Transviolet and Armors at Soundbar in downtown Orlando, FL. Little did I realize that this was the last show I would attend for over a year and a half, thanks to the stupid pandemic.
Hall & Oates, Squeeze, Kool & The Gang, The Wailers, and Soul Survivors at HoagieNation in Philadelphia PA
Hall & Oates, Squeeze, Kool & The Gang, The Wailers, and Soul Survivors at HoagieNation in Philadelphia PA
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes, with special guests Edna Vazquez, Ira Shapiro, and the von Trapps at Wolf Trap, VA
The National Symphony Orchestra performing Liszt and Tchaikovsky at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
The National Symphony Orchestra performing Bach, Telemann, and Haydn at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
Once Upon A One More Time, a musical inspired by the music of Britney Spears, at Sidney Harman Hall in Washington DC
Once Upon A One More Time, a musical inspired by the music of Britney Spears, at Sidney Harman Hall in Washington DC
The Aces with The Beaches and Sawyer at 9:30 Club in Washington DC. Regrettably, I arrived too late to see Sawyer’s set.
The Improvised Shakespeare Company at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
The Hot 99.5 Jingle Ball at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. The lineup was Dixie D’Amelio, Monsta X, Tai Verdes, Bazzi, Saweetie, Black Eyed Peas, Tate McRae, Megan Thee Stallion, and the Jonas Brothers. Doja Cat and AJR were originally scheduled to appear, but they each had to pull out of the Jingle Ball shows because of Covid.
The Hot 99.5 Jingle Ball at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. The lineup was Dixie D’Amelio, Monsta X, Tai Verdes, Bazzi, Saweetie, Black Eyed Peas, Tate McRae, Megan Thee Stallion, and the Jonas Brothers. This is the set times.
John Oliver performing stand-up comedy at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
Rebecca Black’s “Rebecca Black Was Here” tour, with Alice Longyu Gao at Union Stage in Washington DC
The National Symphony Orchestra performing Beethoven’s 1st and 5th syphonies, along with a George Walker Sinfonia at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
Griff with Amy Allen at Songbyrd Music House in Washington DC. This was the second night of Griff’s first-ever North American tour.
Kacey Musgraves at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC for the “star-crossed: unveiled” tour. Supporting artists were King Princess, and Muna. I missed most of Muna’s set, but they sounded great.
The National Philharmonic performing Debussy’s “La Mer” and Holst’s “The Planets” at Capital One Hall in Tysons Corner, VA
The National Symphony Orchestra performing Haydn and Farrenc at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
Journey with Toto at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The reason I traveled to NJ for this one is that the opener was originally Billy Idol, but he had to back out of this tour.
Dua Lipa’s “Future Nostalgia” tour with Caroline Polachek and Lolo Zouaï at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC
Maisie Peters “You Signed Up For This” tour, with support from Jonah Kagen at the Howard Theatre in Washington DC
Gary Numan’s “Intruder” tour at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington DC, with support from I Speak Machine. This was my third time seeing Gary Numan.
Poguetry (Spider Stacy and Cait O’Riordan of the Pogues) with the Lost Bayou Ramblers at the Black Cat in Washington DC
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová of The Swell Season with Evangeline Young at The Anthem in Washington DC
Claud with KALI at Union Stage in Washington DC. Spring Silver also opened the show, but I didn’t get there in time to catch their set.
New Edition at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. This was the full NE lineup with all six members. Naturally, this included Bobby Brown songs, and also Bell-Biv-DeVoe songs. Charlie Wilson opened.
Blues legend Buddy Guy with special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at Capital One Hall in Tyson’s Corner, VA
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents “The Merchant of Venice” at the Michael R. Klein Theatre in Washington DC
ACTORS with supporting artist Vanilla Sugar at Pie Shop in Washington DC. The ticket says they were supported by Aertex, but the ticket is wrong.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark’s delayed “40th Anniversary Greatest Hits” tour at Lincoln Theatre in Washington DC
Lizzie No on the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
David Foster’s “Hitman” tour featuring Katharine McPhee, Pia Toscano, and lots of other talented musicians at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA
It only took me 39 years to catch Herbie Hancock at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
The Stadium Tour at Nationals Park in Washington DC, featuring Motley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Except they paused it for rain near the end of Def Leppard’s set, and I decided not to wait it out to see if Motley Crüe would actually go on. (They did, 90 minutes after I left.)
The John Williams 90th Birthday Gala Concert, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. Special appearances by Yo Yo Ma, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Steven Spielberg, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Daisy Ridley. Along with John Williams himself, who conducted an encore of the Imperial March to close out the show.
Midnight Oil’s “Resist: The New Album. The Final Tour” tour at MGM National Harbor, with band member Leah Flanagan opening up the show.
To Kill A Mockingbird, starring Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
After missing Sawyer’s opening set during the Aces show last December, I was pleased to see them headlining their own “It Feels Right” tour at Songbyrd Music House in Washington DC. The opening artists was Rachel Bochner.
Folger Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at the National Building Museum in Washington DC
This was the final stop on the Mix Tape tour: New Kids on the Block, Salt ‘n Pepa, En Vogue, and Rick Astley at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC
Mr. Las Vegas himself, the legendary Wayne Newton in “Wayne: Up Close & Personal” at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, NV
Sasha Alex Sloan brought her “I Blame The World” tour with support from Jessie Murph to the Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD
The “Last Stop On The Love Train” tour, with the Mighty O’Jays, the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight, and El DeBarge at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC
Roger Waters brought his “This Is Not A Drill” tour in the round to the Capital One Arena in Washington DC
Brandi Carlile’s “Beyond These Silent Days” tour, with support from the Indigo Girls and Allison Russell at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD
Steve Martin and Martin Short, with appearances by the amazing Paul Shaffer and the Steep Canyon Rangers at Wolf Trap, VA
After having to postpone back in April, Lorde finally brought her fantastic Solar Power tour to The Anthem in Washington DC
A Murder of Crows is a two night goth festival in New York City. On night one, at Mercury Lounge, I saw Black Rose Burning, Hallowed Hearts, and The Long Losts. On night two, at Bowery Ballroom, I saw Astari Night, Nuovo Testamento, and Then Comes Silence.
A Murder of Crows is a two night goth festival in New York City. On night one, at Mercury Lounge, I saw Black Rose Burning, Hallowed Hearts, and The Long Losts. On night two, at Bowery Ballroom, I saw Astari Night, Nuovo Testamento, and Then Comes Silence.
Roxy Music brought their 50th Anniversary Tour with support from St. Vincent to the Capital One Arena in Washington DC
The Clerks III “Convenience Tour” was a pre-release screening of the movie, along with a rollicking Kevin Smith Q&A panel afterward, at the Warner Theatre in Washington DC
The DC Comedy Festival did a show in Busboys & Poets on K Street in Washington DC, not at the Monument as the ticket says. No nationally known names, but some very funny comedians.
Night one of Cold Waves New York in Brooklyn. The bands were Front 242, the Revolting Cocks, Portion Control, Rein, and Spike Hellis.
Night two of Cold Waves New York in Brooklyn. The bands were Cold Cave, Kite, Actors, Leathers, and Confines.
My favorite Icelandic musician Daði Freyr brought his “Fabulous, Wonderful, & Nice” tour with support from the amazingly talented Brassie to 9:30 Club in Washington DC
After two years of pandemic postpones, New Order and the Pet Shop Boys finally brought their Unity Tour with DJ sets by Paul Oakenfold to Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD
Elton John brought his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road, the Final Tour” show to Nationals Park in Washington DC
Lizzo brought her Special tour with support from Latto to the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. In the middle of the concert, the Library of Congress brought out James Madison’s crystal flute from the 1800s. And Lizzo PLAYED IT.
The National Symphony Orchestra performing Prokofiev, Adams, and Rachmaninoff at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
Post Malone’s “Twelve Carat Tour” with support from Roddy Ricch at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC
Ships In The Night and 11Grams at The Runaway in Washington DC. NOIR was the headliner but I was unable to stay until they took the stage.
The Killers closed out their North America tour with the Legendary Johnny Marr at The Anthem’s 5th birthday celebration in Washington DC
“Guys and Dolls” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC with a dazzling cast including Phillipa Soo, Jessie Mueller, Kevin Chamberlin, Steven Pasquale, and Rachel Dratch.
Weird Al brought his “Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour” to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, with Emo Phillips opening.
Amythyst Kiah played an amazing show at the Terrace Theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
The National Symphony Orchestra played some Britten and Prokofiev at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
UK duo Blood Red Shoes played Songbyrd Music House in Washington DC, with support from Grady and Mz Neon
The Paranoyds played Songbyrd Music House in Washington DC with support from Tchotchke and Chill Parents.
Fast food themed parody metal band Mac Sabbath played the Black Cat in Washington DC with support from Lung and Speedealer.
Cece Coakley and Stray Fossa played DC9 in Washington DC. This was supposed to be Ella Jane’s second dc show, but she wasn’t feeling well so the show ended a little early.
UK pop group Let’s Eat Grandma played Union Stage in Washington DC with support from Baltimore-based Julien Cheng.
Icelandic synth-punker band Kælan Mikla brought their tour to Metro Baltimore with support from the amazing Kanga in Baltimore MD
Puscifer’s “The Existential Reckoning Tour, Part 2: Let The Probing Continue” with support from Night Club at the Warner Theatre in Washington DC
The National Symphony Orchestra played a “Symphonic Suprise” (where Noseda conducts a piece and only reveals what it was after it’s done) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
The Soft Moon with support from Model/Actriz and VOSH (who used to be known as Aertex) a the Howard Theatre in Washington DC
The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at Harman Hall in Washington DC
YES brought their 50th anniversary of “Close to the Edge” tour to the Warner Theatre in Washington DC. The lineup has changed over the years, but still included Steve Howe and Geoff Downes, with Jon Davison on lead vocals.
The Manic Street Preachers and Suede (called The London Suede when performing in the US) played a double-bill at the Fillmore Silver Spring in Silver Spring MD
The Smile, which is a newish rock band containing Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead, played the Anthem in Washington DC
The phenomenal Glass Apple Bonzai (Daniel Belasco) popped into DC to support Stoneburner on their tour at the Runaway in Washington DC
The 100th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony took place at President’s Park on the Ellipse in Washington, DC. The event was hosted by LL Cool J and included holiday-themed performances by Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain, Andy Grammer, Joss Stone, Yolanda Adama, Ariana DeBose, and the United States Marine Band.
Imagine Dragons played the 25th Anniversary show of the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC with support from Lily Meola.
The Lincoln Theatre in Washington DC hosted the matinee of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s Holiday Show.
Måneskin’s sold out “Loud Kids Tour” came to the Anthem in Washington DC, and they did not undersell the “loud” part. This was proper rock and roll, shiny pants and all.
101FM’s “DC101-derland” came to the Anthem in Washington DC, with performances by Jimmy Eat World, Spoon, The Struts, Silversun Pickups, and TALK. The Struts had my favorite set of the evening by far.
101FM’s “DC101-derland” came to the Anthem in Washington DC, with performances by Jimmy Eat World, Spoon, The Struts, Silversun Pickups, and TALK.
The Washington Capitals took on the Seattle Kraken in a home game at Capital One Arena in Washington DC, and won with a 4-1 final score.
The Tempest, a Folger Theatre collaboration, is playing at the Round House Theatre in Bethesda, MD. This was adapted by Aaron Posner and Teller (best known as the less chatty half of Penn & Teller) and it used actual stage magic to further the story.
The Lemonheads brought their “It’s A Shame About Ray” 30th anniversary tour, with support from Juliana Hatfield and On Being An Angel to 9:30 Club in Washingnton DC. Juliana even joined the Lemonheads for a few songs, which was really awesome.
This year’s Jingle ball at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC included sets from, in chronological order: Nicky Youre, Jax, Ava Max, Khalid, Sam Smith (with special guest Kim Petras for “Unholy”), Lauv, and Pitbull. I wasn’t a Sam Smith fan before this gig, but I am now.
This year’s Jingle ball at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC included sets from, in chronological order: Nicky Youre, Jax, Ava Max, Khalid, Sam Smith (with special guest Kim Petras for “Unholy”), Lauv, and Pitbull. Charlie Puth was scheduled, but fell ill before the show.
Ana Popovic played blistering guitar with support from the marvelous Carly Harvy at Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington DC
Sixth time’s the charm! After scheduling this show 4/10/20, 12/12/20, 4/8/21, 3/3/22, and 6/9/22, They Might Be Giants FINALLY made it successfully to 9:30 Club in Washington DC for their “Flood 30th Anniversary” tour!
Turnover played 9:30 Club in Washington DC with support from Video Age and Riki. This is another gig where I was more interested in the openers than the headliners; I missed Riki’s synthpop on previous visits to the area.
Broadway’s own Joshua Henry came by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. He did some broadway, some originals, a few unavoidable Christmas songs, and one twenty-five minute mini masterclass in the history of Soul.
The National Symphony Orchestra performed a seasonal favorite, Handel’s Messiah, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC
“A Soldier’s Play” with Norm Lewis in the lead role of a Davenport at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC