After a week of oppressive humidity and rainshowers, this weekend offers a respite from the temperamental DC weather with live jazz, punk karaoke, and – what else? – Southern-style booty rap.
This weekend, the Capital Jazz Fest brings legendary musicians, comedians and performers from a breadth of genres to Merriweather Post Pavilion for three days of live music. From Bill Cosby to George Benson to KC and the Sunshine Band, the Capital Jazz Fest is a must-see event for fans of all types of live entertainment, featuring a stellar lineup the likes of which DC rarely sees.
Also appearing in DC on Friday (6/1) is roots-rockers Dawes, who will bring their soaring Americana sound to the 9:30 club. Come early for an opening set from fiddle player and singer-songwriter Sara Watkins, a former member of contemporary bluegrass legends Nickel Creek.
Saturday (6/2) offers two intriguing shows that couldn’t be more different. Big Freedia, the flamboyant ambassador of New Orleans’ gender-bending sissy-bounce scene, visits the Rock and Roll Hotel to deliver a night of technicolor hip hop and notoriously ferocious dancing. Big Freedia is joined by the Dischord-signed DC local band Edie Sedgewick, who pair their funky vocals with a glam-rock sheen. For concertgoers seeking a calmer vibe, dream-pop artist Porcelain Raft brings his hazy compositions and impeccable falsetto to the Red Palace for an intimate headlining set.
If you didn’t snag tickets for major event of Sunday (6/3), Radiohead at the Verizon Center, don’t fret – the Hamilton presents its weekly Gospel Brunch, featuring live music complete with Southern and breakfast classics; and the Black Cat hosts Punk Rock Kareoke to benefit the DC Zine Fest.
