Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
June Concert Previews for ON TAP Magazine in DC
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Dinosaur Jr., Henry Rollins, and OFF! At 9:30 Club
J Mascis and Lou Barlow grew up in Western Massachusetts, starting a hardcore band called Deep Wound. From there it was Mogo, Dinosaur, then Dinosaur Jr., what they themselves have called “ear-bleeding country.” Along with drummer Murph, Dinosaur Jr. built a strong following with their unique slacker alternative sound in the late 80s and early 90s before disbanding in 1997, with Barlow going on to form Sebadoah. The three reunited in 2005 and have since released two records, 2007’s “Beyond” and “Farm” in 2009. The night’s performance will include the 1988 “Bug” performed in its entirety, along with an interview of the band held by none other than Henry Rollins. There’s no telling how that will go.
However, opening for Dinosaur Jr. is the most revolutionary collaboration of the last year. Following a falling out amongst the members of the Circle Jerks while trying to record a new album, Keith Morris and Dimitri Coats of Burning Brides went on to enlist the talents of old school Red Kross bassist Steven Shane McDonald and former Rocket from the Crypt drummer Mario Rubalcaba to form one of the heaviest outfits to come from the streets of Los Angeles in a long time. OFF! is a refreshing throwback of the honest and aggressive punk days Morris rose out of with his early bands Black Flag and the Circle Jerks, yet it’s fresh and current, coming from the unique blend of band members assembled. Releasing the four song E.P., “1st EP,” the band shot four separate videos for each song on the record which went viral quickly. Following up the four songs, along with 12 new ones, OFF! released their debut full-length, “First Four Eps” and has been on the road and playing festivals ever since.
“I’m excited, I’m happy, I love this band, I love the guys in this band,“ Morris said. “There’s not a lot of head trips. There’s a little bit of ego, but that’s OK, a little bit of ego doesn’t hurt, doesn’t kill anybody. The songs pretty much speak for themselves, the energy of the songs, the way that they blast out at you. I’m just totally psyched over this, totally jazzed.”
Starts at 8 p.m. $30. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Loudness, A Sound of Thunder, The Maiden Project, Dirty Passion at Jaxx
The “rock and roll crazy nights” of the 80s are on their way to Jaxx this June all the way from Japan. Loudness, formed in 1981 in Osaka under the name Lazy, gained much notoriety due to their friends in Twisted Sister in ‘85 when they released “Thunder in the East” on Atco Records. The single, “Crazy Nights,” introduced the world to the first noteworthy Japanese heavy metal band, who later toured with many of the big-time acts of the decade and were renown for their incredibly loud live performance. Opening for Loudness is a stacked roster which includes A Sound of Thunder and Iron Maiden tribute band, The Maiden Project. Rounding out the bill is Dirty Passion from Sweden, War Machine, and Seelow Heights.
Starts at 7 p.m. $23 advance/$25 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Stiff Little Fingers at the Black Cat
Formed in Belfast during the worst times of “The Troubles” in Ireland, Stiff Little Fingers is on of the most recognizable bands in the early years of the punk movement. Started as a Deep Purple cover band called Highway Star, they discovered the revolution of punk rock in ‘77 and changed their name to Stiff Little Fingers, based on a Vibrators song of the name. They went on to release “Inflammable Material” in 1978, influenced greatly by the insurgence they were experiencing daily in Northern Ireland, which became one of the truly important punk records of the early years. They played together and released 4 albums between ‘77-’83 before calling it quits, reforming again in ‘87 and playing off-an-on, through various incarnations from then until now. For a night of punk history, this is one not to miss.
Starts at 9 p.m. $16 $18. - Jason Walsh
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
US Air Guitar Championships at 9:30 Club
Oh yeah, it’s back. All those insane performance junkies and exhibitionists will be giving it their all at this year’s regional US Air Guitar Championship on the stage of the 9:30 Club. Judged by technical merit, stage presence, and “airness,” the best and brightest have left the mirrors in their bedrooms to bring you their thoughtful rock interpretations. The DC engagement is one of 18 engagements across the nation, winding to Chicago on July 23 for the National Finals. What can you say, just hit up the internet for some clips and you’ll see exactly what you’re in for…Hendrix is crying somewhere.
Starts at 7 p.m. $20. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Dave Alvin and Los Straitjackets at the Birchmere
The “King of California” is hitting Alexandria this June with his folk-blues interpretations that have helped him make a name for himself. Dave Alvin has been rocking since the late 70s, having played in the underground bands The Blasters, X, The Flesh Eaters, and the Gun Club before going solo in 1987 in a new direction. He received a Grammy in 2000 for a collection of traditional blues and folk classics and most recently has provided the song, “Harlan County Line,” for the FX series Justified. Providing support for Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones is Nashville’s Los Straitjackets, who play surf and rockabilly instrumental jams, all while donning Mexican wrestling masks.
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500;www.birchmere.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown at Regency Furniture Stadium
Country music royalty is bringing some of the best and brightest of the genre for a true day of down home tunes. “Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown 2011” hits the road with Willie headlining, alongside great artists like Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, and Lee Brice. Willie is a legend, with a career spanning decades, and having been a part of the rise of “outlaw” country which included Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. The festival will also include the talents of Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Drake White, and Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.
Starts 3:30 p.m. $40. - Jason Walsh
Regency Furniture Stadium: 11765 St. Linus Dr., Waldorf, MD; 301-638-9788; www.countrythrowdown.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Black Country Communion at 9:30 Club
Yet another “supergroup” has emerged from the ranks of rock royalty. Black Country Communion began as a collaboration with former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes with guitar “phenom” Joe Bonamassa, later recruiting Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, along with Dream Theater keyboard player, Derek Sherinian. The four-piece released their first record “Black Country” in 2010, and has a June 13 release date for their aptly named sophomore effort, “2.” Taking their name from the British industrial region where Hughes and Bonham grew up, Black Country Communion is a throwback to the great rock and blues of yesteryear.
Starts at 7 p.m. $49. - Jason Walsh
Dinosaur Jr., Henry Rollins, and OFF! At 9:30 Club
J Mascis and Lou Barlow grew up in Western Massachusetts, starting a hardcore band called Deep Wound. From there it was Mogo, Dinosaur, then Dinosaur Jr., what they themselves have called “ear-bleeding country.” Along with drummer Murph, Dinosaur Jr. built a strong following with their unique slacker alternative sound in the late 80s and early 90s before disbanding in 1997, with Barlow going on to form Sebadoah. The three reunited in 2005 and have since released two records, 2007’s “Beyond” and “Farm” in 2009. The night’s performance will include the 1988 “Bug” performed in its entirety, along with an interview of the band held by none other than Henry Rollins. There’s no telling how that will go.
However, opening for Dinosaur Jr. is the most revolutionary collaboration of the last year. Following a falling out amongst the members of the Circle Jerks while trying to record a new album, Keith Morris and Dimitri Coats of Burning Brides went on to enlist the talents of old school Red Kross bassist Steven Shane McDonald and former Rocket from the Crypt drummer Mario Rubalcaba to form one of the heaviest outfits to come from the streets of Los Angeles in a long time. OFF! is a refreshing throwback of the honest and aggressive punk days Morris rose out of with his early bands Black Flag and the Circle Jerks, yet it’s fresh and current, coming from the unique blend of band members assembled. Releasing the four song E.P., “1st EP,” the band shot four separate videos for each song on the record which went viral quickly. Following up the four songs, along with 12 new ones, OFF! released their debut full-length, “First Four Eps” and has been on the road and playing festivals ever since.
“I’m excited, I’m happy, I love this band, I love the guys in this band,“ Morris said. “There’s not a lot of head trips. There’s a little bit of ego, but that’s OK, a little bit of ego doesn’t hurt, doesn’t kill anybody. The songs pretty much speak for themselves, the energy of the songs, the way that they blast out at you. I’m just totally psyched over this, totally jazzed.”
Starts at 8 p.m. $30. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Loudness, A Sound of Thunder, The Maiden Project, Dirty Passion at Jaxx
The “rock and roll crazy nights” of the 80s are on their way to Jaxx this June all the way from Japan. Loudness, formed in 1981 in Osaka under the name Lazy, gained much notoriety due to their friends in Twisted Sister in ‘85 when they released “Thunder in the East” on Atco Records. The single, “Crazy Nights,” introduced the world to the first noteworthy Japanese heavy metal band, who later toured with many of the big-time acts of the decade and were renown for their incredibly loud live performance. Opening for Loudness is a stacked roster which includes A Sound of Thunder and Iron Maiden tribute band, The Maiden Project. Rounding out the bill is Dirty Passion from Sweden, War Machine, and Seelow Heights.
Starts at 7 p.m. $23 advance/$25 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Stiff Little Fingers at the Black Cat
Formed in Belfast during the worst times of “The Troubles” in Ireland, Stiff Little Fingers is on of the most recognizable bands in the early years of the punk movement. Started as a Deep Purple cover band called Highway Star, they discovered the revolution of punk rock in ‘77 and changed their name to Stiff Little Fingers, based on a Vibrators song of the name. They went on to release “Inflammable Material” in 1978, influenced greatly by the insurgence they were experiencing daily in Northern Ireland, which became one of the truly important punk records of the early years. They played together and released 4 albums between ‘77-’83 before calling it quits, reforming again in ‘87 and playing off-an-on, through various incarnations from then until now. For a night of punk history, this is one not to miss.
Starts at 9 p.m. $16 $18. - Jason Walsh
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
US Air Guitar Championships at 9:30 Club
Oh yeah, it’s back. All those insane performance junkies and exhibitionists will be giving it their all at this year’s regional US Air Guitar Championship on the stage of the 9:30 Club. Judged by technical merit, stage presence, and “airness,” the best and brightest have left the mirrors in their bedrooms to bring you their thoughtful rock interpretations. The DC engagement is one of 18 engagements across the nation, winding to Chicago on July 23 for the National Finals. What can you say, just hit up the internet for some clips and you’ll see exactly what you’re in for…Hendrix is crying somewhere.
Starts at 7 p.m. $20. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Dave Alvin and Los Straitjackets at the Birchmere
The “King of California” is hitting Alexandria this June with his folk-blues interpretations that have helped him make a name for himself. Dave Alvin has been rocking since the late 70s, having played in the underground bands The Blasters, X, The Flesh Eaters, and the Gun Club before going solo in 1987 in a new direction. He received a Grammy in 2000 for a collection of traditional blues and folk classics and most recently has provided the song, “Harlan County Line,” for the FX series Justified. Providing support for Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones is Nashville’s Los Straitjackets, who play surf and rockabilly instrumental jams, all while donning Mexican wrestling masks.
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500;www.birchmere.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown at Regency Furniture Stadium
Country music royalty is bringing some of the best and brightest of the genre for a true day of down home tunes. “Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown 2011” hits the road with Willie headlining, alongside great artists like Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, and Lee Brice. Willie is a legend, with a career spanning decades, and having been a part of the rise of “outlaw” country which included Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. The festival will also include the talents of Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Drake White, and Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.
Starts 3:30 p.m. $40. - Jason Walsh
Regency Furniture Stadium: 11765 St. Linus Dr., Waldorf, MD; 301-638-9788; www.countrythrowdown.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Black Country Communion at 9:30 Club
Yet another “supergroup” has emerged from the ranks of rock royalty. Black Country Communion began as a collaboration with former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes with guitar “phenom” Joe Bonamassa, later recruiting Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, along with Dream Theater keyboard player, Derek Sherinian. The four-piece released their first record “Black Country” in 2010, and has a June 13 release date for their aptly named sophomore effort, “2.” Taking their name from the British industrial region where Hughes and Bonham grew up, Black Country Communion is a throwback to the great rock and blues of yesteryear.
Starts at 7 p.m. $49. - Jason Walsh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
cedar park, tx summer 2010
the Exorcist stairs
georgetown, washington d.c.
and the emmy goes to...
winner in willoughby, 2007