyramid Atlantic with Sudden Infant, N Ensemble, Prehistoric Horse, Rinus Van Alebeek, Ezramo, nine_strings_trio + movement, Jack Hertz and Safe, Fast & Effective. Show is at 7. Admission is $15.
September 17 Saturday: Eclectica: Move your Body, Mind, and Soul at the Domes of Beltsville with Jook, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The New Media, The Rez, Nayas, Anexo Social, Mortimer and more. Festival starts at 2. Show is $20, Parking is $5, and camping is $5.
September 17 Saturday: Frank Zappa Day in Baltimore with Gene Ween, Arbouretum, Big in Japan, DJ Mickey Free, All Mighty Senators, US Royalty, Glenmont Popes, Telesma, Lazlo Lee & the Motherless Children, iNFiNiEN, Gunpowder Falls, New Kings of Rhythm, Puddle, Saleem & the Music Lovers and Peter, Paul and Larry. Show is noon to 9, and is free or $100 for VIP. VIP tickets available from Mission Tix. This event will take place at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street in Baltimore, Maryland.
September 17 Saturday: On the Bus plays Jam on the Bus Music Festival in Gaithersburg with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Dirty River Bluegrass Band. On the Bus plays Dead covers. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong play funky jazz rock. Dirty River Bluegrass Band plays bluegrass. Show starts at 4:20 and is free. BYOB, no bottles. Camping, no pets. Festival is at 8820 Huntmaster Road in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
September 18 Sunday: Sonic Circuits Festival. Layne Garrett curates the Silver Spring Sound Machine. Public collective creation/construction/perf? ormance of a large rolling sound sculpture/junk instrument. Bring resonant objects, fishing line, twine, scrap wood, rubber bands, cheap battery powered cassette recorders, hinges, pulleys, percussion mallets, screwdrivers, children, friends, etc. Afterwards we will drive/ride/push/play this thing around the neighborhood. Starts at 3 PM. Free. Veterans Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring, Maryland.
September 18 Sunday: Sonic Circuits Festival at Pyramid Atlantic with Th e Voltage Spooks, John Butcher, Janel Leppin, Samita Singha & Julia Ulehla and Jesse Kudler & Ian Fraser. Show is at 7. Admission is $15.
September 19 Monday: Secret Chiefs 3 play the Rock and Roll Hotel. Secret Chiefs 3 play instrumental rock in a wide variety of genres. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day of show.
September 20 Tuesday: Underscore Orkestra plays the New Deal Cafe. Underscore Orkestra plays traditional Balkan music combined with swing. Show is from 7 to 9.
September 20 Tuesday: Leftover Salmon plays the Recher Theatre with Cornmeal. Leftover Salmon is a bluegrass based jam band. Cornmeal plays bluegrass. Show is at 7. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 day of show.
September 21 Wednesday: Dead Confederate plays Neil Young's "Tonights the Night" at Golden West Cafe with Hardy Morris opening. Dead Confederate is a fairly psychedelic alt rock band. Hardy Morris plays guitar and sings for Dead Confederate. Doors open at 10. Admission is $10.
September 21 Wednesday: Leftover Salmon plays the bandstand at the Birchmere with Elephant Revival. Leftover Salmon is a bluegrass based jam band. Elephant Revival plays folk. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $25.
September 22 Thursday: Two of a Perfect Trio tour comes to Rams Head On Stage with Adrian Belew Power Trio and Stick Men. Adrian Belew Power Trio is Adrian Belew on guitar, Julie Slick on bass, and Tobias Ralph on drums. Stick Men features Tony Levin, Markus Reuter and Pat Mastellotto. Both groups play prog, and a joint encore is possible. Show is at 8. Tickets are $39.50.
September 22 Thursday: Scott H. Biram plays backstage at the Black Cat. Scott H.Biram is a "dirty old one man band" playing country, blues and punk. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
September 23 Friday: John Jorgenson Quintet plays Jammin' Java. John Jorgenson plays gypsy jazz. Show is at 7:59.
September 24 Saturday: Primus plays the Fillmore. Primus Sucks. Show is at 8. Tickets are $45. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.
September 24 Saturday: Two of a Perfect Trio tour comes to Jammin' Java with Adrian Belew Power Trio and Stick Men. Adrian Belew Power Trio is Adrian Belew on guitar, Julie Slick on bass, and Tobias Ralph on drums. Stick Men features Tony Levin, Markus Reuter and Pat Mastellotto. Both groups play prog, and a joint encore is possible. Show is at 8. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $50 for VIP ($65 VIP are sold out).
September 25 Sunday: Wilco plays Merriweather Post Pavilion with special guest Nick Lowe. Wilco is an alt-rock band. Nick Lowe is a singer / songwriter. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $30 and $40 and go on sale March 16 at 10 am.
September 26 Monday: X plays Rams Head On Stage. X is a punk band from L.A. will be showing their movie “The Unheard Music”, and then performing their entire album “Los Angeles” along with other X hits. Show is at 8. Tickets are $49.50.
September 26 Monday: The Aristocrats play Orion. The Aristocrats is a new band with Guthrie Govan on guitar, Marco Minnemann on drums and Bryan Beller on bass.
September 27 Tuesday: X plays the bandstand at the Birchmere. X is a punk band from L.A. They will be showing their movie “The Unheard Music”, and then performing their entire album “Los Angeles” along with other X hits.
September 28 Wednesday: The Felice Brothers play the Black Cat. Felice Brothers play folk rock. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $18.
September 29 Thursday: Mogwai plays the 9:30 Club with Soft Moon. Mogwai is a post rock band. Tickets for the postponed April 19 show will be honored. Soft Moon is Luis Vasquez. New tickets are $20.
September 29 Thursday: Psychedelic Furs and Tom Tom Club play Baltimore Soundstage. Both are 80's new wave bands. Doors open at 6, show is at 8. Tickets are $25-$30. Baltimore Soundstage is located at 124 Market Place in Baltimore.
September 29 Thursday: Stanley Jordan plays solo at the Birchmere. Stanley Jordan is an amazing guitar player. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $35.
September 30 Friday: Woodsman plays Metro Gallery with Sri Aurobindo and Brendan Sullivan. Woodsman plays instrumental psych. Sri Aurobindo plays psychedelic rock. Show is at 9. Admission is $8.
September 30 Friday: Psychedelic Furs and Tom Tom Club play the Fillmore. Both are 80's new wave bands. Tickets are $35. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.
September 30 Friday: Cold Hard Cash plays the New Deal Cafe. Cold Hard Cash plays Johnny Cash.
September 30 Friday: Stanley Jordan plays solo at Rams Head On Stage. Stanley Jordan is an amazing guitar player. Show is at 8. Tickets are $24.50.
October 1 Saturday: Explosions in the Sky play Rams Head Live with The Antlers. Explosions in the Sky is a post rock band. The Antlers are a post rock band. This show is sold out. (Rats!)
October 1 Saturday: Deerhoof plays the 9:30 Club ith Benjy Ferree, E.D. Sedgwick. Deerhoof plays experimental rock. Benjy Ferree is a singer / songwriter. E.D. Sedgwick is Justin Moyer, and reserves the right not to wear a dress. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $15.
October 1 Saturday: Phideaux plays Orion Sound. Phideaux plays art rock.
October 1 Saturday: Lafayette Gilchrist and the New Volcanoes play Windup Space. Lafayette Gilchrist and the New Volcanoes play jazz influenced by funk, soul, and hip hop.
October 2 Sunday: Imelda May plays the Rams Head On Stage. Imelda Mae plays rockabilly. Show is at 8. Tickets are $29.50.
October 2 Sunday: Bonnie Prince Billy plays the Birchmere with Phantom Family Halo. Bonnie Prince Billy plays alternative folk rock. Family Halo plays experimental psychedelic rock. Tickets are $25.
October 2 Sunday: George Thorogood and the Destroyers play the Fillmore Silver Spring. George Thorogood and the Destroyers play blues rock. Fillmore Silver Spring is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland. It is controlled by Live Nation.
October 3 Monday: Dark Dark Dark plays Golden West Cafe with Pillars and Tongues and Secret Mountains. DarkDark Dark plays chamber folk. Pillars and Tongues use voice, and minimal instrumentation. Secret Mountains play psychedelic folk. Doors open at 9.
October 4 Tuesday: A Hawk and a Hacksaw plays Red Palace with Dark Dark Dark and Pillars and Tongues. A Hawk and a Hacksaw is an accordion and violin duo playing mostly instrumental music inspired by Eastern European, Turkish and Balkan traditions. Dark Dark Dark plays "chamber folk." Pillars and Tongues use voice, and minimal instrumentation. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Admission is $12.
October 4 Tuesday: Arbouretum plays Metro Gallery with Eternal Tapestry and more. Arbouretum plays grungy folk rock. Eternal Tapestry plays free improvised guitar with structured rhythms and lots of layered ambient sound. Show is at 8.
October 4 Tuesday: Toubab Krewe plays the 8X10 with Zongo Junction. Toubab Krewe is a jam band with West African influences. Zongo Junction plays Afrobeat. Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $14.50 day of show.
October 6 Thursday: The Gourds play the State Theatre with Pat Sweany. The Gourds play alt country. Pat Sweany plays blues rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 8:30. Tickets are $16.
October 6 Thursday: Trans Am plays the Talking Head Club at Sonar. Trans Am mixes DC punk, German industrial and electronica. They will perform Futureworld in its entirety during this show. Doors open at 9. Admission is $12.
October 6 Thursday: Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes plays the 8X10 with 3 Fifths. Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes play New Orleans style funk. 3 Fifths plays blues rock. Doors open at 8.
October 7 Friday: Ha Ha Tonka plays Rock and Roll Hotel. Ha Ha Tonka plays Americana, with elements of Southern rock, bluegrass and folk. Doors open at 8, show is at 9. Admission is $12.
October 7 Friday: Trans Am plays the 9:30 Club with Les Savy Fav. Trans Am mixes DC punk, German industrial and electronica. They will perform Futureworld in its entirety during this show. Les Savy Fav play art punk. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $20.
October 8 Saturday: Robert Randolph and the Family Band play the 9:30 Club. Robert Randolph and the Family Band play rock influenced by sacred steel. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $25.
October 9 Sunday: Low End String Quartet plays Mon tpelier Arts Center. Low End String Quartet is a string quartet with bass and guitar in the place of violin and viola. Show is at 3 pm. $5 suggested donation. Call 301-377-7800 to make reservation. Montpelier Arts Center is located at 9652 Muirkirk Road off 197 in Laurel, Maryland.
October 10 Monday: Sonny Rollins plays the Kennedy Concert Hall. Sonny Rollins is a great sax player. Show is at 8. Tickets are from $33 to $85.
October 12 Wednesday: The Duhks play Jammin' Java. The Duhks play old time string music mixed with gospel, folk, zydeco and celtic music.
October 12 Wednesday: Devin Townsend plays Baltimore Sound Stage. According to Wikipedia, Devin Townsend plays at least 4 different kinds of metal, and some other things, some of which might not be completely serious. Doors open at 6, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 to $17. Baltimore Soundstage is located at 124 Market Place in Baltimore.
October 12 Wednesday: Yuck plays the Black Cat with Porcelain Raft. Yuck plays fuzzy rock. Porcelain Raft plays dream pop. Doors open at 8. Admission is $15.
October 12 Wednesday: Sam Bush play the Barns at . Sam Bush is a mandolin player in the "newgrass" style. Show is at 8. Tickets are $35 and go on sale August 6 at noon.
October 12 Wednesday: Leo Kottke plays Rams Head On Stage. Leo Kottke plays acoustic guitar. Show is at 8. Tickets are $39.50.
October 13 Thursday: Trey Anastasio plays the Fillmore Silver Spring. Trey Anastasio plays lead guitar for Phish. Doors open at 6:30. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $39.50. This show is sold out.
October 13 Thursday: The Watch plays Orion with Ephemeral Sun. The Watch is a five piece progressive rock band from Milan. Ephemeral Sun plays heavy instrumental symphonic rock.
October 13 Thursday: DeLeon plays the Red Palace with Dent May. DeLeon plays 15th Century Spanish indie rock infused with the deeply mysterious and entrancing cadences of the ancient Sephardic tradition. Dent May sings and plays ukulele. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Admission is $10.
October 13 Thursday: Southern Culture on the Skids plays Baltimore Sound Stage. Southern Culture on the Skids plays humorous country rock. Doors open at 6, show is at 8. Baltimore Sound Stage is located at 124 Market Place in Baltimore, Maryland.
October 13 Thursday: Elikeh plays the Rock and Roll Hotel with John K Band. Elikeh plays roots Afropop. John K Band plays Dead and other covers as well as originals. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Admission is $10.
October 15 Saturday: Yngwie Malmsteen plays the Fillmore in Silver Spring. Yngwie Malmsteen plays guitar. Show is at 7. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.
October 15 Saturday: Branford Marsalis Quartet plays the Concert Hall at Center for the Arts. Branford Marsalis Quartet plays jazz, and features Branford Marsalis on saxophone. Show is at 8. Tickets are $24, $40 and $48. The Center for the Arts is located on the George Mason University Campus. Like every other building on campus, the address is 44 University Drive, Fairfax, virginia. Unfortunately, that address denotes a random point on campus unrelated to any building you could be looking for.
October 16 Sunday: Deer Tick plays the 9:30 Club. Deer Tick is an indie folk band. Doors open at 10. Tickets are $15.
October 18 Tuesday: Pokey LaFarge And The South City Three play Hill Country Barbecue. Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three play "riverboat soul." Show is at 8:30 and is free. Hill Country Barbecue is located at 410 7th Street in Northwest DC.
October 19 Wednesday: Double Dagger plays backstage at the Black Cat with Imperial China. Double Dagger plays punk. Imperial China plays mathy experimental punk. Doors open at 8.
October 19 Wednesday: Baaba Maal plays the Birchmere. Baaba Maal is a Senegalese singer and guitarist. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $35.
October 20 Thursday: Bouncing Souls play the Ottobar with Anti-Flag and Iron Chic. Bouncing Souls and Anti-Flag play punk. " Iron Chic is a decent band from Long Island, NY. They play songs that are acceptable." Doors open at 7, show is at 7:30.
October 21 Friday: Yonder Mountain String Band plays the Fillmore. Yonder Mountain String Band plays energetic string music. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.
October 21 Friday: Hackensaw Boys play the 8X10. Hackensaw Boys play energetic bluegrass.
October 21 Friday: Double Dagger plays the Ottobar. Doors open at 9, show is at 9:30.
October 23 Sunday: The Damned play the Black Cat with Legendary Shack Shakers. The Damned play gothic punk. Legendary Shack Shakers mix country, punk and blues. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $25.
October 23 Sunday: Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman play the Lisner Auditorium. Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman were the finger and keyboard player, respectively, for Yes. I'm assuming details will follow.
October 23 Sunday: David Bromberg plays Rams Head On Stage. David Bromberg writes, plays and sings a variety of types of music. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $46.50.
October 24 Monday: Shonen Knife plays the Ottobar. Shonen Knife is a Japanese pop punk band.
October 24 Monday: Blitzen Trapper plays the Black Cat with Dawes. Blitzen Trapper is an experimental alternative country/folk band. Dawes plays Americana. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 day of show.
October 25 Tuesday: Cheick Hamala Diabate plays the Gildenhorn Recital Hall at Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Cheick Hamala Diabate is a West African historian in the Griot tradition, and a world-recognized master of the ngoni. This show is at 5:30 and is free.
October 26 Wednesday: Sonny Landreth plays Rams Head On Stage. Sonny Landreth plays slide guitar. Show is at 8. Tickets are $36.50.
October 27 Thursday: Medeski, Martin and Wood play the 9:30 Club with Antibalas. Medeski, Martin and Wood play experimental jazz-funk. Anitbalas plays Afrobeat and funk. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $30.
October 27 Thursday: Papadosio plays the State Theatre. Papadosio combines eclectic musical traditions with modern electronica. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of show.
October 27 Thursday: Los Straitjackets rock n' roll burlesque spectacular at the 8X10 with The World Famous Pontani Sisters & Friends and Lake Street Dive. Los straitjackets play instrumental surf. Lake Street Dive plays indie pop.
October 27-28 Thursday and Friday: Sonny Landreth plays the Barns at Wolf Trap. Sonny Landreth plays slide guitar. Both shows are at 8. Tickets are $25 and go on sale August 6 at noon.
October 28 Friday: Between the Buried and Me play the Fillmore with Animals as Leaders and Tesseract. Between the Buried and Me plays heavy metal. Animals as Leaders is an instrumental progressive metal project by guitarist Tosin Abasi. Tesseract plays progressive metal. Tickets are $20. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.
October 29 Saturday: Boris plays the Black Cat with Asobi Seksu and Liturgy. Boris plays experimental rock. Asobi Seksu plays dream pop. Liturgy is a black metal band. Doors open at 9. Tickets are $15.
October 29 Saturday: Colour Revolt play the Golden West Cafe with Empires and more. Colour Revolt plays indie rock. As does Empires. Show is at 10. Golden West Cafe is located at 1105 West 36th Street in Baltimore.
October 29 Saturday: Chromeo plays the Fillmore. Chromeo is an electrofunk duo. Show is at 8. Tickets are $25 to $30. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.
October 30 Sunday: Battles plays the 9:30 Club with Nisennenmondai. Battles - Prog pop? Dance prog? Math techno? Nisennenmondai is a three piece instrumental band.
October 30 Sunday: Los Straitjackets rock n' roll burlesque spectacular at the State Theatre with The World Famous Pontani Sisters & Friends and Lake Street Dive. Los straitjackets play instrumental surf. Lake Street Dive plays indie pop.
October 31 Monday: Rasputina plays the Rock and Roll Hotel. Rasputina plays cello rock Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 day of show.
November 1 Tuesday: Opeth plays Rams Head Live with Katatonia. Opeth plays progressive metal. They are generally fairly heavy, except when they are not. Katatonia started out as a death metal band, but not play alternative metal. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 day of show.
November 1 Tuesday: Meat Puppets play the Rock and Roll Hotel with Dex Romweber Duo. Meat Puppets play rock. Dex Romweber Duo is a guitar and drums duo playing roots rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the door.
November 1 Tuesday: Melt Banana plays the Red Palace. Melt-Banana combines grindcore, punk rock, noise, avant-garde and metal. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Tickets are $14.
November 2 Wednesday: Melt Banana plays the Ottobar. Melt-Banana combines grindcore, punk rock, noise, avant-garde and metal. Doors open at 8, show is at 9.
November 4 Friday: Royal Family Ball at the State Theatre with Soulive and Lettuce. Both bands play funk and jazz.
November 4 Friday: Lionize plays the Red Palace with Larry and his Flask. Lionize mixes stoner rock and reggae. Larry and his Flask combine punk and string music. Doors open at 8, show is at 9. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door.
November 7 Monday: Bela Fleck and the Original Flecktones play the Music Center at Strathmore. Bela Fleck and the Original Flecktones play everything from bluegrass to jazz. Original means Howard Levy is back and Jeff Coffin, apparently, is gone. Tickets are $21.20 to $61.20
November 10 Thursday: Steve Wilson plays Rams Head Live. Steve Wilson is the frontman for Porcupine Tree and plays an eclectic mix of music. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25.
November 11-12 Friday and Saturday: moe. plays the 9:30 Club. moe. is a rock-based jam band.
November 12 Saturday: College Park Blues Festival at Ritchie Coliseum with Bobby Parker (9-11), DC Blues Society Band featuring Waverly Milor (8-8:50) and Anthony "Swampdog" Clark and the Blues Allstars (7-7:50). Doors open at 6. Free. Ritchie Coliseum is on the east side of Route 1 as you drive past the UMCP campus in College Park.
November 12 Saturday: Chuck Brown plays two shows at Rams Head On Stage. Chuck Brown is the godfather of go go. Shows are at 8 and 11. Tickets are $37.50.
November 15 Tuesday: Tinariwen plays the 9:30 Club with Sophie Hunger. Tiniwaren is a rock band whose members are members of the Tuareg tribe. Sophie Hunger is a folk-pop-blues singer from Zurich. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25. The 9:30 site indicates that show details could change.
November 18 Friday: Trampled by Turtles plays the 9:30 Club with Jonny Corndawg. Trampled by Turtles plays bluegrass and folk. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $18.
November 19 Saturday: Cuneifest 2011 at Orion Sound with Afuche, Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, Hamster Theatre, Alex K. Redfearn and the Eyesores, Thinking Plague and Upsilon Acrux.
November 20 Sunday: Cuneifest 2011 at An Die Musik Live with Jason Adasiewicz's Rolldown, Claudia Quintet, Ideal Bread and Positive Catastrophe. And Die Musik Live is located at 409 North Charles Street, Second Floor, in Baltimore, Maryland.
November 22 Tuesday: Supersuckers play the Ottobar with Nashville Pussy and guests. Supersuckers play rock, except when they play country. Nashville Pussy plays rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 7:30.
November 23 Wednesday: The Bridge play their last show at Rams Head Live. The Bridge are a jam band that combines everything from bluegrass to hip hop. Last show means ever, not just at Rams Head Live.
November 26 Saturday: ilyAIMY plays the New Deal. ilyAIMY plays acoustic folk rock. Show is from 8 to 11.
November 30 Wednesday: String Cheese Incident plays Lyric Opera House. String Cheese Incident is a bluegrass based jam band with a heavy dose of psychedelia. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. SCI presale August 25 at 10 MDT. TicketMaster on sale Friday August 26 at 10 EDT. Tickets from TicketMaster are $36.50 plus $14.10 in fees.
December 4 Sunday: Donna the Buffalo plays Rams Head On Stage. Donna the Buffalo plays Americana with elements of cajun and bluegrass. Show is at 8. Tickets are $22.50.
December 20 Tuesday: Jake Shimabukuro plays the Birchmere. Jake Shimabukuro is a ukelele virtuoso. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $29.50.
December 30 Friday: Marcia Ball plays the State Theatre. Marcia Ball plays piano and sings New Orleans R&B and blues.
January 7 and 8 Saturday and Sunday: Johnny Winter plays Rams Head On Stage with JP Soars. Johnny Winter plays blues rock guitar. JP Soars plays guitar. Shows are at 8 on the 7th, and at 7 on the 8th. Tickets are $45.
January 14 Saturday: Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound plays a general admission dance at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Paul Cebar plays world influenced dance music. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $22 and go on sale August 6 at noon.
January 27 Friday: Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun play the Barns at Wolf Trap. Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun play roots music. Show is at 8. Tickets are $22 and go on sale August 6 at noon.
February 22 Wednesday: BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet play the Barns at Wolf Trap. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet plays cajun music. Show is at 8. Tickets are $27 and go on sale August 6 at noon.
February 22-23 Wednesday and Thursday: Eiko & Koma and Kronos Quartet perform Fragile in the Kogod Theatre at Clarice Smith Performing Art Center. Fragile is an event designed for the space at Clarice Smith and is designed so that guests may come and go for any part of the piece, which lasts from 5 to 9 each evening. Each evening will involve some parts with music and dance together, some parts with just music and some parts with just dance. "For mature audiences only. Contains full nudity." Admission is free.
The Birchmere is the latest and largest incarnation of the same club that has been with us for years. Most shows are in the concert hall, but some are in the bandstand, which has a dance floor, but less seating. The Club has strict rules about being seated and quiet during concert hall shows and enforces them. The rules are slacker in the bandstand, which is also available if you need to talk or smoke during a show in the concert hall. If you arrive before the concert hall doors open they hand out numbers for a place in line if they like you or ignore you if they don't, but I assume they'll give you one if you demand it. It is adviseable to get there before the concert hall doors open in order to get the best seats, especially if you have a group that wants to sit together. The Birchmere opens at 5, the doors to the concert hall open at 6 and most shows start at 7:30. Food is passable bar food, but steep, and the beer selection is good. Tickets are available through Ticket Master, or with a $3 service charge from the box office, which is open from 5 to 9 on show nights. The Birchmere is located at 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. 703-549-7500.
The Black Cat gets rated the place in DC that the bands most like to play and the good vibes hang over for the audience. A very easy venue to get along with. Be warned that shows tend to start late, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when they do not close until 3. The new location has a concert hall upstairs, and a smaller performance space and a cafe with decent food downstairs. The Black Cat is located at 1811 14th Street NW. 202-667-7960. Tickets available from Ticket Alternative through the Black Cat web site, or without service charge from the box office, which is open from 8 to midnight. The Black Cat says that it is an all ages venue, but it actually requires parental permission for anyone under 18.
Blues Alley is a small jazz club in Georgetown. Capacity is about 125. Georgetown rent is covered with two to three shows a night (8 and 10, or 8, 10 and 12), a random $2.50 per person surcharge, and a requirement that each person spend at least $10 on their overpriced food and drinks. On the other hand, the view of the stage is great. Hours are daily, 6 to 12:30. Full dinner menu available at the 8 pm show, light fare for the later shows. Food really has not impressed me. Blues Alley is located behind 1073 Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest DC. 202-337-4141.
Carter Barron Amphitheater is a U.S. Park Service facility in Rock Creek Park. It is an outdoor facility that has seating for about 4,200 and some picnic areas inside. Despite the picnic areas they do not allow cans, bottles, hard coolers or picnic baskets. They also do not allow photography, recording devices or pets. The box office is open from noon to 9pm on event days only. The address is 4850 Colorado Avenue (near 16th). The concert line is 202-426-0486. For park information call 202-895-6000.
Comet Ping Pong is a pizza and ping pong place run by the same folks who run Buck's Fishing and Camping two doors down. For shows they clear the ping pong tables out of the back room, which is about the right size for three ping pong tables (i.e., not very large) and rather spare. The stage, which otherwise holds the third ping pong table, is about 6 inches high. Kitchen is open until 9 Sunday through Wednesday, 9:30 on Thursday, and until 10:30 on Friday and Saturday. Shows start late, usually around 10. They have a great beer selection and pretty good pizza. Comet Ping Pong is located at 5037 Connecticut Avenue in Northwest DC. 202-364-0404.
DAR Constitution Hall is a concert hall owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is a rather large hall and some of the seats up on the sides are really bad. There are usually bars in the lobby, but you cannot take a drink to your seat, with the result that the lobby is incredibly crowded before the show and during intermission. The web site claims that light fare is served at all events, but they must have hidden it well. Tickets are available only through Ticketmaster unless the promoter has made other arrangements. There is no box office. Constitution Hall is located at 1776 D Street in Northwest DC.
DC Nine is where Asylum used to be. Music is upstairs, which has been rearranged to fit it better than it used to although the stage is still tiny, and about six inches high. There is a bar, with a passable beer selection and a few places to sit. DC Nine opens at 7 Thursday though Saturday and at 8 the rest of the week. Shows start at 9:30. There are no advance tickets. All shows are 21+. DC Nine is located at 1940 9th Street in Northwest DC. 202.483.5000.
The 8X10 has resumed its former name and apparently has new ownership and booking staff. The renovation from the original Eight by Ten eliminated the middle wall, moved the stage to the middle and made it larger, added a balcony that goes down both sides and across the back and added new, vastly better, bathrooms. Not clear what the new ownership means for beer and food. The dance floor is spring-loaded: serious structral paranoids will stand directly in the center. All shows are 18+. Those under 21 pay $3 extra at the door. Tickets available from the box office for reasonable fees from 11 am to 11 pm, and for unreasonable fees from Ticketmaster. The address is 8 and 10 East Cross Street in Federal Hill across from the Cross Street Market. 410-625-2000.
Fort Reno Park is, for all intents and purposes, a big field on Chesapeake Street between Nebraska and Wisconsin Avenues near the Tenleytown Metro. Shows are from 7 to 9:30 and are free though donations are always welcome. No glass, alcohol, or drugs are allowed.
49 West Coffeehouse and
Gallery is a restaurant located at 49 West Street in Annapolis. They
have music in their back room and also serve food and beverages back
there. The food is good, and not unreasonably priced for Annapolis. An
extremely civilized place to see a show. 410-626-9796
The Galaxy Hut is an incredibly tiny place (the capacity sign says 48) located at 2711 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington near the Clarendon Metro. They are currently (5/5/2011) having zoning issues with their live music permit and have no live shows. They have a good beer selection. Most shows are $5. They also serve food of some sort. 202-333-3114.
The Hexagon is a volunteer run art gallery and performance space. Unfortunatly, they have lost their lease and will be closing July 1, 2011. The music space is narrow but fairly long, and has some chairs. They do not serve alcohol, but somewhere nearby apparently sells it. The Hexagon is located at 1825 North Charles Street in Baltimore, Maryland.
Iota Club and Cafe is a relatively small but comfortable venue. They have a good beer selection, a constantly changing and relatively reasonable menu and a full bar. The Cafe opens at 5 and live shows usually start after 9. All shows at Iota are 21+. It is located at 2832 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington near the Clarendon Metro. 703-522-8340.
Lisner Auditorium is a concert hall on the campus of George Washington University. It is theater seating, and it is small enough that none of the seats are really bad. There is usually a small bar, and they sell very limited snacks, candy bars mostly. Tickets are available from the box office and from Ticketmaster. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday 11 through 5. It does not accept credit cards. It is also open starting approximately 60 to 90 minutes before each performance. There is a $1 per ticket service charge at the box office. Lisner Auditorium is located at 730 21st Street in Northwest DC. 202-994-6800.
Madam's Organ is a cozy little venue located at 2461 18th Street NW, in Adam's Morgan. Go see the mural that has the neighborhood up in arms. She doesn't look topless to me, but what do I know? 202-667-5370.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is a classic pavilion-- 5,200 reserved seats in front, lawn for 10,000 in back, that is definitely showing its age. The lawn is so steep that at times it is dangerous, and yet so badly designed that when everyone on the lawn stands up none of the short people can see. They sell lousy beer and worse wine inside, but have added an actual bar. No outside food or drink other than sealed bottles of water is allowed. After years of being run by Clear Channel, the Pavilion is now run by IMP, which appears to be an improvement. Doors open 1 and 1/2 hours before show time. In Columbia, just drive up 95 or over on 175 and get in the traffic jam. The parking lots open at 5 for most shows. The price of parking is included in the ticket. Tickets are available through Ticket Master and from the box office on show days. 410-715-5550.
Metro Gallery is a classic Baltimore venue that used to be two places and has the support posts down the middle to prove it. Stage is in the front to the left, and bar is in the back on the left, with the right devoted to art and plumbing. Bar has an excellent selection of beer and wine and is open from 6 pm to 2 am. Metro Gallery is located at 1700 North Charles Street in Baltimore.
Montpelier Arts Center has numerous music series each year, including jazz and classical. The shows are held in the main gallery, which holds a few hundred people. No alcohol is served, but they have punch and cookies at intermission. Montpelier Arts Center is located at 9652 Muirkirk Road off Route 197 in Laurel, Maryland.
New Deal Cafe is a cafe located in Old Greenbelt at 113 Centerway. It has a comfortable coffee room in front, and a larger, but still relatively small, concert space in back. Food is Lebanese, the beer and wine selection is good. 301-474-5642.
The 9:30 used to be a too cool for its own good club over on F Street with the singular claim to having a stage located in a place where almost no-one in the club could see it. The move to the old WUST hall at 815 V Street NW is an improvement both in livability and in attitude, but don't expect down home friendliness. All shows are all ages. An IMP venue. Doors open at 7:30 during the week, 9 on Fridays and 7 on Saturdays. Show times vary depending on the number of bands and can be found on their web site. The food is actually quite edible. Capacity is about 1,200. Tickets are available from Ticketfly.com, or from the box office, which is open from noon to 7 on week nights, but until 11 if there is a show, and 6-11 on saturday and sunday. The 9:30 number is 202-393-0930
Jiffy Lube Pavilion is a large outdoor pavilion out near Manassas run by Live Nation. Pavilion seating is plentiful and the lawn seating is pleasant and actually allows you to see and hear the show. They serve outrageously expensive beer and equally expensive food, and limit carry ins to one sealed water bottle. Remember to bring that bottle, because their water is literally not potable. They allow you to bring in a blanket, and will rent you an "appropriate" chair. Shows start at 8 unless otherwise specified. The box office is open from noon to intermission on show days. Tickets are also available from Live Nation. Parking is included in the price of the ticket, and there are not really any other options. This year they have announced that they will not be allowing tailgating before the show, and that the lots will be opening later. That last is very bad, because they already have trouble getting everyone in in time for the show. There have been shows where some people never made it in. They don't particularly seem to care, and they certainly don't refund your money if it happens to you. Be warned that it can also sometimes take hours to get out of the lot. Take I-66 to exit 43B or 44 and follow the signs from there. 703-754-6400.
Orion Sound Studios are located at 2903 Whittington Avenue in Baltimore. The sound is excellent, but the venue is small and lacks some of the amenities that one ordinarily finds - like chairs. They also do not sell food or drink, but apparently do not mind if you bring your own. (Or your own chair, for that matter, if the show is not crowded). All shows are all ages.
Ottobar is now in the old Club Midnite at 2549 North Howard Street in Baltimore. It is much roomier than the old one, has a real stage, and it is easy to get to the bathrooms. Other than that, the same spirit is in effect, and there is still no food. Most shows are 18 and over. The doors open at 9 and the show starts at 10 unless other times apply. Tickets are often available through Mission Tix and also from the upstairs bar. 410-662-0069.
Pier Six Concert Pavilion is a concert pavilion operated by Clear Channel. It is located on the Inner Harbor off of President Street, which is on the right after you pass Harborplace and the National Aquarium. The pavilion is relatively small, and the lawn is even smaller. (If you think of your own lawn you may not be far off). They really don't seem to fuss much about the difference between the pavilion and the lawn - or at least they did not the night that I was there. They do not allow glass containers or alcohol. Gates open one hour before the shows. Tickets are available from the box office, which is open from noon until 9 on concert nights and from ticketmaster. Having gotten myself into their parking once, my advice is don't. It is outrageously expensive, and despite the fact that the lots are tiny, it takes forever to get out. 410-659-7100.
Pyramid Atlantic Art Center is an art center and gallery. Shows are held in a room upstairs with plastic folding chairs. Amenities, or lack thereof, come from show sponsors. It is located at 8230 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The Ramshead Tavern has long been known as a bar and restaurant but only recently added the concert hall. Seating is at tables and tickets are sold by seat, so have your group organized when you go to buy the tickets. Also, a lot of Ramshead shows sell out, so it is worth buying early. The Ramshead has recently gotten approval for an expansion that will add to the stage and add 100 seats. Only time will tell whether they will be added in front of the stage. Food in the concert hall is bar food and the prices are not low but not outrageous. A more varied menu is available in the restaurant, but they do a heavy business, so there is no guarantee that you can get seated and eat before the show. The most annoying thing about the Ram's Head is that they only serve their own beer in the concert hall, and they won't let you go out and buy real beer in the bar. (Well, okay, they said I could buy one. Thanks a lot!) Also annoying is the fact that they will not let anyone dance. All shows are 21+. Tickets are available from the Ramshead, in person, by phone, or from their website. You should be aware that the Ramshead's posted prices do not include an additional 10% tax that they say is imposed by the State and the City of Annapolis. Have never run into that elsewhere. The box office number is 410-268-5111. The Ramshead is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. 301-261-1118/410-268-4545
The Ramshead Live is an offshoot of Rams Head Tavern, but a much larger venue. It holds about 1500 people in three levels and has screens thoughout the venue for areas without a full view of the stage. Lots of food, including three kiosks and the full Rams Head menu available from the bar, at least until whatever time the restaurant closes. It is the world of hidden charges, though. Tickets listed as $18 at the door cost me $21.40, the coat check was $3, and beer, while not outrageous, was a bit high for Baltimore. There is also the fact that the $3 for the coat check doesn't even buy you a couple extra people at the end of the show to help you get your coat. Wouldn't hurt them to tell the garage in the building what time the show will end either. A couple more years, and maybe they will learn how to run a venue.
Recher Theatre is located at 512 York Road in Towson. It was once a movie theater, and except for taking the seats out, leveling the floor and adding a bar, not a lot of changes have been made. The beer selection is not great, and the prices have risen with the redecoration. Food is available, but I haven't tested it. They also charge for water. You must be 18 to go to shows here and admission is $5 extra for people who are not at least 21. Tickets are available at the club, at Record and Tape Trader locations in Maryland, and at Ticketmaster. 410-337-7178.
The Red Palace is a venue in the Atlas district. Last time I was there, it had a cozy bar downstairs and a small, but well-proprtioned, music area upstairs, but changes may have come with the recent change from the Red and Black Bar to the Red Palace. The Red Palace is located at 1212 H Street NE, between 12th and 13th streets. Union Station is the closest Metro and about 15 blocks from the venue. They suggest that you do not walk that, but take a cab. In general, walking around the area is best done with friends. 202-399-3831.
Rock and Roll Hotel is a new venue in the Atlas district with a capacity of about 400 downstairs with the music and a bar upstairs. They now serve food. Apparently it used to be a funeral home, which may explain all the black paint. Rock and Roll Hotel is located at 1353 H Street NE, between 12th and 13th streets. Union Station is the closest Metro and about 15 blocks from the venue. They suggest that you do not walk that, but take a cab. In general, walking around the area is best done with friends. 202-388-7625.
The Sidebar is a tiny little bar right near the old Ottobar at the corner of Lexington and Guilford. All shows are 18+ unless they are not. If there are three or four bands, doors will generally open at 9, and the show will start at 9:30, except when they don't. Drink prices are extremely reasonable but the beer selection is not great. I wouldn't expect to find any food there. 410-659-4130.
Sonar is a newly expanded Baltimore bar with two venues and a lounge. Sonar is having existence issues arising from disputes among the owners, or past owners. At the moment they are open, and have a liquor license. The Main Stage looks like a huge basement, doesn't quite have enough bars, and really needs an air cleaning system. It holds about 1,000 people. The Club holds 300. A third venue, sometimes know as the Talking Head, holds 150. Tickets are available without charge from the box office, or from Sonar's web site. The box office is open from 9 to 1 any night that the club is open. Sonar is located at 407 East Saratoga Street in Baltimore. 410-327-8333. Parking is plentiful
The Spanish Ballroom is architecturally not unlike a high school cafeteria, but with more interesting trim and a much better floor. It is all about dance floor and music there is virtually always for a dance. It is alcohol and smoke free, and any food and drink that are available are not permitted on the dance floor - which is most of the venue (7,500 square feet). For information on what is happening at the ballroom, see Dancing in the Park. The Spanish Ballroom is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. 301-492-6282.
The State Theatre is a venue in an old movie theater in Falls Church. It is by far the best of the renovated theater venues I have seen. The downstairs goes up in four levels with seating on the back three (though that may vary) and the balcony retains the theater seating, with room for 215 in the balcony, for a total capacity of 800. The combination means that the stage is actually visible from almost anywhere, even if you are as short as I am. And the sound is excellent. They have a somewhat limited menu, but serve real food, not just snacks. Most, if not all shows are 18+ and there is a $3 tax if you are under 21. Tickets are available from the box office and online from the State Theatre's web site. Box office hours are 12 to 5 Monday through Friday and 6:30 to 11:30 on show nights. The State Theatre is located at 220 N. Washington Street in Falls Church. 703-237-0300.
Strathmore is an historic mansion on an 11 acre lot belonging to Montgomery County. Music and arts presentations take place in the mansion, on the grounds, and in the 1976 seat Music Center at Strathmore, a state of the are concert hall. The mansion seats up to 110 people for concerts. The Music Center has actual food prior to the show, and beer and wine before the show and during intermission. I am less sure about the other venues. The Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland. Parking is available in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage off of Tuckerman Lane, and is free for ticketed events. 301-581-5200.
Surf Club Live is a long-established venue in Prince George's County, now under new ownership. It is fairly large, has table seating, bar seating, a dance floor, and an area with pool tables. The general decor is "dive." Beer is fairly reasonable, but appears to cost more during shows than other times. Food is virtually non-existent, though you can get a basket of chips or a bag of nuts in moments of desperation. It is located at 4711 Kenilworth Avenue in Bladensburg Maryland. 301-927-6310.
The Thirteenth Floor is in the Belvedere Hotel at 1 E. Chase Street, which is at the corner of Chase and Charles. Shows are at 9:30. View is spectacular, Decor hotel bar with a twist of the bizarre. I.e. leopard spot carpeting. Beer selection sucks and is expensive. Full bar. Crowd very mixed, not necessarily quite what you would expect from the bands, but not quite what you would expect from a hotel bar either. Dance floor size varies with the size of the band, and is limited by an extremely ill placed stairway. 410-783-1332.
The Velvet Lounge is a tiny club one block from the 9:30 Club at 915 U Street. Music is upstairs, and the cover is not usually more than $10. The lounge opens at 8pm or so and closes at 2am during the week, 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Music starts when it starts, which will probably not be before 9, but is usually by 10, at least during the week. Shows are 21+ unless they are not. 202-462-3213. Ownership of the Velvet Lounge has changed/is changing at the beginning of 2008, but it is hoped that it will not cause much of a change.
The Warner Theatre is a grand old theatre located at 513 13th Street in Northwest DC. It seats 1847, slightly over half on the floor, the rest in balconies and boxes. Lately they are apparently starting to look for renovation money, as they are having a lot of comedy and music. They serve alcohol, and let you bring it to your seat, but the prices are steep and the lines are long. Don't show up hungry. Tickets are available at the box office or through TicketMaster. The phone number is 202-783-4000.
The Windup Space is a fair sized space with tables and the stage on the left and a bar down the left with plenty of space left for standing. Stage is done up like the Red Room in the Black Lodge in Twin Peaks, right down to the floor tile. Full bar and looks like a fair variety. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am. It is located at 12 West North Avenue in Baltimore. 410-244-8855.
Wolf Trap is the ultimate outdoor venue in this area, but don't expect to see anything rowdy there. Acoustics in the pavilion are great, sound and view from the lawn are good if you show up early to get a good spot. Wolf Trap allows food on the lawn in any kind of container, and beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, in glass or in plastic. So relax and drink champagne in glasses while you watch the show, it doesn't bother them. There are rules though: this is a federal facility and they still follow the rule of zero tolerance for drugs. Oh yeah, and you can't get married on the grounds. There are no age limits, but you need a ticket for every human being, no matter how young. During colder parts of the year Wolf Trap shows are at the Barns, which are nearby. You can't bring your own there, but they do have a fair selection, and the surroundings are pleasant. Tickets are available from Tickets.com, on-line, or without charge from the box office which is open from 10 to 6 during the week, from noon to 5 on the weekend, and until 9 on show nights. Wolf trap is located in Virginia right off of the Dulles toll road. 703-938-2404