Week Of:  February 19-25, 2018

Turn, Turn, Turn

Summary:

It's February but it's going to be feeling a whole lot like April outside this week. Seems like a good time to start thinking about rebirth, and music-wise, that's what's happening here in the DMV this week. You have the opportunity to catch some incredible artists/tribute bands and who are celebrating long musical careers (think the Everly Brothers tribute, The Association, Cher, Maceo Parker, Jefferson Starship) and also catch some hidden gem shows to see how the past has influenced the now. What's old is new again , the circle spins, the cycle continues. 

Must See Shows:

Some of these artists have been playing for decades (you know that song Windy by the Association, right?), others, like Uasuf Gueye who is an Artist In Residence at Strathmore, are looking at the past, exploring different cultures collided throughout history and the music that blossomed as a result. So much to check out: 

• Ah, The Association, with hits from the 1960s like "Never My Love" and "Cherish," are back at it to play on February 20 at the Birchmere. Sit back, shut your eyes, and imagine how things have changed and not changed since 1969.
• Since beginning his study of West African music at a very young age, DC-native Uasuf Gueye has devoted his life to being a cultural ambassador who brings African music and culture to people around the world and connects the African diaspora. Go attend Uasuf Gueye's workshop at the Strathmore Mansion on February 21 to hear fascinating origin stories of today’s musical instruments and genres such as blues, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, and bluegrass.
• The music of the Everly Brothers influenced many artists, from Simon and Garfunkel to Keith Richards to the Beatles who once referred to themselves as "the English Everly Brothers." Their soulful harmonies influenced generations to come. To get a taste of the magic they created back in the 1950s and 60s, don't miss the Everly Brothers Experience at the Hamilton on February 22.
• If you have not yet seen Maceo Parker live, you NEED to get to this show at the Hamilton on February 23. As his website states, "he's the living, breathing pulse which connects the history of Funk in one golden thread." He has played with the greats of James Brown, George Clinton and P-Funk, and Prince and has had an incredible solo career that has spanned over 50 years. You will love this show. You will move your body. You will feel something deep inside you get down. 
• For one of the sweetest blends of bluegrass, rock, jazz, jam, and celtic music, catch the beloved Railroad Earth as they return back to DC at the 9:30 Club on February 23 and 24. 
• On February 24 and 25 at Rams Head Live, check out Arlington-born singer/songwriter/pianist Rachel Yamagata. She sings about heartbreak in ways that not only are meant to soothe her own heart, but help other people with their own pain. She's beloved by NPR Music and has collaborated with many artists including Bright Eyes, Ryan Adams, Toots and the Maytals, and Ray Lamontagne.  

Hidden Gem Shows: 

There are a LOT of interesting, diverse, and locally- grown shows happening almost every night this week. Pick a few for your bouquet: 

• Check out Chicago-based Mungion at Gypsy Sally's on February 20. This band blends elements of many genres -- rock, jazz, Latin, bluegrass, metal, classical, world, funk -- into something original and new, yet inspired from what came before. 
• Classical Dance Music? Yes, it exists. To experience it for yourself, get to Reed Mathis and Electric Beethoven on February 21 at Gypsy Sally's. This music harkens back to the emotional realm that Beethoven was composing from over 200 years ago to make music of this moment. (While there, sneak through the backdoor and check out the incredible songwriting prowess of Jay Byrd at Vinyl Lounge.)
• Here's a cool show to catch: Reina Del Cid at Sotto on February 21. She has a devoted fan-base who loves her lyrical music and jam-band elements. See them now before they starts to hit the bigger venues. 
• Delicious distortion to melt your wintery heart. Three local bands -- FuzzQueen, Sam Cooper & the Sleepwalkers, and Social Station -- tear up the venerable Black Cat Backstage on February 22 with fuzz pedal, post-punk, sonic explorations. 
• Some of the most talented local musicians from bands like Better Off Dead, Splintered Sunlight, and the DC Mystery Cats honor the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Don't miss the Jerry Tripsters with the Black Muddy River Band  as they add a new modern day funk twist to your favorite Jerry Band tunes at Villain & Saint on February 24.  
• Math rock, innovation,  and the next generation of music? Why yes! Don't miss the Invalides/Zach B./nah. show at Tropicana on February 24. These three bands are the future of DC music. (And if you're feeling inspired after the show, get to Heavy Rotation with Phunked Up! to get your groove on at the Black Cat.)

Here are our recommendations for shows throughout the DMV.