This is my list of upcoming shows that interest me, with the caveat that my taste in music is, well, eclectic. In addition, while some of this music interests me because I have seen it before and know that I want to see it again, other things may have been recommended by friends or simply caught my fancy given my mood at the time. I try to update this frequently enough that it is actually useful and I try to include whatever info I have. I also try to get it from reliable sources, but no source is perfect. And, I myself am capable of mistakes. Therefore, it may be worth a check with the venue before planning your life around what you see here. Also check back here closer to the show, as I do go back and correct entries if I learn that they are wrong. Got comments or reactions? Shows I should add? Write to karokaro AT verizon DOT net.
Want to know what I really see
October 16 Wednesday: John Scofield Trio plays Keystone Korner. John Scofield is a jazz guitarist and composer. The other members of the trio are Vincente Archer on bass and Bill Stewart on drums. Show is at 7. Tickets are $55 to $65 plus fees. Keystone Corner is located at 1350 Lancaster Street in Baltimore.
October 16 Wednesday: Ana Popovic plays Hamilton Live. Ana Popovic plays blues rock guitar and sings. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $20 for standing, $40 for seated, and $60 for better seats.
October 16 Wednesday: Drive-By Truckers play The Warner. Drive-By Truckers are a rock band with Southern routes and will be visiting their album Southern Rock Opera. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets run from $53.50 up through $93 and more.
October 16 Wednesday: Parker Millsap plays Pearl Street Warehouse with Nat Myers plays resonator guitar. Parker Millsap plays a blend of blues, country, rock, Americana, and folk music. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $40 for seated. This is an all ages show.
October 17 Thursday: Chuck Johnson plays Rhizome with Amadou Kouyate. Chuck Johnson explores themes of time, memory, and illusion through his unique blend of pedal steel, synths, organs, strings, and drums. Amadou Kouyate is a dynamic djembe and koutiro drummer. He also plays the 21-string kora, which he learned first with his father, Djimo Kouyate and other master Diali -- oral historians/musicians -- of Manding tradition in West Africa. Show is at 7. Admission is $20-$25.
October 18 Friday: Deanna Bogart plays Collective Encore. Deanna Bogart is recognized for her dazzling keyboards, soulful saxophone, smoky vocals, and cut-above songwriting. Collective Encore is located at 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia, Maryland. Show is at 8. Tickets are $25.
October 18 Friday: Pearl and the Oysters play Comet Ping Pong with Klark Sound. Pearl and the Oysters play music inspired by 70s jazz and 90s space age pop. For klark, making music is an exploration, constantly searching for something outside of the body and mind. Show is at 10. Tickets are $24.72 with fees.
October 18 Friday: Black Masala plays Death Punch with Bongo District. Black Masala is a high energy brass band. Bongo District plays Latin, funk and reggae music. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $21.18 with all fees.
October 18 Friday: Afrocuban Allstars play Strathmore. Afro-Cuban All Stars play a mix of all the styles of Cuban music, including bolero, chachachá, salsa, son montuno, timba, guajira, danzón, rumba and abakua. Show is at 8. Tickets are $28 to $78.
October 18 Friday: Magic Beans play Pearl Street Warehouse with Airshow. Magic Beans are a jam band that incorporates elements of funk, R&B, rock, soul and even some country. Airshow is a jam band. Show is at 8. Tickets are $21 to $31.
October 19 Saturday: Gong plays Orion Sound with Janel and Anthony. Gong is a psychedelic rock band that incorporates elements of jazz and space rock. Current membership of Gong is Kavus Torabi, Fabio Golfetti, Ian East, Dave Sturt and Cheb Nettles. Janel and Anthony play music that draws from classical, experimental, jazz, rock and electronic traditions Tickets are $44.52 and are available from Eventbrite.
October 19 Saturday: Donna the Buffalo plays Hamilton Live. Donna the Buffalo combines rock, zydeco and country. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7. Tickets are $20 for standing, and $5 for seated.
October 19 Saturday: Yam Yam plays Pearl Street Warehouse with Muscle Tough. Yam Yam combines 1970s soul music, New Orleans roots of jazz music, and modern/vintage funk and jam music. Muscle Tough is a futuristic funk fusion trio. Show is at 8. Tickets are $18 to $28.
October 19 Saturday: Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn play the Gordon Center. Bela Fleck is a fifteen-time Grammy Award winner who has taken the instrument across multiple genres, and Abigail Washburn a singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player who re-radicalized it by combining it with Far East culture and sounds. Show is at 8. Tickets are not yet on sale for mere mortals. The Gordon Center is located at 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue Owings Mills, Maryland.
October 19 Saturday: Louisiana Roadhouse Saturday Night at Cheverly American Legion Post 108 with Lynn August on zydeco accordionist and pianist, Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers, Mark Wenner's Blues Warriors, Daryl Davis and Seth Kibel. Tickets are $30 in advance and at the door. Doors and dinner at 6:30. Show at 7:30.
October 19 Saturday: Shemekia Copeland plays Rams Head On Stage. Shemekia sings the blues and soul. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $37.50.
October 20 Sunday: A Shrewdness of Apes play The Pocket with Chay Vicious and The People Psychologic. A Shrewdness of Apes plays progressive rock. Chay Vicious plays hard rock. The People Psychologic play funk, rock and jazz. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day of show.
October 20 Sunday: Jason Robinson's Janus Ensemble plays Tonal Park Studios (Allyworld). The Janus Ensemble is Jason Robinson on tenor & soprano saxophones and alto flute; Michael Dessen on trombone; Joshua White on piano; John Hébert on bass; and Ches Smith on drums. Their music "thrives in the fertile overlaps between improvisation and composition, acoustic music and electronics, tradition and experimentalism." Show is 7 to 9. Tickets are $25, or $28.52 with fees.
October 20 Sunday: Nathan Bowles Trio plays Rhizome with Ro Lundberg and Raven Bauer Durham. Nathan Bowles Trio plays spark-throwing, undulating fusion of styles played (mainly) on banjo, upright bass and drums. Ro Lundberg plays experimental music. Raven Bauer Durham is an experimental guitar-based performer from Virginia, incorporating electric and acoustic ambient textures, voice, and song layers. Show is at 7. Admission is $15 to $25.
October 20 Sunday: Obie Feldi & M.C. Schmidt play Fadensonnen. Show is 8 to 10 and is free. Fadensonnen is located at 3 West 23d Street in Baltimore.
October 20 Sunday: Opeth plays The Warner. Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal band. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. Tickets starts at $64.50 but you can pay more.
October 20 Sunday: Dave Chappell Trio plays Hank Dietle's. Dave Chappell plays guitar. Show is 2 to 4:30. Suggested donation is $10.
October 21 Monday: Acid Mothers Temple plays Metro Baltimore with Spirit Mother. Acid Mothers Temple is a Japanese psych rock band. Spirit Mother plays folk-influenced psych rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Admission is $20.
October 21 Monday: Nick Lowe plays The Atlantis with Los Straightjackets Nick Lowe is a singer songwriter. Los Straitjackets play instrumental surf. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $45.
October 22 Tuesday: BEAM SPLITTER plays The Redroom with Mil Phinton. The Opening act is a local trio of the electronic sounds of Dan DeLuca blending with Taylor Washington on violin and Corey Thuro on saxophone. BEAM SPLITTER is a duo for amplified voice, trombone & analog electronics. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. Admission on a sliding scale of $10 to $20. The Red Room is located at 425 E 31st Street in Baltimore.
October 23 Wednesday: BEAM SPLITTER plays Rhizome with Mil Phinton. BEAM SPLITTER is a duo for amplified voice, trombone & analog electronics. Mil Phinton Mil has been working as an improvising singer in groups, orchestras and situations, in various locations worldwide. Show is at 7. Tickets are $15 to $25.
October 23 Wednesday: Iguana Death Cult plays Quarry House with Gerf and Fantazma. Iguana Death Cult is a Dutch band that makes garage rock filled with punchy lyricism and rugged instrumentals, which span desert, surf and soul. Gerf plays garage indie surf punk. Show is at 8:30. Admission is $15, or $19.84 with fees.
October 24 Thursday: Christylez Bacon and Mike Block play together at the Mansion at Strathmore. Christylez Bacon is a Grammy-nominated rapper and multi-instrumentalist. Mike Block is a Grammy-winning cellist, singer, and composer. 7:30 Tickets available to the general public July 26. They are $32 through July 1 and $38 afterwards.
October 24 Thursday: Bassmasters play Quarry House with Electric Grandmother and Wave Generators. Bassmasters is a synth punk duo. Electric Grandmother plays humorous, surreal, post-modern music. Show is at 8:30. Tickets are $15/$19.84.
October 25 Friday: Loboko plays Hill Country. Loboko is a new guitar-driven Congolese dance band created in New York City. Show is 7 to 9. Tickets are $20.
October 26 Saturday: Only Lonesome plays Hank Dietle's. Only Lonesome plays propulsive, tough-minded, urban bluegrass. Show is 5 to 7:30. Suggested donation is $10.
October 26 Saturday: Crank Lukongo plays the pavilion of the National Museum og African Art with Dior Ashley Brown and the Filthy Animals. Crank Lukongo combines the rhythmic foundation of Go-Go with elements of soul, jazz, reggae, blues, rock, Afrobeat, folk, and hip-hop. Dior Ashley Brown has been dubbed the “Hip-Hop Polymath” by The Washington Post. Show is 7 to 10 and is free. The National Museum of African Art is located at 950 Independence Avenue in Southwest DC.
October 26 Saturday: JD Simo and Luther Dickinson play Rams Head On Stage. Luther Dickinson and JD Simo join forces in a trailblazing collaboration. Doors open at noon, show is at 1. Tickets are $45. This is an all ages show.
October 27 Sunday: Susan Alcorn & Dave Heumann at Fadensonnen. Susan Alcorn plays pedal steel guitar in nontraditional ways. Dave Heumann plays guitar and is a singer, songwriter and composer. Show is at 8 to 10 and is free. Fadensonnen is located at 3 West 23d Street in Baltimore.
October 27 Sunday: House of Hamill plays Hill Center DC. House of Hamill plays "Upcycled Celtic Folk." Show is 4:30 to 6. Tickets are $20.
October 27 Sunday: Magical Mystery Girls plays Earp's Ordinary. The Magical Mystery Girls perform popular songs from The Beatles' catalog as well as many songs that are seldom performed live. Doors open at 4, show is 7. Tickets are $15 to $25.
October 27 Sunday: Pokey LaFarge plays The Atlantis With The Tailspins Pokey LaFarge plays roots music. The Tailspins play pre-war jazz & jump Blues Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $30.
October 31 Thursday: Uz Jsme Doma plays Ottobar with Consumer Culture and Severed Satellites.. Uz Jsme Doma is a Czech progressive rock band. Consumer Culture plays punk. Severed Satellites contain members from a slew of other bands and play heavy, instrumental, sometimes bluesy, sometimes doomy, sometimes psych, and sometimes straight ahead stoner rock. Doors open at 8, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day of show.
October 31 Thursday: Rhizome presents Nosferatu outside with live improvised music by Novparolo. Doors open at 7, movie is at 7:30. Free but contributions are welcome.
October 31 Thursday: The B-52's play Anthem. B-52's are a new wave band from back when people had new wave bands. Doors open at 6:30 Tickets $95 to $175.
November 1 Friday: ilyAIMY plays New Deal Cafe. ilyAIMY plays folk rock. Show is 7 to 10.
November 1 Friday: Crack the Sky plays Rams Head On Stage Crack the Sky plays progressive rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $39.50. This is a 21+ show.
November 2 Saturday: Electronica Fest at National Electronics Museum. Artists include Beau Finley, Chaka Benson, Chris Videll, Dave Vosh, Formal Process, Jeff Brown, Ken Moore, Kevsab, Nov Parolo (Winston Psmith and Bev Stanton), Spooky Action, Synth-Tech Project and TLO741. The fest runs from noon to 9.Admission is $10. The National Electronics Museum is located at 338 Clubhouse Road in Hunt Valley.
November 2 Saturday: New Mastersounds plays Hamilton Live. New Mastersounds
play funk, soul and jazz. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $40 for seated general admission.November 2 Saturday: Greasy Hands Pig Roast at the Patio Stage at Stages Music Arts. Bands include Greasy Hands, Muscle Tough and others. Muscle Tough is a futuristic funk fusion trio. Greasy Hands is a Baltimore based prog-funk-metal-jam band. Doors open at 2. Event goes from 3 to midnight. Stages Music Arts is located at 10 Stenersen Lane in Cockeysville, Maryland.
November 2 Saturday: Arbouretum plays The Ottobar with Katrina Ford with guest Herald. Arbouretum play alt rock. Katrina Ford is an indie rock singer. Herald is a one-man-and-a-briefcase band with darkly poetic lyrics set against some crazy synth beats. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $17.69 including fees.
November 2 Saturday: Melody Trucks with the Fitzkee Brothers play the 8X10 with Gordon Sterling and the People. Both bands are primarily jam bands. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $20.19.
November 2 Saturday: Crack the Sky plays Rams Head On Stage Crack the Sky plays progressive rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $39.50. This is a 21+ show.
November 3 Sunday: Crack the Sky plays Rams Head On Stage Crack the Sky plays progressive rock. Doors open at noon, show is at 1. Tickets are $39.50. This is an all ages show.
November 3 Sunday: Daryl Davis and Seth Kibel will celebrate music produced by highly influential labels run by Jewish Producers at Cafritz Hall. Show starts at 11:30 AM. (Yes, AM) Cafritz hall is located at 1529 16th Street in Northwest DC.
November 5 Tuesday (Election Day): Lafayette Gilchrist plays solo piano at Blues Alley. Lafayette Gilchrist is a jazz pianist and composer. Shows are at 7 and 9:30. Admission is $30 plus a $7 fee.
November 6 Wednesday: Cory Wong with guest guitarist Mark Lettieri at The Anthem with Couch. Cory Wong is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer in many genres. Couch is an instrumental post-rock band. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $49.50 to $75.
November 8 Friday: Six Organs of Admittance plays The Pie Shop with Tashi Dorji. Six Organs of Admittance is Ben Chasny on guitar and drones, chimes, and eclectic percussive elements. Tashi Dorji is a Bhutanese guitarist and improvisational musician known for his avant-garde and experimental approach to music. Doors open at 7:30. Admission is $20. This is an all ages show. Pie Shop is located at 1339 H Street in Northeast DC.
November 8 Friday: King Buffalo plays The Atlantis with Ben Katzman's Degreaser. King Buffalo plays heavy psych. Ben Katzman's Degreaser plays hard rock. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $22.
November 8 Friday: Moors and McCumber play Hill Center DC. Moors and McCumber play Americana. Show is 7 to 8:30. Tickets are $20.
November 9 Saturday: RE(space) plays Jack Wright & Ben Bennett and Peter Redgrave. RE(space) aims to create site specific live multimedia installations through their synergy exploring sonic, physical, poetic, and visual narrative/non-narrative excursions. Jack Wright and Ben Bennett play free jazz. Peter Redgrave works with movement, musical instruments, and scores. Show is at 7. Admission is $15 to $25.
November 10 Sunday: Amigo the Devil plays the 9:30 Club with TK and the Holy Know-Nothings and Rattlesnake Milk. Amigo the Devil plays dark folk. TK and the Know-Nothings say they play psychedelic doom boogie. Rattlesnake Milk plays country. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $27.50.
November 11 Monday: Makoto Kawabata of Acid Mothers Temple, Tim Dahl of Lydia Lunch, Bashi Rose and more TBA play The Ottobar. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $22.83 with all fees. This is an all ages show.
November 12 Tuesday: Davy Knowles plays Elkton Music Hall. Davy Knowles plays blues and rock guitar. Show is at 7. Tickets are $32.
November 12-13 Tuesday and Wednesday: Goose plays Anthem. Goose is a jam band. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $56, or $96 if you want a chair.
November 14 Thursday: Tokyo Police Club brings their final tour to The Howard with Born Ruffians. Both bands play indie rock. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $35 for general admission, and go up to $55. This is an all ages show.
November 14 Thursday: La Santa Cecilia plays The State Theatre. La Santa Cecilia incorporates Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 day of show.
November 15 Friday: Animals as Leaders play The Fillmore with Plini. Animals as Leaders are an instrumental progressive metal band. They will play their album Joy of Motion X in its entirety at each show. Show is at 8. Tickets are $48 for general admission standing. Balcony $118 to $177. This is an all ages show.
November 15 Friday: Lez Zeppelin plays Rams Head On Stage. Lez Zeppelin is an all female Led Zeppelin tribute band. Doors open on 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $39.50. This is a 21+ show.
November 16 Saturday: Lez Zeppelin plays The State Theatre. Lez Zeppelin is an all woman Led Zeppelin tribute band. Doors open at 7, show is at 8:30. Tickets are $30 in advance, $34 day of show.
November 16 Saturday: Joe Russo's Almost Dead (JRAD) plays The Anthem. Joe Russo's Almost Dead is a Grateful Dead cover band and in my view the best of them. Tickets are $49.50 to $75.
November 19 Tuesday: Godspeed You! Black Emperor plays the 9:30 Club with Alan Sparhawk. Godspeed You! Black Emperor plays post rock. Alan Sparhawk was half of the band Low. Doors open at 7, admission is $40.
November 21 Thursday: A Shrewdness of Apes plays Earp's Ordinary with Wanted Man, Czonka and Betamax. A Shrewdness of Apes plays progressive rock. Wanted Man plays surf rock and experimental sounds. Czonka plays instrumental art punk. Doors open at 4, show is at 8. Admission is $15.
November 21 Thursday: Adam O'Farrill plays Stranger Days at Rhizome with Sarah Hughes and Steve Arnold. Adam O'Farrill is a trumpet player and composer. Sarah Hughes plays alto saxophone and also doubles on the soprano saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Stephen Arnold is a bassist, composer, producer, and arranger. Show is at 7. Tickets are $20 to $25.
November 21 and 22 Thursday and Friday: Bill Frisell Trio plays Blues Alley. In addition to jazz guitarist Bill Frisell the trio has Thomas Morgan on bass and Cris Jacobs plays The Atlantis. Cris Jacob is a singer songwriter and guitarist. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $28.
November 22 Friday: Fitzkee Brothers play Earp's Ordinary with the Wharf Rats. Fitzkee Brothers Music is a group of acoustic and electric musical groups who perform live classic rock and alternative contemporary music and their own music. Wharf Rats play music from the Grateful dead and other jam bands. Show is 8 to 11.
November 23 Saturday: Fitzkee Brothers play Hub City Vinyl with the Wharf Rats. Fitzkee Brothers Music is a group of acoustic and electric musical groups who perform live classic rock and alternative contemporary music and their own music. Wharf Rats play music from the Grateful dead and other jam bands. Doors open at 7, show is 8 to 11. Tickets are $23.18 including fees.
November 28 Thursday AKA Thanksgiving: Dead Bob plays Ottobar with Lung and Burger Monday. Dead Bob is the solo incarnation of John Wright, drummer from the long time and apparently legendary but now retired punk rock band No Means No. Lung is an art-punk cello-rock duo. Burger Monday is a drum and bass duo with the bass player on vocals. Show is at 7. Tickets are $23.59.
November 29 Friday: Gordon Sterling and the People play Hamilton Live with Ron Holloway Band. Gordon Sterling and The People us a jam rock and soul ensemble. Ron Holloway Band is a 6-piece saxy funk machine. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $25 for standing and $30 for seated.
November 29 Friday: The Nighthawks play The State Theatre with Soul Crackers. The Nighthawks play blues and roots rock. Soul Cracker's music encompasses Memphis & Motown soul. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show.
November 30 Saturday: Chopteeth plays Pearl Street Warehouse. Chopteeth play Afrofunk and world music. Show is at 8. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $35 for seated.
November 30 Sunday: Crack the Sky plays Hub City Vinyl Crack the Sky plays progressive rock. Doors open at 7, show is 8 to 10:30. Tickets are $45.
December 5 Thursday: Los Lobos plays Rams Head On Stage. Los Lobos is a Mexican-American rock band. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7:30. Tickets are $95.
December 5 Thursday: This show is sold out Hot Tuna Acoustic plays the Birchmere. Hot Tuna Acoustic is Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. Show is at 7:30. Tickets are $69.50.
December 6 Friday: Dirty Grass Players play The Recher. Dirty Grass Players play bluegrass. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $27.95.
December 6 and 7 Friday and Saturday: Dogs in a Pile play 8X10 with Uncle Kunkel's One Gram Band. Dogs in a Pile plays funk rock. As does Uncle Kunkels One Gram Band. Show is at 7. Single shows are $27.56. A two show ticket is $53.05.
December 8 Sunday: Moon Hooch plays The Atlantis with Cofresi. Moon Hooch plays music with two saxophones and a drummer. Cofresi creates a provocative sound by fusing elements of bass music, dance music, worldly trap, soul, DnB, and a little nostalgia here and there. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $25.
December 8 Sunday: The trio of Hans Koch, Florian Stoffner and Sam Pluta play the Red Room with local luminaries Liz Meredith on viola, Simone Baron on accordion and Sam Burt on bass clarinet. Doors open at 8, show is at 8:30. The Red Room is located at Normals Books and Records, 425 E 31st Street, Baltimore.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong play three shows: Thursday December 12 at The Atlantis with no opening act, Friday December 13 at 9:30 Club with Kendall Street Company and Saturday December 14 at 9:30 Club with Underground Springhouse. All three bands are jam bands. The only way to get into the show at The Atlantis is to buy a three night ticket for $95. Doors for the show at the Atlantis open at 6:30. Tickets for the 9:30 Club shows are $35 and the doors open at 7.
December 13 Friday: Wicked Sycamore plays Hub City Vinyl with The High and Wides. Wicked Sycamores play contemporary folk grounded in traditional roots music but branch out into Americana, bluegrass, funk, and jazz. The High and Wides play bluegrass. Hub City Vinyl is located at 28 East Baltimore Street in Hagerstown, Maryland. (301) 800-9390.
December 15 Sunday: The Jesus Lizard plays the Black Cat. The Jesus Lizard plays rock. A show December 14 already sold out, so if you want to go, get them while they are hot. Doors are at 5:30. Tickets are $40.
December 27 Friday: David Wax Museum plays Hamilton Live David Wax Museum’s eclectic and exuberant sound blends the ancient and ever-relevant rhythms of traditional Mexican music with amber pop hues and unabashed rock riffs, all tethered together by seductive harmonies. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 for standing, $25 for seated and $35 for better seats.
December 28 Saturday: Kitchen Dwellers play Union Craft Brewing with Fireside Collective. Kitchen Dwellers play folk-infused bluegrass spiked with psychedelic vision and rock energy. Fireside Collective plays progressive bluegrass. Doors open at 7, show is at 8. Tickets are $30.69 with all fees from the Ottobar web site. This is a 21+ show.
December 30-31 Monday and Tuesday: Yonder Mountain String Band plays Hamilton Live. Yonder Mountain String Band plays progressive bluegrass. The Monday show doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $35 for standing, $50 for seated. The New Year's show doors open at 7:30 and the show is at 9. (Note that the web site is not fully consistent on that). Tickets for the New Year's show are $50 for standing, and $70 for standing. One hopes you at least get a glass of champagne for that.
February 5 Wednesday: Dustbowl Revival plays Hamilton Live. Dustbowl Revival is an American roots orchestra. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $15 for standing, $20 for seated.
February 6 Thursday Dustbowl Revival plays Elkton Music Hall with special guest ZG Smith. Dustbowl Revival is an American roots orchestra. ZG Smith is an indie folk singer and songwriter. Show is at 8. Tickets are $32.
February 15 Saturday: Scythian plays Weinberg Center. Scythian is an Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, world group. Show is at 8. Standard tickets are $35, $30, and $25. A variety of discounts are also available.
February 20 Thursday: The Warren Wolf/Allyn Johnson Experience plays at New Spire Arts which is related to the Weinberg Center. Warren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist including vibraphone. Allyn Johnson is a jazz pianist. Show is at 7:30. Standard price ticket is $20.
January 22 Friday: Chuck Prophet and Cumbia Shoes play Hamilton Live. Charles William Prophet is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer who has become a big fan of Cumbia. Doors open at 6, show is at 8. Tickets are $15, $25 for seated, $35 to sit on the dance floor, which seems not to be quite the spirit of Cumbia.
March 25 Tuesday: Sona Jobarteh plays the Music Center at Strathmore. Sona Jobarteh was born into a Griot family from the Gambia, a tradition that dates back seven centuries and is the first female within this tradition to become a professional virtuoso on the Kora. Show is at 8. Tickets are $28 to $68.
Allyworld is located in Tonal Park, which is primarily a music production studio. It is a small seated venue with a relatively low stage. Sound was good (as one would hope considering the location). When I was first there the band had brought beer and wine, but I have not seen that since. Tonal Park is located at 7014C Westmoreland Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland. It is not well signed.
After years of seemingly having no idea what to do with AMP by Strathmore, Strathmore has dropped the lease for it and it has been, or will be, completed closed.
An Die Musik is a classical, jazz and world music venue. Located on the second floor of a classical music record store, it seats 100 or so in comfy chairs that would appear to have been obtained from the remodeling of a nice, but rather stodgy hotel. A small bar serves beer, wine, juice and water at reasonable prices. An Die Musikis located at 409 North Charles Street, Second Floor, in Baltimore, Maryland 410-385-2638.
The Anthem is a gigantic venue on the Wharf in Southwest DC. It is a short persons dream as there are tons of places where you can see everything on stage. Plenty of bars. And water is available at the bars or from water fountains/refill stations around the venue. They also have a Vigilante coffee stand on the second floor. Food, on the other hand, was more trouble than it was worth, at least when I tried it. The process of getting people into the venue also needs to be ironed out, but they are new. The Anthem is a cash free venue - you need some form of plastic for everything but merch. Finally, parking can be difficult depending on what is going on and much of it is rather expensive. Ticketing is now being handled by TicketMaster.
Atlas Brewing is a brewery. As such it is a big cavernous building with a bar some tables, some more tables outside, and a brewing area. The beer is great. As for food, sometimes there are tacos, and you can bring your own or order food delivered. Shows are in the brewing area, which means even less temperature control than in the rest of the building. Atlas Brewing is located at 2052 West Virginia Avenue in Northeast DC.
Atlas Performing Arts Center is an arts center located in the Atlas District in Northeast DC. It has multiple theaters - The Lang Theater, which holds 262 people, the Sprenger Theater, which holds between 100 and 280 people, depending on how it is set up, Lab Theater I which holds 40 to 80 people, and Lab Theater II, which holds 60 to 90 people. Atlas Performing Arts Center is located at 1333 H Street in Northeast DC.
The Baltimore Soundstage is a fair size venue near Power Plant Live. Actual amount of the space used varies per show, but it can apparently hold up to 1,000 for an all standing show. Seating also varies, with most shows having some seating available on a first come, first service basis. Other shows are seated only, limiting capacity to 500. Some are standing only. They have a decent beer selection, and food in baskets. The box office is open 1 hour before doors for any show and has normal box office hours. Sunday and Monday closed unless there is a show or event Wednesdays 9am to 5 pm Thursday-Saturday noon-5pm Phone Orders 410-244-0057 same as box office hours. Online tickets come from TicketMaster. Garage over top of the venue (get ticket validated for rebate). Can also use Pier V, which is usually cheaper. (Need validation for that one also). Baltimore Sound Stage is located at 124 Market Place in Baltimore.
Bethesda Theater used to be Bethesda Cinema and Drafthouse. There is seating for 300 in the two level dining area and for 200 more in the theatre seats in back. There is a also a bar in lobby but it has no view of the stage. For dance shows they take out the lower half the dining space and make it a dance floor. Sometimes tickets are for reserved seats and sometimes not. Tickets are from Instant Seats. The theater seats are always preassigned. There is a $10 minimum in the dining area. They "suggest business casual." There is a 340-car public parking garage right around the corner on Cheltenham Drive. Parking is $0.80/hr. Bethesda Theater is located at 7719 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland. 240-330-4500.
The Birchmere is the latest and largest incarnation of the same club that has been with us for years. Most shows are in the concert hall, but some are in the bandstand, which has a dance floor, but less seating. Most recently, they have started using the "Flex Stage" in the bandstand. It is at the far end of the hall and there is no seating at all. Food is served in the Music Hall, or was the night I was there. The Club has strict rules about being seated and quiet during concert hall shows and enforces them. The rules are slacker in the bandstand, which is also available if you need to talk or smoke during a show in the concert hall. It is adviseable to get there before the concert hall doors open in order to get the best seats, especially if you have a group that wants to sit together. The Birchmere opens at 5, the doors to the concert hall open at 6 and most shows start at 7:30. Food is passable bar food, but steep, and the beer selection is good. Tickets are available through TicketMaster, or with a $3 service charge from the box office, which is open from 5 to 9 on show nights. The Birchmere is located at 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. 703-549-7500.
The Black Cat gets rated the place in DC that the bands most like to play and the good vibes hang over for the audience. A very easy venue to get along with. Historically shows have started late, but they have recently announced that they will be scheduling shows earlier during the week, so people can make it to the subway before it closes. On Fridays and Saturdays, however, they do not close until 3. The new location has a concert hall upstairs, and a smaller performance space and a cafe with decent food downstairs. The smaller performance space, the Backstage, has woefully inadequate air conditioning. The Black Cat is located at 1811 14th Street NW. 202-667-7960. Tickets available from FreshTix through the Black Cat web site, or without service charge from the box office, which is open from 8 to midnight. The Black Cat says that it is an all ages venue, but it actually requires parental permission for anyone under 18.
Black Rock Center for the Arts is an arts center with a nice little theatre in which they have music and other performances. I would say it holds about 220 people. They sell beer and wine. Black Rock Arts Center is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown, Maryland. 301-528-2260.
Blues Alley is doing live shows again, but it is not clear for how long. It is a small jazz club in Georgetown. Capacity is about 125. Georgetown rent is covered with two to three shows a night (8 and 10, or 8, 10 and 12), a random $2.50 per person surcharge, and a requirement that each person spend at least $10 on their overpriced food and drinks. On the other hand, the view of the stage is great. Hours are daily, 6 to 12:30. Full dinner menu available at the 8 pm show, light fare for the later shows. Buying a ticket for the early show sometimes gets you the late show as well. Food really has not impressed me. Blues Alley is located behind 1073 Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest DC. 202-337-4141.
Bossa Brazilian Bistro a small restaurant and bar in Adams Morgan that bills itself as a Caipirinha and mojito bar and art gallery. They have live music in the front window most days and salsa on Friday and Saturday. They open at 5:30 every day but Monday and are open to 2 during the week and to 3 on Fridays and Saturdays. They are located at 2463 18th Street in Northwest DC. 202-667-0088.
Capital Turnaournd is a new venue in Southeast DC. It is apparently a work in progress, but the music hall is rather large and is set up for seated shows, The seating is fairly comfortable, has plenty of leg room, and there is a fair slant to the floor so sight lines are fairly good. Seating on the sides, however faces the middle of the room and not forward to the stage, which is crick in the neck territory for sure. As far as other creature comforts there is lots of space to lounge, but no food and the selection at the bar is dismal. They literally had nothing I was willing to drink. Also, the one time I went there, their web site said doors were at 6:30 when they had moved them to 7:30. I showed up not long after the announced open because I like to have time to check out a new venue before the show. People who got tickets early apparently got notice of the changeby email, but I bought mine four days before the show and the email had only a start time. So I looked at the web site, went down to check the place out and got turned away by rather rude staff. That is incompetence of the worst kind and I will be avoiding them until I have some indication that they have learned to do better. Worst yet, at some point the people who run this have extended their influence over not only Jammin' Java, Miracle Theater and this venue, but also Songbyrd, Howard Theatre, and Union Stage, and now I want to avoid all of them. If you decide to go to them, all I can say is to do everything you can to wring correct information out of them. Myself, I think it is crappy and can't be bothered to have to interrogate people to see if the information on their web site is accurate before buying a ticket or going to the show. Rather than repeat experiences like that I will avoid them. Capital Turnaround is located at 770 M Street in Southeast DC.
Carroll Cafe is a venue in Seekers Church just into the District outside Takoma Park. It is not currently functioning. They have a beautiful room and the sound is incredible. Music is the second Friday of most months and tends to be folk or roots. Vegetarian food is available as are beverages (though probably not alcohol). Carroll Cafe is located at 276 Carroll Street Northwest. They can be reached at info@carrollcafe.org
Carter Barron Amphitheater is a U.S. Park Service facility in Rock Creek Park. It is an outdoor facility that has seating for about 4,200 and some picnic areas inside. They have been closed for years while decisions are made about how to address severe structural problems with the amphitheater. Despite the picnic areas they do not allow cans, bottles, hard coolers or picnic baskets. They also do not allow photography, recording devices or pets. The box office is open from noon to 9pm on event days only. The address is 4850 Colorado Avenue (near 16th). The concert line is 202-426-0486. For park information call 202-895-6000.
The CFG Bank Arena is a large venue (capacity 14,000) that was the Baltimore Civic Center and had a variety of other names. The seating is not made for tall people or wide ones. In addition, they don't seem to have much in the way of air conditioning. On the bright side, the rows are not as steep as in some large venues. Concessions are expensive, but not as bad as some and the lines are not bad. Some of it is self-check out and STILL offers you a selection of tip levels. Parts of it are bizarrely dark and the rest rooms are off in corners. Lots of parking nearby though, and the venue web site gives you a link to it.
Chapala Blue Beetle Rock Bar is the bar portion of a Mexican restaurant in Burtonsville. It appears not to have music at this time. While you can get there through the restaurant, I recommend entering through the bar entrance, which is on the west side. Shows are in a fair-sized room off the bar that has some tables (with table service). The stage is pretty much the floor in the corner, though there is a low riser for drums. My experience is that they may start right on time or very late, and bands may not appear in the order you would expect. That said, set changes were accomplished quickly and I am told they treat the bands well. Chapala Blue Beetle Rock Bar is located at 15530 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville, Maryland.
Cheverly American Legion is an American Legion Hall. It has a huge space, a good size stage, tons of table space, and reasonably priced beer. The time I was there, they also had food. The Cheverly American Legion Hall is located at 3608 Legion Drive in Cheverly, Maryland.
Club 603 is a private home that hosts house shows. It is very nice, holds up to about 50, and many shows sell out. Many people bring beer, wine and food to share. Information about the location will be provided to you if and when you buy a ticket.
Comet Ping Pong is a pizza and ping pong place run by the same folks who run Buck's Fishing and Camping two doors down. For shows they clear the ping pong tables out of the back room, which is about the right size for three ping pong tables (i.e., not very large) and rather spare. The stage, which otherwise holds the third ping pong table, is about 6 inches high. They have also been having outdoor shows. Tickets are handled by EventBrite. Kitchen is open until 9 Sunday through Wednesday, 9:30 on Thursday, and until 10:30 on Friday and Saturday. Shows start late, usually around 10. They have a great beer selection and pretty good pizza. Comet Ping Pong is located at 5037 Connecticut Avenue in Northwest DC. 202-364-0404.
DAR Constitution Hall is a concert hall owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is a rather large hall and the sound quality at some of the seats up on the sides is really bad. There are usually bars in the lobby, but you cannot take a drink to your seat, with the result that the lobby is incredibly crowded before the show and during intermission. The web site claims that light fare is served at all events, but they must have hidden it well. Tickets are available only through Ticketmaster unless the promoter has made other arrangements. There is no box office. Constitution Hall is located at 1776 D Street in Northwest DC.
The Depot is long with a bar along the left on the way back to the stage area which is not large but there is at least one screen that allows you to see from the bar. Beer selection varies and is usually decent if small. They also serve some wine, and have a full bar. The Depot is located at 1728 North Charles Street in Baltimore. 443-324-5190.
Dew Drop Inn is a classic dive, at least downstairs. I haven't been upstairs, but it apparently has food. Downstairs stage is on the floor opposite the bar. It doesn't have a wide beer selection, but there is good beer to be had. The building looks like a closed up warehouse and it is right next to a busy railroad track (which you cannot hear while the music is playing). There is tons of street parking. Dewdrop Inn is located at 2801 8th Street in Northeast DC. 202-791-0909
DC Nine is where Asylum used to be. Music is upstairs, which has been rearranged to fit it better than it used to although the stage is still tiny, and about six inches high. There is a bar, with a passable beer selection and a few places to sit. DC Nine opens at 7 Thursday though Saturday and at 8 the rest of the week. They post times for venue doors and shows. The doors simply do not open at that time. Show times are generally within 30 minutes of what is posted. Tickets are available through EventBrite. Some shows are 18+, the rest 21+. DC Nine is located at 1940 9th Street in Northwest DC. 202.483.5000.
Earp's Ordinary is a large basement room with a good size but kind of low stage. It has tons of seating at the table and along the bar (at least 300), They have a large beer selection and decent food. Doors generally open at 4. Earp's Ordinary is located at 10420 Main Street in Fairfax, Virginia. There is plenty of street and free surface lot parking.
Echostage; is enormous. (30,000 square feet). I have seen capacity numbers from 2000 to 6000). It is a huge room with a floor leading up to the stage and balconies across the back and partly up both sides. The back balcony is really too far from the stage to be useful, though I suppose it is better than being on the floor that far back. The crowd dynamics are about what you would expect for a space that large full of people who are all trying to see the same stage, and the fact that the stage is too low for a room that size does not help. At least parts of the balcony are blocked off for VIP. The beer selection is terrible (and apparently expensive). There is no food at least not down with the hoi polloi. Tickets are handled by TicketMaster. Located at 2135 Queens Chapel Road in Northeast DC. There is pay parking nearby of varying prices, but nonpay parking is sketchy.
The 8X10; is a relatively small venue with a dance floor, back area with a bar down the side, and a balcony level with a bar in back. They have a good beer selection, but no food on site. The dance floor is spring-loaded: serious structral paranoids will stand directly in the center. Also, 8X10 is coming up on its 20 year anniversary with the current owners. They are talking about selling. So if you ever wanted to own an historic and famous venue, this is your chance. All shows are 18+. Those under 21 pay $3 extra at the door. Tickets available from the box office for very reasonable fees and from Neon Ox (which was MissionTix).. The address is 8 and 10 East Cross Street in Federal Hill across from the Cross Street Market. 410-625-2000.
Elkton Music Hall is a fair size square (capacity 300+) with a good size service bar along one side and good size stage in the far corner. The stage is about three feet high, making it possible to see well for a fair distance. Some shows are fully seated, others have a seated area, but all have seating for those who need it. Parking is easy. Staff and customers were friendly and laid back. They have a good beer selection, but no food. Elkton Music Hall is located at 107 North Street in Elkton, Maryland.
Fillmore Silver Spring is one of a chain of Live Nation Fillmore's across the country. You would think a chain would have some institutional knowledge about how to run a venue, but I am afraid you would be wrong. It is generally an all standing venue and theoretically holds 2000 people on the floor and in a balcony with multiple risers. But while they claim standing only, they have installed two rows of seats in the side balcony, reducing their capacity and overcrowding the floor for sold out shows. I have seen them charge extra on the spot for those seats, but the other night any that they weren't using for promotions were available on a first come first serve basis. Risers above the first provide no view at all for many people. Also they tend to keep the lights low before the show and during breaks - so low that it is difficult to see to meet up with your friends. For reasons that aren't clear announced times are often wrong. In fact, they have to be wrong, as they often do not match between their web site, facebook, and their recorded phone message. Box office hours are Monday through Friday noon to 6, Saturday 11 to 4. Box office tickets carry a $1 service charge. Tickets also available through Live Nation. The Fillmore is located at 8656 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland. 301-960-9999.
Fort Reno Park is, for all intents and purposes, a big field on Chesapeake Street between Nebraska and Wisconsin Avenues near the Tenleytown Metro. Shows are from 7 to 9:30 and are free though donations are always welcome. No glass, alcohol, or drugs are allowed. The address is 4000 Chesapeake in Northwest DC.
49 West Coffeehouse and Gallery is a restaurant located at 49 West Street in Annapolis. They have music in their back room and also serve food and beverages back there. The food is good, and not unreasonably priced for Annapolis. An extremely civilized place to see a show. They handle their own reservations. 410-626-9796.
Galaxy Hut is an incredibly tiny place (the capacity sign says 48) located at 2711 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington near the Clarendon Metro. After a post-COVID hiatus they are now booking shows for Sunday nights. Most shows start at 9 and are $10. They are also 21+' Galaxy Hut continues to serve food and beer. They have a good beer selection. The food is mostly vegan but dairy cheese is available.
The Bullpen at Half is a paved city block at 1299 Half Street in Southeast DC. The block is set off from the rest of the world by stacks of shipping containers, fences, and stalls for the sale of food and drink. It mostly serves as a bull pen for people on their way to Nationals' games to drink on the way to the game, but it is rented for other events. Sanitary facilities are mostly (if not totally) in the form of sani johns. In general, food, furniture and other amenities depend on the person putting on the event. If you are left to rely on the Bullpen for nourishment, you are pretty much left with tubular food. Drinks are always Bullpen and selection is broad, but not exciting. They do occasionally have shows.
Hamilton Live is a venue in the basement of the Hamilton located at 600 14th Street in Northwest DC. It has a seating capacity of 300 and room for another 150 to stand. Some shows are sold by the seat while others are open seating. The stage is roomy, and the sound is good. Food and alcohol are downtown prices, but not outrageously so. The menu is somewhat limited - with lots of pizza and appetizers, and some sliders and sushi. On the other hand, the restaurant upstairs has a full menu and is open late. Hamilton Live favors credit cards, and is frightened and confused by the use of cash. Shows during the week usually start at 7:30, on the weekend at 8:30. Tickets are available online, from the ticket counter, or from waitstaff in the venue. Parking is available for $10 at 1325 G Street if you get the ticket validated.
Hank Dietle's is a homey tavern that holds license number 001. It is a large room with a corner stage a dance floor, tables from the 60's and a bar in back. They do not serve hard alcohol. They have both local and occasional national acts. Hank Dietle's is located at 11010 Rockville Pike in Rockville, Maryland.
Hell's Bottom is a VFW Post, with a bar, cheap beer (with some for the beer snobs), and a stage area that is only slightly higher than the rest of the room. It is fairly laid back. Hell's Bottom is located at 6420 Orchard Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Hill Center is located in the Old Navy Hospital in Southeast. It is a small room on the second floor and nice sound. They sell beer, wine and snacks. Hill Center is located at 921 Pennsylvania Avenue in Southeast DC. Parking is tight, But there is a parking lot at Tyler Elementary School for events that start after four if all else fails.
Hill Country Barbecue is a large barbecue place. Shows are either in the downstairs "Boot Bar," which has a long bar across the back, a roomful of long tables and a small low stage opposite the bar, or outside, which I have not yet seen. This venue has pretty much stopped having shows. Located at 410 7th Street in Northwest DC. 202-556-2050.
The Howard Theatre is a recently renovated historic theater. It holds 600 people for seated shows, 1,000 for standing shows. Whatever it says on the ticket, there is always some seating, and sometimes significantly more than "standing room only" would indicate. They have a full menu for some shows, snacks for others, and a full bar. Seats come with a $10 minimum. Balcony seating is now all tables. Tickets are available from the box office (noon to 5 or later Tuesday to Sunday) or the web site, which uses TicketWeb. The Howard Theatre is located at 620 T. Street in Northwest DC. Parking is available on the street, in a lot on the corner of 7th and T, and there is valet parking as well. Some or all of the parking can be purchased in advance. And parking on the street is possible. Box office is 202-803-2899.
Jammin'; Java is a coffeehouse and bar located in Vienna, Virginia. It seats maybe 100 for seated shows, and holds up to 200 for shows with less seating. You can now pick some seating in advance when purchasing tickets. But if you buy general admission for a show with less seating, you might want to arrive early. They appear to be handling their own ticketing. They have a fair and reasonably priced selection of beer, and serve food in baskets. They are all ages all the time. Jammin' Java closes at midnight during the week, and at 2 am on Friday and Saturday. The address is 227 Maple Ave East, in Vienna, Virginia. 703-255-1566.
The Lincoln Theatre is a remodeled old theater with seating left in place. Mostly floor, slanted as it should be, but also side boxes and a shallow balcony. The venue is generally all ages. Pretty Limited beer and wine selection in the lobby, don't know about the upstairs bar. Tickets are sold by TicketMaster. It is located at 1215 U Street in Northwest DC. 202-888-0500. Tickets available through TicketFly, the box office (open noon to start of headliner on show days), and the 9:30 and Merriweather Post box offices.
Lisner Auditorium is a concert hall on the campus of George Washington University. If they are currently having events they are hiding it really well. It is theater seating, and it is small enough that none of the seats are really bad. There is usually a small bar, and they sell very limited snacks, candy bars mostly. Tickets are available from the box office and from Ticketmaster. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday 11 through 5. It does not accept credit cards. It is also open starting approximately 60 to 90 minutes before each performance. There is a $1 per ticket service charge at the box office. Lisner Auditorium is located at 730 21st Street in Northwest DC. 202-994-6800.
Madam's Organ is a small venue located at 2461 18th Street NW, in Adam's Morgan. Had always thought of it as kind of cozy, but went recently and I had to stand in line for about 20 minutes to get in, and there was a DJ upstairs and the foot traffic for that made the experience like trying to dance in a crowded hall way. Go see the mural that has the neighborhood up in arms. She doesn't look topless to me, but what do I know? 202-667-5370.
Maryland Meadworks is exactly what it sounds like. It is a bit small and pretty much serves mead and nothing else. But the mead is good and outside food is welcome. Stage is pretty much the back corner. It is open Thursday and Friday 4 to 10, Saturday noon to 10, Sunday noon to 7. Maryland Meadworks is located at 4700 Rhode Island Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland. 301-955-9644.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is a classic pavilion-- 5,200 reserved seats in front, lawn for 10,000 in back. It has had significant upgrades in recent years. They finally have a craft beer stand with a great selection, but it is way in back. No outside food or drink other than sealed bottles of water is allowed. The Pavilion is now run by IMP. Tickets are sold by TicketMaster. Doors open 1 and 1/2 hours before show time. In Columbia, just drive up 95 or over on 175 and get in the traffic jam. The parking lots open at 5 for most shows. The price of parking is included in the ticket. However, it is now necessary to reserve your parking when you buy your ticket. (Not sure what you do if you don't buy a ticket in advance. Parking is by zones, and available parking varies by show. I predict a mess. Tickets are available through Ticket Master and from the box office on show days. 410-715-5550.
Metro Gallery has had a change of ownership (but to people who have worked there) and is apparently changing its name to Metro Baltimore. It is a classic Baltimore venue that used to be two places and has the support posts down the middle to prove it. Stage is in the front to the left, and bar is in the back on the left, with the right devoted to art and plumbing. The stage is about 2 and a half feet high, 15 feet long and about 12 feet deep. Bar has an excellent selection of beer and wine and is open from 6 pm to 2 am. Shows are 21+ unless they are not. Tickets available online from Etix or at the door. Metro Gallery is located at 1700 North Charles Street in Baltimore.
Metropolitan Kitchen and Lounge has a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, a venue with bar on the second floor, and a lounge and dining area on the roof. The venue itself is on the small side, and about a third of it is a slightly raised stage. Other than a bench or so there is no seating. I don't think they are currently having shows. The bar is outside the venue proper. Metropolitan is located at 169 West Street in Annapolis. 410-280-5160.
Theatre at MGM National Harbor seats 3,000 people and really is not a bad place to see a show once you manage to get into it --if you are under 21 you have to navigate around the casino to get there and no matter what your age is, when I was there the line to get in was really long. And it is expensive.
Millennium Stage is the venue for the daily free show at the Kennedy center. The shows are held at one of two stages at either end of the Grand Foyer every single day of the year at 6 pm and are free. They now require a reservation but that is free. There is a happy hour from 5 to 6 at the Grand Foyer bars near the performance, and, unlike anywhere else in the Kennedy Center, you can take your drink and food (such as it is) to your seat. It is worth showing up a bit early if you would like an actual seat. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F Street in Northwest DC.
Montpelier Arts Center has numerous music series each year, including jazz and classical. The shows are held in the main gallery, which holds a few hundred people. No alcohol is served, but they have punch and cookies at intermission. Tickets are sold by season or by ticket. Montpelier Arts Center is located at 9652 Muirkirk Road off Route 197 in Laurel, Maryland. Their phone number is 301-377-7800.
Mother's Federal Hill Grille is a restaurant and bar with a venue in back. There are tables on the sides of a wide hall that makes up the back part of the venue and continue down the side as it widens out with the bar along the other side. If you want to sit you need to show up when the doors open and get one of these tables, but none are close to the stage, and the back ones really aren't. They have pretty good food and a fair beer selection (as well as wine and mixed drinks). The bar part was really loud when we were there. Mother's Federal Hill Grille is located at 1113 South Charles Street in Baltimore. 410-244-8686.
New Deal Cafe is a cafe located in Old Greenbelt at 113 Centerway. It has a comfortable coffee room in front, and a larger, but still relatively small, concert space in back. Food is served by the Greenbelt Coop, the beer and wine selection is good. The Atmosphere is excellent. There is almost never a charge to get in, but bring some $$ for the band. 301-474-5642.
The 9:30 used to be a too cool for its own good club over on F Street with the singular claim to having a stage located in a place where almost no-one in the club could see it. The move to the old WUST hall at 815 V Street NW is an improvement both in livability and in attitude, but don't expect down home friendliness. All shows are all ages. An IMP venue. Doors open at 7:30 during the week, 9 on Fridays and 7 on Saturdays. Show times vary depending on the number of bands and can be found on their web site. The food is actually quite edible. Capacity is about 1,200. Tickets are available from TicketMaster, or from the box office, which is open from noon to 7 on week nights, but until 11 if there is a show, and 6-11 on saturday and sunday. The 9:30 number is 202-393-0930
Jiffy Lube Pavilion is a large outdoor pavilion out near Manassas run by Live Nation. Pavilion seating is plentiful and the lawn seating is pleasant and actually allows you to see and hear the show. They serve outrageously expensive beer and equally expensive food, and limit carry ins to one sealed water bottle. Remember to bring that bottle, because their water is literally not potable. They allow you to bring in a blanket, and will rent you an "appropriate" chair. Shows start at 8 unless otherwise specified. The box office is open from noon to intermission on show days. Tickets are also available from Live Nation. Parking is included in the price of the ticket, and there are not really any other options. Traffic and parking management are so bad that there have been shows where some people never made it in. They don't particularly seem to care, and they certainly don't refund your money if it happens to you. Be warned that it can also sometimes take hours to get out of the lot. Take I-66 to exit 43B or 44 and follow the signs from there. 703-754-6400.
Orion Sound has a small studio where they host music occasionally. As you would imagine, the sound is excellent. Lately they have been supplying chairs, and sometimes people bring food. It is pretty much BYOB. All shows are all ages.
Ottobar is now in the old Club Midnite at 2549 North Howard Street in Baltimore. It is much roomier than the old one, has a real stage, and it is easy to get to the bathrooms. Other than that, the same spirit is in effect, and there is still no food. Most shows are 18 and over. The doors open at 9 and the show starts at 10 unless other times apply. There are also shows upstairs on occasion, but it is a much smaller, much lower stage. Tickets are available through Etix. Phone is 410-662-0069.
The Patterson is a venue operated by the Creative Alliance. It has all sorts of exhibits and activities in addition to shows. The performance space is set up according to the needs of each performance and may have more or less seating, standing or dancing space. Capacity for performances ranges from 210 to 250. Beverages are available. Tickets can be bought at the box office, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 7 or online from their website. The galleries are free so take a look while you are there. The Patterson is located at 3134 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore. Street parking is relatively easy to find.
Pearl Street Warehouse is located on the Wharf at 33 Pearl Street in Southwest DC. It has a capacity of between 150 and 300 people depending on whether it is seated, standing, or some combination of the two. They serve food and alcohol. Shows are 21+ unless otherwise specified. Tickets are available online through TicketMaster and at the box office. The box office has a flat $1 service charge. Unlike other Wharf venues, it accepts cash. Parking is generally available, but often expensive. It offers classic diner food, opening for breakfast at 8:30 am and staying open until close. It is closed on Monday.
Pherm; is a brewery with a fair-sized room, a bar, and spread out tables with a small stage up front. They are located at 1041 MD-3 in Gambrills, Maryland. Music is occasional rather than the point, which is beer.
Pier 6 is a small concert pavilion located on the Inner Harbor off of President Street, which is on the right after you pass Harborplace and the National Aquarium. While the pavilion is relatively small, the lawn is even smaller. (If you think of your own lawn you may not be far off). They do not allow you to bring in glass containers or alcohol and their own beer and food selection is pretty slim. Once when I was there they ran out of their only decent beer by the set break. It has just changed its name back to Pier 6 and its management back to Live Nation. It wasn't great under Live Nation before, but it was horrible under whoever had it in the interim. Venue maintenance was not their thing in the past, we'll see how it goes now. (July 3, 2022 and they still haven't fixed the stall doors in the bathroom. It has been years). Beer selection and prices have been terrible. Tickets are available from the box office, which is open from noon until 9 on concert nights and from Live Nation. Having gotten myself into their parking once, my advice is don't. It is outrageously expensive, and despite the fact that the lots are tiny, it takes forever to get out.
The Quarry House is a dive bar in Silver Spring with a surprisingly good beer menu for a dive. It is downstairs has one entrance (and thus one exit) and is shaped like a C with the band at one end of the C, so location is important. The Quarry House is located at 8401 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland. Look for the stairs.
The Ramshead On Stage is a small concert hall. All seating is at tables, and there is no standing (or dancing) for most shows. Tickets are sold by seat, so have your group organized when you go to buy the tickets. Also, a lot of Ramshead shows sell out, so it is worth buying early. Food in the concert hall is bar food and the prices are not low but not outrageous. A more varied menu is available in the restaurant, but they do a heavy business, so there is no guarantee that you can get seated and eat before the show. Most shows are 21+, the exception being occasional weekend matinees. Tickets are available from the Ramshead, in person website which uses AXS. AXS says you have to download and use their app to use your tickets, but at Rams Head On Stage you can just show your ID to the nice people at the box office. The box office number is 410-268-5111. The Ramshead is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. 301-261-1118/410-268-4545
The Ramshead Live was an offshoot of Rams Head Tavern but has changed ownership and management. It holds about 1500 people in three levels and has screens thoughout the venue for areas without a full view of the stage. There is some seating. Since the restaurant closed, food is of the stadium variety. Rams Head Live is the world of hidden costs - Tickets listed as $18 at the door cost me $21.40, the coat check was $3, and beer, while not outrageous, was a bit high for Baltimore. Also, the new management charges for water. FInally, they use AXS for tickets - a vendor established just to make TicketMaster look better. Rams Head Live is located at 20 Market Place in Baltimore. 410-244-1131.
The Recher is the old Recher Theater redone and spiffed up. Standing room only for most shows. Nice long bars and passable selection of drinks. The Recher is located at 512 York Avenue in Towson, Maryland. There is now a parking garage about a block away.
Rhizome DC is a nonprofit community arts space located at 6950 Maple St NW, in the Takoma neighborhood of Washington DC. Among the arts, of course, is music. Shows are usually held on the main floor of the house, and there is usually seating. There is generally a $10 suggested donation. Parking is available on site and nearby.
7 Locks Brewing is a brewery with a fairly large room, a lot of tables, and a space in the corner where they sometimes have music. They are located 12227 Wilkins Avenue in Rockville, Maryland. Music is occasional rather than the point, which is beer.
The Sidebar is a tiny little bar with a capacity of maybe 110 right near the old Ottobar at the corner of Lexington and Guilford. It has been closed for years for a substantial renovation, but apparently there has been some progress.
6th & I is an historic synagogue at the intersection of 6th and I streets in Northwest. It is fairly large and has pew seating on the main floor and the balconies. There are concessions at some shows, but no food is allowed in the area where the shows are. Gallery Place Metro is nearby. Availability and cost of parking varies depending on what is happening at Verizon Center.
Slash Run is classic burger joint with vegan options and a good beer selection. It has booths in front and a raised area with a bar in back. Bands play on the floor in the front window. The only bathroom I found was a one - holer, but there may be more. Parking in the neighborhood is residential parking until 8:30 and is rather scarce. Slash Run is located at 201 Upshur Street in Northwest DC. (202) 838-9929.
Songbyrd Music House has apparently moved to 540 Penn Street in Northeast DC. The new venue has a 200 person capacity. Tickets are by Dice. They have some food, but they are also near many restaurants. There is outdoor seating for food and drinks. Beer selection is limited but has some good ones.They also have a few cocktails, som of them in cans.
The Spanish Ballroom is architecturally not unlike a high school cafeteria, but with more interesting trim and a much better floor. It is all about dance floor and music there is virtually always for a dance. It is alcohol and smoke free, and any food and drink that are available are not permitted on the dance floor - which is most of the venue (7,500 square feet). For information on what is happening at the ballroom, see Dancing in the Park. The Spanish Ballroom is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. 301-492-6282.
The State Theatre is a venue in an old movie theater in Falls Church. The downstairs goes up in four levels with seating on the back three (though that may vary) and the balcony retains the theater seating in back, and wings have been added on the side. Total capacity is 800 for shows with some seating, 900 when all standing, but that may not include the added balcony space. The stage is actually visible from almost anywhere, even if you are as short as I am. And the sound is excellent. They have a somewhat limited menu, but serve real food, not just snacks. Most, if not all shows are 18+ and there is a $3 tax if you are under 21. Tickets are available from the box office and online from FreshTix on the State Theatre's web site. Box office hours are 12 to 5 Monday through Friday and 6:30 to 11:30 on show nights. The State Theatre is located at 220 N. Washington Street in Falls Church. 703-237-0300.
Strathmore; is an historic mansion on an 11 acre lot belonging to Montgomery County. Music and arts presentations take place in the mansion, on the grounds, and in the 1976 seat Music Center at Strathmore, a state of the are concert hall. The Mansion is about you would expect a mansion to be, and has a bar across the hall from the the music area. They might sell some chips, but that is about it. It seats up to 110 people for concerts. The Music Center has actual food prior to the show, and beer and wine before the show and during intermission, but it is obscenely expensive. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland. Parking is available in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage off of Tuckerman Lane, and is free for ticketed events. The Mansion is located at 10701 Rockville Pike in Rockville, and has its own parking. Not sure how the lawn works. 301-581-5200.
Street Car 82 Brewing Company is a brewery with seating inside and out. It is located at 4824 Rhode Island Avenue (also known as Route 1) in Hyattsville. They often have food trucks and are very close to Pizzeria Paradiso.
The Atlantis is located at 2047 9th Street in Northwest DC 9:30 Club. It is named for and is a tribute to The Atlantic on F Street, which became the original 9:30 Club. It is rather more roomy though and has a balcony. Most shows are standing only and all ages. This venue is cashless.
Union Craft Brewing is a brewery that occasionally has music. The space is cavernous, the beer is good, the food is limited. It has parking and there is more on the street. Union Craft Brewing is located at 1700 West 41st Street, Suite 420, in Baltimore.
Union Stage is located on the Wharf at 740 Water Street in Southwest DC. There is a tap room on the ground level that opens at 5. The venue is downstairs and holds 450 standing or 225 for seated shows. There is an elevator as well as stairs to get to the venue. Beer and pizza are sold on both floors. Despite the fact that it is a pretty new building they seem to have HVAC issues with the downstairs. I have never been cold there, but way too hot is not uncommon. "Premium" seating is available at some shows, but in some cases it is further away than any of the standing. Union Stage is an all ages venue. Parking is available, but not inexpensive.
The Warner Theatre is a grand old theatre located at 513 13th Street in Northwest DC. It seats 1847, slightly over half on the floor, the rest in balconies and boxes. Lately they are apparently starting to look for renovation money, as they are having a lot of comedy and music. They serve alcohol, and let you bring it to your seat, but the prices are steep and the lines are long. Don't show up hungry. Tickets are available at the box office or through Live Nation. The phone number is 202-783-4000.
Weinberg Center for the Arts is a converted theater in downtown Frederick that has movies, speakers and live shows. It has a total capacity of 1,147 - 739 in the orchestra, 116 in the mezzanine, 292 in the balcony. They serve beer and probably wine in the lobby. Weinberg Center is located at 20 West Patrick Street in Frederick, Maryland. 301-600-2828.
Wolf Trap is the ultimate outdoor venue in this area, but don't expect to see anything rowdy there. Acoustics in the pavilion are great, sound and view from the lawn are good if you show up early to get a good spot. Wolf Trap allows food on the lawn in any kind of container, and beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, in glass, aluminum, or plastic. They have recently become more restrictive about the size of the coolers you bring in. But you can still relax and drink champagne in glasses while you watch the show, it doesn't bother them. It is also now possible to buy an adult sippy cup in which to take beverages into the pavilion. There are rules though: this is a federal facility and they still follow the rule of zero tolerance for drugs. Oh yeah, and you can't get married on the grounds. There are no age limits, but you need a ticket for every human being, no matter how young. During colder parts of the year Wolf Trap shows are at the Barns, which are nearby. You can't bring your own there, but they do have a fair selection, and the surroundings are pleasant. Tickets are available from the box office which is open from 10 to 6 during the week, from noon to 5 on the weekend, and until 9 on show nights and also from their website, which is essentially torture. I cannot exaggerate exactly how much torture. Wolf Trap not only keeps its ticket prices for shows a secret until they go on sale, they don't provide them then either. To get prices, one has to click on individual seats in the desired section. You can't even mouse over the section, you have to pick a seat, and then cancel it if it is out of range. The confusion this causes makes it extremely difficult to make informed choices, and I believe that is their aim. Nice behavior for a federal agency eh? Wolf trap is located in Virginia right off of the Dulles toll road.