Week Of: December 3 - 9, 2018
Summary: Immerse Yourself
I say it every week. There is a dizzying array of so many shows to see, many of which are listed in the calendar BELOW.
But what I'm seeing this week are lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in slightly different experiences from the usual. To find something new you love. To experience something unfamiliar. To learn about someone else's perspective. Understand where something fits into history. To learn how to get involved. Then get involved. To give back to the DC music community. To make your own music. To support the next generation of musicians. To support often marginalized populations in music. To celebrate time honored traditions. And to create new ones.
Before you dive into the calendar below, here's a list of "slightly different than the usual show" OPPORTUNITIES to get your started:..
Monday
- 2018 Monk Institute Piano Competition & Gala at The Kennedy Center — "The 2018 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Competition will feature gifted young pianists competing for major scholarships and a recording contract with Concord Music Group. Hosted by Blair Underwood, the evening will culminate with an All-Star Gala Concert with Institute Chairman Herbie Hancock and a stellar cast of artists paying tribute to the late Aretha Franklin, with legendary vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater receiving the Institute’s Maria Fisher Founder’s Award."
- Blue Heron - Historically Accurate Renaissance Music at Dumbarton Oaks — "Celebrate the holiday season with the program Christmas in 15th-Century France and Burgundy, performed by vocal ensemble Blue Heron. This Renaissance music group values historical accuracy, however, their ultimate goal is not recreation, but rather bringing some of the most beautiful works of the 15th century to the 21st century. They work to keep this music alive and relevant, using such practices as experimenting with Latin pronunciation in an effort to make Latin sound more like a spoken language. The Music Room will round out the Renaissance atmosphere for this group’s return to Dumbarton Oaks."
Tuesday
- 2019 Funk Parade Open Community & Creative Brainstorming Meeting at Thurgood Marshall Center Trust — "Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind parade, street fair, and music festival to celebrate U Street, D.C. and the spirit of funk. Please Join Funk Parade as we kick off planning for the 2019 Festival!"
- Step Afrika!'s 24th Anniversary Birthday Party at Pepco Edison Gallery — "Step Afrika! is the first professional non-profit company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Step Afrika!’s 24th Anniversary Birthday Party will feature an open bar with specialty cocktails, amazing food, Live DJ, and truly festive silent auction items! Join our fabulous hosts and committee members for an incredible after-work party with a purpose!"
Wednesday
- Children of the Gospel Choir FREE concert at 6p on Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center — "The Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir (COTG) perform a holiday concert at Millennium Stage. COTG is a destination ensemble for D.C.-area students who seek dynamic vocal training and performance experience with renowned faculty and guest artists."
Thursday
- More Than Music- Album Planning at Chesapeake Arts Center — "Join teaching artist Athena Hiotis for for this informative series focused on the professional music industry. Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience, these sessions will help focus your efforts to set your group apart from the crowd! Walk away from each session with tips, tricks, and resources from an experienced local artist. Join us for a general overview session, and then come on back to dig deeper into the different areas of the music business."
Friday
- Freestyle Fridays at Listen Vision Recording Studios — "Kurupt’s Moonrocks presents A Weekly Music Event at Listen Vision, DC's Largest and Oldest Recording Studio located at Howard U's entrance. DJ BDubb Spinning All Day with an Open Mic from 12-4pm. Rappers, Singers, Songwriters, Poets, Spoken Word, Musicians, DJ’s & Beat Makers are welcome to come out and perform on the stage (FREE)."
- Handel's Messiah (Fri, Sat, Sun) at Washington National Cathedral — Celebrate the season with Handel's Messiah, performed in a space like Handel would have imagined.
Saturday
- James Reese Europe and the Absence of Ruin at The Kennedy Center — "How does war impact art? Jason Moran seeks an answer to this question in the U.S. premiere of The Absence of Ruin, his salute to James Reese Europe, the early African American ragtime musician and first black bandleader who created an international demand for jazz and served as an inspiration to generations of musicians to follow. A groundbreaking artist and composer, Europe played a pivotal role in the recruitment efforts during the First World War, where his songs became anthems for the young men who fought alongside him. Often called the “Jazz King,” his sound was undeniably one of the most innovative sonic ideas at the time. Through new arrangements and stunning visual media, including a special film component directed by John Akomfrah (The March) with cinematography by Bradford Young (Selma, Arrival), Moran will explore Europe’s deep musical catalogue and how his achievements continue to affect today’s culture and sound. This event is presented as part of 1418 NOW."
- Shaolin Jazz: Can I Kick It? - The Warriors at The Kennedy Center — "This innovative film experience pushes the envelope of sound syncing, where classic martial arts films are remixed live by 2-Tone Jones, accentuating specific scenes with well-timed DJ techniques. For this special presentation of Can I Kick It?, SHAOLIN JAZZ focuses on the 1979 cult classic The Warriors, an influential film in Hip Hop culture."
- Off the Beaten Path Music Series - Balance Campaign Free at 4p at UDC — Balance Campaign, a contemporary classical music ensemble showcases new music by modern composers. This week features works by Aida Shirazi, Christopher Cerrone, Angélica Negrón, Roberto Sierra, and Shulamit Ran.
- Handel's Messiah (Fri, Sat, Sun) at Washington National Cathedral — Celebrate the season with Handel's Messiah, performed in a space like Handel would have imagined. The 12:30 pm show on Saturday, Dec. 8, is an abbreviated performance designed for families and young children.
Sunday
- Women Who Rock: A Tribute to the 90s at Pearl Street Warehouse — A powerful evening with an incredible line-up of some of the most talented local, female musicians paying tribute to the women of 90s music backed by a phenomenal live band. Organized by Project HERA, "an endeavor born from a deep passion of women in music. It is the mission of Project HERA to foster and nurture a community of positivity, growth, empowerment, and unity for women and girls of all ages."
- DC’s Different Drummers presents Capitol Pride Symphonic Band, DC Swing!, & more for ‘Home For the Holidays’ FREE concert/food drive at Church of the Reformation — DC's Different Drummers (DCDD) is a LGBT music organization welcoming ALL musicians as it fosters pride, inclusivity, and engagement with the greater DC region through music. Join DCDD as they present the Capitor Pride Symphonic Band, DC Swing!, and others for a festive and free concert and food drive.
- Handel's Messiah (Fri, Sat, Sun) at Washington National Cathedral — Celebrate the season with Handel's Messiah, performed in a space like Handel would have imagined.
- Hanukkah's Extra Flame Concert & Coat/Blanket Drive at Temple Micah - "An evening of live music and Hanukkah treats to raise awareness of ways each of us can help Syrian & other refugees in the U.S. & worldwide. Featuring Farah Abyad, famous for his fresh renditions of Syrian songs in their traditional Arabic form, he is of Aleppo-Syrian Sephardic heritage. Donated coats and blankets will be provided to Syrian refugees facing cold winters in refugee camps."
And there are a LOT MORE exciting things to see and hear and feel in the links below, with personal choices in bold, along with a list of the DCMR staff top picks and cool "gems" that you don't want to miss, plus ways to get involved in the local music scene.
Get out there and have some fun!
Mon - Dec 3
DCMR Staff Recs
- The Byrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo 50th Anniversary Celebration at Strathmore
- Robert Glasper at The Birchmere
- 2018 Monk Institute Piano Competition & Gala at The Kennedy Center
- Unring The Bell, Dot Dash, and Cory Shane (of Dead Meadow) at Black Cat DC
- Josh Ritter with Carsie Blanton at Ram's Head On Stage (Annapolis)
Jam Opportunities
- JAMonday at Epicure Cafe
- The Session Hosted By Clarence Ward III at Terra Cafe (Baltimore)
Hidden Gems
- RadaR LoveJet Gold Leather Rock Show at Slash Run
- Blue Heron - Historically Accurate Renaissance Music at Dumbarton Oaks
- Priests, Plake 64 & The Hexagrams, Model Home at Rhizome DC - (update: SOLD OUT, the venue asks you only go if you have tix)
- Frankie Cosmos, Stef Chura, Shy Boys at Ottobar (Baltimore)
Tue - Dec 4
DCMR Staff Recs
- Bishop Gunn w/ Mary-el Band at Gypsy Sally's
- Robert Glasper at The Birchmere
- The Internet - Hive Mind Tour at The Fillmore Silver Spring
- Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour at Strathmore
Jam Opportunities
- The FREE LIVE Tuesday Jazz Jam at Takoma Station Tavern
- Jazz Jam at Judge's Bench (Ellicott City)
Get Involved
- 2019 Funk Parade Open Community & Creative Brainstorming Meeting at Thurgood Marshall Center Trust
Hidden Gems
- Step Afrika!'s 24th Anniversary Birthday Party at Pepco Edison Gallery
- Gauche, Feels & Repo Fam at Black Cat
- The Helio Sequence, Wild Pink at Songbyrd
- Plattenbau | Natural Velvet at Songbyrd Vinyl Lounge
- Minivan (Ron Shalom) / Anna Crooks & Jarrett Gilgore at Rhizome DC
Wed - Dec 5
DCMR Staff Recs
- All Good Presents: Jeff Austin Band w/ Jon Stickley Trio at Gypsy Sally's
- Clarence Ward III & B-more Swang at Alice's Jazz and Cultural Society
- Children of the Gospel Choir at 6p on Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center
- J Mascis w/ Special Guest Luluc at City Winery DC
Jam Opportunities
- Capitol Hill Jazz Jam at Mr. Henry's
- Neel Singh's Open Jam & Workshop at Villain & Saint
- First Wednesdays at Trusty's with Laura Tsaggaris at Trusty's
Hidden Gems
- Elizabeth & The Catapult with Jake Sherman at Union Stage
- Justus Proffit & Jay Som with Outer Spaces at DC9 Nightclub
- Elley Duhe | Butch Dawson at Songbyrd
- Rainy Day Cacophony/Fairy & The Giant/HYFY at Epicure Cafe
- Justin Trawick Live House Concert and Complimentary Dinner at W Street
- Rachel Ann Morgan & Justin Gillen at Vinyl Lounge at Gypsy Sally's
- Azalia Snail / Clara Engel / Nice Breeze at Rhizome DC
- TIME (Florida), Marian McLaughlin at the true vine record house (Baltimore)
- Front Porch School benefit with Gina Sobel at Draft Taproom (Charlottesville)
Thu - Dec 6
DCMR Staff Recs
- Kimbra at Sixth & I
- Rare Essence at Lucky Strike
- All Good Presents Marcus King Band with Ida Mae at 9:30 Club
- Horseshoes & Hand Grenades w/ The Plate Scrapers at Gypsy Sally's
- Lissie with Kathryn Rheault at The Birchmere
- An Evening with Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers at Pearl Street Warehouse
- Freddy Cole (Piano/Vocals) at Blues Alley
- Ethiopian Jazz and Funk with Feedel Band at Bossa Bistro + Lounge
- Stewbone - Jerry Tripsters at The 8x10 (Baltimore)
- Old 97's at The National (Richmond)
Get Involved
- More Than Music- Album Planning at Chesapeake Arts Center
Hidden Gems
- Music in the Mansion: Susan Gaeta & Gina Sobel at Strathmore Mansion
- Helena Deland w/ Marian McLaughlin at DC9 Nightclub
- The Very Small with Technicians and Honey Kill at Dangerous Pies DC
- The Regrettes + Welles + Micky James at Union Stage
- Camille Miller at the Vinyl Lounge at Gypsy Sally's
- Simone Dinnerstein at The Kennedy Center
- Phillips after 5: Nordic Holiday at The Phillips Collection
- Clara Engel // The Hunted Hare // James Wolf at The Electric Maid
- The Ballroom Thieves with Odetta Hartman at Rock And Roll Hotel
Fri - Dec 7
DCMR Staff Recs
- Khruangbin w/s/g Will Van Horn at 9:30 Club
- Marissa Nadler with Johanna Warren at Songbyrd
- The Woodshedders, Bearcat Wildcat w/ Reed Appleseed at Gypsy Sally's
- Handel's Messiah at Washington National Cathedral
- Aguinaldos, Parrandas & Gaitas at 6p at The Millenium Stage at The Kennedy Center
- Jonny Grave w/ Cathy Ponton King at The State Theatre
- Bebel Gilberto at The Birchmere
- Freddy Cole (Piano/Vocals) at Blues Alley
- The New Potato Caboose w/ Lauren Calve at Baltimore Soundstage (Baltimore)
- Larry Keel, Jeff Austin & Jon Stickley Trio at The Broadberry (Richmond)
Jam Opportunities
- Freestyle Fridays at Listen Vision Recording Studios
Hidden Gems
- Spirit of the Beehive / Horse Jumper of Love / Victor Archie at Songbyrd
- Lenny Robinson - Jazz Drummer at Sotto
- Fly Me To The Moon Jazz Evening at Spacylounge DC
- The Caribbean / Jon Camp's Family Band / Attorneys General at Rhizome DC
- Youth of Yesterday/Daycreamusicdc/The Wingers at Electric Maid
- The Xtet Jazz and Soul ft. Will Layman, Jeff Jurtz, and John Butte at The Vinyl Lounge at Gypsy Sally's
- Saturday Night + Park Snakes + Work Ethics at Black Cat DC
- Wicked Sycamore and Boss Company *Double Album Pre-Release* at Allyworld
- Mutual Benefit with GABI at DC9 Nightclub
- Dylan's Blonde On Blonde by The Bob Band at The New Deal Cafe
- Emily Julia Kresky at Vinyl Lounge at Gypsy Sally's
- Secret Wilderness at We Fought The Big One at Marx Cafe
Sat - Dec 8
DCMR Staff Recs
- Rufus Wainwright: All These Poses Anniversary Tour at Strathmore
- Handel's Messiah at Washington National Cathedral
- Conya Doss at City Winery DC
- Chopteeth at Pearl Street Warehouse
- The New Potato Caboose at Gypsy Sally's
- Freddy Cole (Piano/Vocals) at Blues Alley
- Jonathan Sloane with Hayley Fahey at The Soundry (Columbia)
- Town Mountain at The Zeiders American Dream Theater (VA Beach)
Hidden Gems
- James Reese Europe and the Absence of Ruin at The Kennedy Center
- Off the Beaten Path Music Series - Balance Campaign FREE at 4p at UDC
- Black Dog Prowl // Shagwuf // Heavy Wire at Dangerous Delicious Pies DC
- Jay Byrd at Vinyl Lounge at Gypsy Sally's
- Hamlin St. Diner: George Jackson & Patrik Ahlberg at The Public Option
- Deacon Izzy at Sotto
- Alan Scardapane, Tattiana Aqeel and Leather + Sushi at The Velvet Lounge
- Mystery Friends with The Colonies and Lavender at Black Cat DC
- Cave / Wume at Slash Run
- Twin Jude, Meernaa & Lazuli at The Dew Drop Inn DC
- Bernice / Peaer / Devon Sproule at Songbyrd Vinyl Lounge
- ilyAIMY w/Greg Klyma at New Deal Cafe
- Shaolin Jazz: Can I Kick It? - The Warriors at The Kennedy Center
Sun - Dec 9
DCMR Staff Recs
- Women Who Rock: A Tribute to the 90s at Pearl Street Warehouse
- Bil Afrah Project at 6p on Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center
- Handel's Messiah at Washington National Cathedral
- Hanukkah's Extra Flame Concert & Coat/Blanket Drive at Temple Micah
- Freddy Cole (Piano/Vocals) at Blues Alley
Hidden Gems
- DC’s Different Drummers presents Capitol Pride Symphonic Band, DC Swing!, & more for ‘Home For the Holidays’ FREE concert/food drive at Church of the Reformation
- Bird Streets at Songbyrd Vinyl Lounge
- Gbemiga at Bossa Bistro + Lounge
- Funktronics 2nd Sunday of the Month Holiday Special at Bump 'n Grind
- Kississippi with Ruler and Leggy at Songbyrd
- Notaries Public & Teething Veils at Galaxy Hut
- Frode Gjerstad Trio / Trio 000 at Rhizome DC
- Drone Brunch: Heterodyne, Sarah Hughes, & Corey Thuro at Holy Underground (Baltimore)