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.
- Date:
- Feb 28, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
Suzanne Vega
with Justin Trawick
Suzanne Vega returns with a flourish. Almost every song is a gem, the lyrics thoughtful and melodies memorable.
- Date:
- Mar 2, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Mar 9, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Mar 16, 2013 • 7:30 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Mar 18, 2013 • 10:00 am ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Mar 21, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Mar 24, 2013 • 7:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
An Intimate Evening with Mika
A self-taught piano virtuoso, gymnastic vocalist and born entertainer, Mika has music in his bones.
- Date:
- Apr 10, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
- Date:
- Apr 18, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Apr 22, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Apr 23, 2013 • 9:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- May 1, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- May 8, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- May 16, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- May 18, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jun 6, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jun 8, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jun 9, 2013 • 7:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jun 10, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
Dana Leong Trio
Composer, cellist, and trombonist Dana Leong blends jazz, classical and pop to create a signature sound.
- Date:
- Jun 13, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
CANCELLED: Dan Croll
Liverpool musician Dan Croll balances digital and acoustic sounds to create a “genre that hasn’t got a name.”
- Date:
- Jun 16, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
Low
with Mike Doughty
Slow tempos, minimalist arrangements, and striking vocal harmonies create the Minnesota indie rock group’s distinctive sound.
- Date:
- Jun 17, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jun 29, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jul 6, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
Julia Holter
with Jessica Pratt
Singer, songwriter, and muliti-instrumentalist Holter performs indie-rock drawing comparisons to Joanna Newsom and Grouper.
- Date:
- Jul 11, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jul 13, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
Sligo Creek Stompers and Bumper Jacksons
The local favorites play a raucous but refined blend of traditional roots music.
- Date:
- Jul 20, 2013 • 7:30 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
The Oh Hellos
The Texas siblings blend and bend styles and genres into a unique mixture of eclectic folk rock.
- Date:
- Jul 21, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jul 25, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jul 31, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Aug 10, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Aug 20, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Aug 24, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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 +
- Date:
- Sep 11, 2013 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Feb 16, 2014 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Mar 3, 2014 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Apr 26, 2014 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Jul 13, 2014 • 8:00 pm ET
- Admission:
-
$12 in advance
$15 day of show
$20 poster package
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Sep 9, 2014 • 8:00 am ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Sep 20, 2014 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- May 6, 2015 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.
- Date:
- Nov 8, 2015 • 8:00 pm ET
- Category:
- Music
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.