Time to keep this Presidential birthday party week going strong into the weekend! Do our fore fathers a favor and head out there to catch some great shows.
For most it was a short, four-day week thanks in part to the celebration of President’s Day on Monday. It only fitting then that the weekend is full of shows from artists and acts who are native to our nation’s capital. The music scene—and really the entire entertainment environment—in Washington, DC is one that has a lengthy history, but in the past decade or so, has been relatively quiet. However, within the past few years it has been making a low-key comeback. If you’re not aware of this by now, take this weekend to familiarize yourself with some names that range from newcomers to seasoned vets from the DMV area.
Friday, February 22 | Tonight, two of the bigger DC acts pay a visit. On the one hand is a comedian who needs no real introduction, Lewis Black. Known for his angry, rant filled style, Black was born and raised in a town located right outside the DC-Maryland border called Silver Spring. Black will make his way to The Academy of Music on Borad Street for one night of laughs and funnys.
Down on South Street, Wale performs at the TLA Theatre. Known for putting Washington, DC and the surrounding DMV area on the rap map, Wale’s unique style blends influences from many genres with his intricate and clever word play. On top of his clear lyrical talent, Wale is also known as a huge sports enthusiast and one of the biggest sneakerheads in the hip hop community. Opening the show will be Mont Brown with Pace-O Beats, signee to Wale’s own The Board Administration company Black Cobain, and the Philly freezer Freeway.
Saturday, February 23 | On Saturday there’s only one show that should be on your radar—the Desaparecidos show at Union Transfer. The concert has been sold out for a few weeks now so hopefully you were lucky enough to grab a ticket.
The Desaparecidos are a politically charged punk band from Omaha, NE fronted by indie folk darling Conor Oberst. They have released only one full length album, the phenomenal Read Music/Speak Spanish and was inactive for years as Oberst’s popularity grew with his solo efforts as well as his mega-band, Bright Eyes.
The band was only around for a two years until breaking up. After reuniting for a single show in 2010, they decided to come back again last year. Now on a United States tour, the Desaparecidos will also be releasing a 7″ single featuring two new tunes. There is no word on what the band will do once this tour comes to a close, so this is one show not to be missed. Joyce Manor opens.
Sunday, February 24 | Normally Sundays are left to rest and get ready for the coming work week. Shark Week however are making their way up I-95 to change that. They also make for the third DC-area artist coming to Philadelphia this weekend.
Named for the greatest week out of the year on The Discovery Channel, Shark Week are one of the brightest new bands to come out of DC in the last few years. They mix a combination of garage, surf, and psych together and put on one of the most entertaining live shows (just check their album cover). On Sunday night they return to Kung Fu Necktie to play alongside with Commonwealth Choir, Rebecca Way, and Robo Trippers.
