The 9 Songwriter Series

Founded in 2008 by local singer-songwriter Justin Trawick, the series features nine emerging artists performing in rotation, and often joining together for a rich, intimate, and varied listening experience.

Suzanne Vega

with Justin Trawick

Suzanne Vega returns with a flourish. Almost every song is a gem, the lyrics thoughtful and melodies memorable.

Gretchen Parlato

Gretchen is a singer with a deep, almost magical connection to the music. She takes a lot of chances with her understated style, and it works.

Ted Alexandro

with Dave Siegel and Mike James

One of Time Out NY’s “funniest comedians working today” performs stand-up with a cool, collected delivery and intelligent perspective.

Sir James Galway Master Class

The living legend of the flute is regarded as both the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer whose appeal crosses all musical boundaries. Sir Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway lead a master class the day after their main stage recital at the Kennedy Center.

Pegi Young & The Survivors

with Jeanne Jolly

Singer-songwriter Pegi Young’s third release, ‘Bracing For Impact,’ spotlights Pegi’s beautifully spare and resonant vocals, world-weary and eloquent lyricism, and a hushed yet immediate emotional landscape.

Stephane Wrembel and His Band

with Benoit Pioulard

The gypsy jazz guitarist and composer has just begun to make his mark as one of the most original voices in contemporary music.

An Intimate Evening with Mika

A self-taught piano virtuoso, gymnastic vocalist and born entertainer, Mika has music in his bones.

An Evening with Rhye

Rhye is the product of two synced paths crossing at the right time and place.

DC College Radio Presents Deerhunter

with Jackson Scott and Mas Ysa

The Atlanta foursome describes their music style as “ambient punk,” though they also incorporate a wide range of genres, including noise rock, art rock, shoegaze, and post-punk, as well as significant pop elements.

An Evening with Jake Shimabukuro

In his young career, ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro has already redefined a heretofore under-the-radar instrument, dexterously playing jazz, rock, classical, traditional Hawaiian music, and folk all on a humble ukulele.

Mika Karni & Kol Dodi

The ensemble’s sound combines traditional Jewish melodies with African-ethnic rhythms to create a musical landscape of Israel, a place where cultures from around the globe come together.

The Church of Mars

Featuring Thirty Seconds to Mars' Jared and Shannon Leto and Tomo Milisevic

Come worship with the Church of MARS and bear witness to the alternative rock kingpins as they get ready for their next multi-year world tour.

The David Mayfield Parade

with Justin Trawick

With eclectic, cinematic songs that stir up images of the old West and urban cityscapes, the 12-track album Good Man Down feels like a game changer for a singer-songwriter, band leader, and GRAMMY-nominated producer.

Ute Lemper

The cabaret and jazz singer has been praised for her interpretations of Berlin cabaret songs, the works of Kurt Weill and Berthold Brecht, and the French chanson, as well as her portrayals on Broadway, in Paris, and in London’s West End.

Hot 8 Brass Band

Any incarnation of Hot 8 Brass Band will boast eight or nine players of the highest rate, bringing the passion and noise through a bevy of trombones, saxophones, trumpets, snare and bass drums.

Devendra Banhart and the Grogs

with Rodrigo

With his newest album Mala, the Venezuelan-American artist continues to surprise and delight an ever-increasing audience of fans and critics alike.

From Bagels to Bongos: Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

with special guests Steven Bernstein and Anat Cohen

The GRAMMY Award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO) , led by pianist, composer, and director Arturo O’Farrill, brings together sizzling big band jazz, the convergence of traditional Jewish music and Latin Jazz, and the virtuosity of eighteen accomplished musicians, with special guests Steven Bernstein and Anat Cohen.

The Heavy

with The Silent Comedy and The Skins

English neo-soul band The Heavy play a mix of guitar-heavy rock using funky horns and Curtis Mayfield-like vocals.

Dana Leong Trio

Composer, cellist, and trombonist Dana Leong blends jazz, classical and pop to create a signature sound.

CANCELLED: Dan Croll

Liverpool musician Dan Croll balances digital and acoustic sounds to create a “genre that hasn’t got a name.”

Low

with Mike Doughty

Slow tempos, minimalist arrangements, and striking vocal harmonies create the Minnesota indie rock group’s distinctive sound.

The 18th Street Singers

Defining the Times: American Music Through the Generations

Since 2004, the community choir has reenergized the vocal arts scene in DC, providing a home for talented young professionals who crave a new kind of musical experience.

The Polyphonic Spree

With Harper Simon

Since its founding in 2000 by band leader Tim DeLaughter, the two dozen-member band has had little trouble carving out its own niche. The Polyphonic Spree makes an uplifting blend of pop, orchestral rock, and even a bit of gospel.

Julia Holter

with Jessica Pratt

Singer, songwriter, and muliti-instrumentalist Holter performs indie-rock drawing comparisons to Joanna Newsom and Grouper.

CANCELED: The Sullivan and Son Comedy Tour

Featuring Steve Byrne, Ahmed Ahmed, Owen Benjamin and Roy Wood, Jr.

Based on the hit TBS comedy show of the same name, the Sullivan and Son Comedy Tour features Steve Byrne, Ahmed Ahmed, Owen Benjamin, and Roy Woods Jr.

Sligo Creek Stompers and Bumper Jacksons

The local favorites play a raucous but refined blend of traditional roots music.

The Oh Hellos

The Texas siblings blend and bend styles and genres into a unique mixture of eclectic folk rock.

Bombadil

with Samantha Crain

The four-piece folk-pop band known for their creative lyrics and quirky sound brings their energetic live show back to our Downstairs stage for the third time.

Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Dawn McCarthy

with The Murphy Beds

With his highly individualistic approach to music making and the music industry, Bonnie has captivated fans and as an influential and beloved songsmith.

Chris Eldridge (of Punch Brothers) & Julian Lage

The guitar duo of Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge is a collaborative effort founded in the roots of acoustic music, exploring the worlds of improvisation and composition.

Parachute

with special guests Matt Hires and Andrew Ripp

Mixing full-throttle rock with dollops of blue-eyed soul, vintage R&B and melodic pop radio anthems in-the-making, Parachute has arrived.

Luray

with Kindlewood

Shannon Carey, the woman behind Luray, is a banjo player, singer, and songwriter, but the music she’s created for her debut album, The Wilder, moves the banjo into uncharted territory.

Water Liars

with South Rail

This duo’s dark, lonely roots-minded indie rock is weighted with accumulated evidence from experience. Water Liars’ Andrew Bryant and Justin Kinkel-Schuster display a somber, personal, and often gritty take on More +

Twin Forks

with Matrimony and The Petticoat Tearoom

The quartet of music veterans performs folk-leaning songs with pop sensibilities and food-stomping hooks on our Downstairs stage.

Sam Amidon

Through the style of shape-note hymns and country ballads, the folk artist interprets traditional and contemporary songs on his newest album, Bright Sunny South.

holychild

with Finish Ticket and Swaai Boys

Based out of Los Angeles, holychild finds middle ground between pop and experimental music.

Humor Me: The Betches of Comedy

Presented by Betches Love This

The compassionate authoritarians behind the snark-filled BetchesLoveThis.com, present a stand-up showcase featuring comics who embody the essence of Betch culture.

Dan Croll

Liverpool native Dan Croll draws from a variety of influence to create a “genre that hasn’t got a name.”

Hey Marseilles with The Apache Relay

Hey Marseilles present their own brand of folk-pop, utilizing trumpet, viola, cello, accordion, and other classical instruments within a standard rock setup.

Diego Garcia

The former frontman of Elefant debuts his solo work with lush string arrangements, intricate Spanish guitars, and distinct Latin flavor.

Lee Camp

with special guest Brian Parise and Mike Stang (Hierosonic)

The activist and stand-up comedian returns with his one-man show “Moment of Clarity” to lend his unique insights into America’s most topical political issues.

Grant-Lee Phillips (Rescheduled)

The singer-songwriter known for his versatile voice, intense lyrical narratives, and dexterity on the acoustic twelve-string guitar performs songs from his newest album, Walking in the Green Corn.

Andy Statman Trio

Andy Statman is universally acknowledged as one of the world’s premier mandolin and clarinet players. He thinks of his compositions and performances as “spontaneous American-roots music and personal, prayerful Hasidic music, More +

Kevin Devine

with Now, Now

With a musical repertoire that spans from hushed finger-picked narratives to bombastic rockers, Kevin Devine is one of those rare talents who straddles a multitude of genres and feels equally at home in each.

The Three of Clubs Tour

Featuring American Authors, The Royal Concept, and Misterwives

Swedish rockers The Royal Concept joing forces with the laid-back American Authors for a night celebrating up-and-coming rock bands.

Lowland Hum and the Cowards Choir

The multi-sensory artistic collaboration began as North Carolina folk music and evolved into an entirely new live music experience featuring visual art, print, and even smells.

Grant-Lee Phillips

with Adrian Krygowski

Grant-Lee Phillips is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his versatile voice, intense lyrical narratives, and dexterity on the acoustic twelve-string guitar.

Upright Citizens Brigade

Touring Company (Early Show)

The acclaimed comedy troupe returns to our Downstairs stage for two original showcases of some of the nation’s best improv.

Upright Citizens Brigade

Touring Company (Late Show)

The acclaimed comedy troupe returns to our Downstairs stage for two original showcases of some of the nation’s best improv.

Jonathan Wilson

CANCELLED

Due to illness, this concert has been cancelled.

Justin Willman

with Bushwalla

A new breed of magician who’s making magic cool again for grown-ups, Justin Willman mixes the dark arts with irony.

Ski Lodge, The Belle Game & Starlight Girls

CANCELLED

Due to incelement weather, this concert has been cancelled.

Mark Mulcahy

with Luray

After a prolific career as lead singer for Miracle Legion and Polaris—the house band on The Adventures of Pete & Pete—Mark Mulcahy returns with his first solo album in eight years, Dear Mark J. Mulcahy, I Love You.

River City Extension

WRGW Spring Showcase with Paperhaus and Sun Cycle

The eight-member indie rock ensemble returns to our Downstairs stage with a retooled and expanded repertoire.

Bumper Jacksons

Album Release and Folk Percussion Show with Christylez Bacon & Steve Hickman

The local favorites perform a bold mix of traditional jazz and pre-war country with a modern DIY-style on our Downstairs stage.

Lo-Fang

with Kate Berlant

On our Downstairs stage, the multi-instrumentalist performs complex electronic pop sounds featured on his debut album, Blue Film.

Spring Breakin’

A Sixth & I Dance Party

Celebrate the end of the cold weather by heating up the social hall as DJ G Events spins Top 40 hits and some of your nostalgia favorites.

Sean Hayes

with Dear Creek

On our Downstairs stage, the singer-songwriter showcases his bluesy, soulful sound with deep-roots syncopation found on his seventh album, Before We Turn to Dust.

Todd Barry (Early Show)

with Bengt Washburn

The comedian and actor known for his decidedly low-key stage persona performs his nuanced, measured, and thoroughly original approach to stand-up.

Todd Barry (Late Show)

with Bengt Washburn

The comedian and actor known for his decidedly low-key stage persona performs his nuanced, measured, and thoroughly original approach to stand-up.

Keren Ann

with Bonzie

Singer-songwriter, composer, sound designer and producer Keren Ann Zeidel performs songs from throughout her illustrious career on our Downstairs stage.

Amen Dunes

with Amos Piper

On our Downstairs stage, Damon McMahon channels the folk, psychadelic, and soul sound explored on his newest album, Love.

Tom Goss

with The North Country

Named “Best Musician” by The Washington Blade two years running, the guitar-toting, power-pop musician performs songs from his newest album, Wait.

Sephardic Songs and Stories with Dan Saks

Dan Saks, the driving force behind the rock band DeLeon, transforms ancient Sephardic folk songs into a sound that is both brand new and centuries old.

Flashband

From Scratch

Flashband Showcases create semi-spontaneous, completely temporary bands who perform a one-night only showcase of totally original music.

Heather Maloney + Darlingside

After independently embarking on careers in the thriving Northampton, MA music scene and crossing paths along the way, singer-songwriter Heather Maloney and indie folk quartet Darlingside have teamed up for their first collaborative release.

Rodrigo Amarante

with Jenny O.

Rio de Janeiro-born Rodrigo Amarante de Castro, is a guitarist, occasional bassist, singer, and songwriter for the bands Los Hermanos, Orquestra Imperial and Little Joy

Bombadil

with WeatherVanes

The whimsical, chamber-pop-folk band from North Carolina returns to our Downstairs stage in support of the re-release of Tarpits and Canyonlands.

Carsie Blanton CD Release Show

with Milton

The young singer-songwriter known for her wit, insight, and melodic sensibility performs songs from her her third studio album, Idiot Heart.

Tall Heights and Parsonsfield (formerly Poor Old Shine)

The duo of Tim Harrington and Paul Wright create captivating vocal harmonies driven by a folk-inspired accompaniment of cello and acoustic guitar.

The Sharp Things

CANCELED

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this show has been canceled.

Ronna & Beverly

with special guest Bishop Gene Robinson

Comedians Jamie Denbo and Jessica Chaffin bring their alter egos, fifty-something Jewish mothers Ronna and Beverly, to our Downstairs stage for a live-taping of their self-titled, acclaimed comedy podcast.

Who Needs a Pulse

CANCELED

The DC-based duo formerly known as “Mike and Cody” brings its danceable pop electronic sound to our Downstairs stage.

Back to School Comedy Featuring Louis Katz

with Mike Finazzo and Grant Gordon

Deftly combining high and lowbrow humor, Katz headlines an evening of class act comedy featuring emerging stand-up comedians on our Downstairs stage.

The Barr Brothers

with Leif Vollebekk

The folk quartet out of Montreal produces meditative and explosive folk laced with West African influences on its debut album, Sleeping Operator.

Ellis Paul

with Luke Brindley

Over the course of 15 years, the singer-songwriter has built a vast catalog of music that weds striking poetic imagery and philosophical introspection with hook-laden melodies.

Erin McKeown

with Maryleigh Roohan

The eclectic multi-instrumentalist known for her effortless ability to bridge genres brings her compelling and energy-packed performance style to our Downstairs stage.

Nick Thune

featuring Ben Kronberg and Kate Berlant

The comedian’s VERY TOUR! MUCH COMEDY! comes to our Downstairs stage with special guests Ben Kronberg and Kate Berlant.

Rodrigo Amarante

with Big Search

The Brazilian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist sings his stripped-down and tender songs to our Downstairs stage.

Lowland Hum

with Laura Tsaggaris

On our Downstairs stage, the North Carolina-based songwriting duo intertwines folk, indie-rock, and Americana as a foundation for their entrancing vocal harmonies.

The Ballroom Thieves

with Tomás Pagán Motta

On our Downstairs stage, the Boston-based folk outfit performs its impassioned brand of folk music that combines deft instrumentation with expressive lyricism.

Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge

CANCELED

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the concert with Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge has been canceled.

The Brothers Landreth

with Roof Beams

The Canadian roots-rock band performs songs from its debut album Let It Lie, a project that took 27 years to complete.

R.Ring (Mike Montgomery and Kelley Deal of The Breeders)

with Taylor Batton

R.Ring is a bare bones indie rock group founded by Kelley Deal and Mike Montgomery.

An Evening with Jen Kirkman

The “fiendishly smart” stand-up comedian and author of the bestselling book I Can Barely Take Care of Myself brings her witty observations to our Downstairs stage.

CANCELED: Luray and Fellow Creatures

Luray and Fellow Creatures come together for an eclectic performance.

Kat Edmonson

with Milton

A stunningly sweet singer with a uniquely expressive voice, Kat Edmonson’s music has a timeless sound. The Big Picture builds upon her previous works, but offers even more of her writing and more still of Kat’s unique sound.

David Mayfield and Sean McConnell

Charismatic bluegrass performer and powerful songwriter David Mayfield joins forces with self-proclaimed “Lyric-driven Roots Rock with Soul” performer, Sean McConnell.

Bulletproof Stockings

All-girl alternative-rock band Bulletproof Stockings is at the helm of creating the coolest (and only) ladies-only rock concert in town. The Brooklyn-based girl group brings an eclectic blend of rock, blues, classical influences, and a bit of Chasidic flair to our stage.

Brooke Waggoner and The Cowards Choir

Waggoner, the Nashville-Based singer-songwriter, brings her whimsical pop sound to our Downstairs stage with local pop-rock performance group, The Cowards Choir.

Zuli

with Sean Croft

Zuli’s off-kilter debut EP, Supernatural Voodoo, is an exploration in psych pop. Performing every instrument and conceptualizing each sound on the record himself, he found clarity in isolation.

Distant Cousins

with Jonny Grave

The Los Angeles-based band brings their vibrant folk-pop sound to our Downstairs stage.

Kyle Morton (from Typhoon)

with Allen Tate

This event will take place in our Downstairs venue with mostly standing room. For those who require seating, please call 202.408.3100 in advance. Kyle Morton, lead singer and songwriter from More +

Kevin Garrett: The False Hope Tour

with A R I Z O N A

Known for poignant out-of-love songs that combine a reverence for classic soul with modern electronics and traditional instrumentation, the Brooklyn-based, Pittsburgh- born singer-songwriter released his debut EP Mellow Drama to wide praise. Garrett co-wrote and co-produced the critically acclaimed song “Pray You Catch Me” from Beyoncé’s sixth studio album, Lemonade.

Joe Mande

with Matty Litwack

Joe Mande is one of the most exciting comedians working today. He is currently writing for The Good Place on NBC. Other writing credits include Parks & Recreation, Masters of None, and The Kroll Show. He recurs as “Ben” on Modern Family and has also guest starred on Love and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Erin McKeown

with The Cabin Project

The renowned multi-instrumentalist and folk-rock singer-songwriter is known for breaking stylistic boundaries with her brash and clever electric guitar and unique voice. Her music blends elements of pop, swing, rock, folk, and electronic music, as well as many other genres.

Mark Mulcahy

with The Caribbean

Mulcahy performs as part of his first solo tour in three years. The show will showcase Mulcahy’s most recent album, The Possum in the Driveway, as well as songs from his entire catalogue.

6th Street Minyan: Renewal Shabbat

Connect spiritually through prayer and music at this reflective Jewish Renewal-style service led by musician Aaron Shneyer.

Interfaith Couples Shabbat: Dinner and Conversation

Over dinner and conversation led by Rabbi Aaron, connect over the big and small questions of what it takes to make an interfaith relationship work, from faith and family to holidays and identity.