March 2012 Music Picks for ON TAP Magazine in DC

THURSDAY, MARCH 1
Deicide, Jungle Rot, and Abigail Williams at Jaxx
March kicks off with a night of demonic headbanging from some of the heaviest in the industry. Led by Deicide and their controversial frontman Glen Benton, the metal militia is in full force at Jaxx this month. Formed in 1987 in Tampa, Deicide was part of the late 80s/early 90s death metal movement that started with the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and Morbid Angel. This incarnation of the band does not feature founding brothers, Brian and Eric Hoffman who left in 2004, but Jack Owen from Cannibal Corpse stepped up to handle guitar duties as well as Kevin Quirion of Order of Ennead, who joined in 2009. Deicide is on the road supporting “To Hell With God,” which finally released last February on Century Media Records after being on hold for several years. Joining Deicide on the night’s mayhem is Abigail Williams, who have been rolling through the area several times over the last couple months, as well as Jungle Rot from Wisconsin with their latest release, “Death on Command.” Providing additional support at this all-ages event is Lecherous Nocturne and Orthrus. Metal.
Starts at 6 p.m. $22 advance/$25 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 2
Corrosion of Conformity at the Sonar
Raleigh’s classic hardcore metal trio is back on the road, celebrating their early work and roots in the movement. Corrosion of Conformity is coming to Baltimore with the original “Animosity” lineup of Woody Weatherman, Mike Dean, and Reed Mullin. Pepper Keenan, who is also a member of Down, won’t be on this run but continues to remain a member of the band. C.O.C. is out promoting their latest self-titled release, “Corrosion of Conformity,” which is their eighth studio offering and hit shelves at the end of February. Corrosion is best known for their early works, “Eye for an Eye,” “Animosity,” and “Technocracy,” and were part of the late 80s crossover movement which was most evident in their 1991 metal release, “Blind.” Joining the NC thrashers on this nostalgic return is Torche, Valient Thorr, and A Storm of Light.
Starts at 7 p.m. $20 advance/$23 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Sonar: 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD; 410-783-7888;www.sonarbaltimore.com


SATURDAY, MARCH 3
Possessed at Jaxx
One of the most influential death metal bands from its early origins is making its way to Virginia this month. Possessed, the Bay Area outfit who rose alongside the likes of Metallica and Exodus during this crucial era in San Francisco Thrash’s history, annihilated metal fans with their first release in 1985, the widely respected “Seven Churches.” Led by sole remaining member, frontman Jeff Becerra, Possessed has had its ups and downs and significant number of lineup changes over the years. They took their longest hiatus in 1993, reforming again in 2007, and played many of the large European metal festivals over the last few years with members of Sadistic Intent. The current lineup includes Becerra alongside Pessimist guitarist Kelly McLauchlin, Nailshitter guitarist Dan Gonzalez, and Asesino bassist Tony Campos. This all-ages show at Jaxx will have special opening guests to be announced.
Starts at 6:30 p.m. $20 advance/$22 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 6
Experience Hendrix at the Music Center at Strathmore
The music of one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time will be performed by some of the most incredible musicians in the industry this month. “Experience Hendrix” is being billed as “the concert event of the year,” celebrating the music and legacy of 60s acid rock innovator Jimi Hendrix. Headlining this all-star cast of talent is former Band of Gypsys band member and friend, Billy Cox, as well as blues legend Buddy Guy and Robby Krieger from The Doors. Also along for the ride are the Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Randolph, Eric Johnson, and Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo from Los Lobos. Rounding out this stacked lineup is Keb’ Mo’ and Dweezil Zappa, Brad Whitford from Aerosmith, Bootsy Collins, Taj Mahal, and Chris Layton from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s bands. For a night of some of the best six-string slingers playing some of the most influential guitar rock of all time, this is one show you might not want to miss.
Starts at 8 p.m. $64.95-137.80 -Jason Walsh
The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD; 301-581-5100; www.strathmore.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
Anti-Flag, The Flatliners, and The Have Nots at the Rock N Roll Hotel
Pittsburgh’s politically-charged punk heroes Anti-Flag are making another sweep across the nation, this time to support their most current album, “The General Strike.” Founding guitarist and vocalist Justin Sane said the record’s title echoes the current state of the world. “There is a General Strike of sorts taking place all over the world right now as a result of The Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street,” he said. “We wanted to highlight the fact that these movements are interconnected. The roots of Anti-Flag go as far back as 1988 and according to Sane fans feel this newest collection of songs draws from some of their earlier efforts, but the band always strives to cover new ground when they hit the studio. “Most people think it harks back to Anti-Flag’s ‘The Terror State’ and ‘For Blood and Empire’ records. To me, it’s just another creation that we approached in the same way we approach every record, but if they see it harkening back to a certain era of Anti-Flag that is fine with me as I love both of those records. I can tell you this, it is by far
Anti-Flag’s most aggressive record, which is simply a sign a of times
we live in.” When Anti-Flag loads in to the Rock N Roll Hotel, they will have The Flatliners from Toronto and the Have Nots from Boston along for the night of chaos, which should make for an interesting lineup. “The Flat Liners flat out rock,” Sane said. “They’re an awesome band and awesome
dudes who I hope to do as much touring with as possible. We haven't
had the pleasure of rocking with the Have Nots, but I'm psyched to see
Them.” The tour kicks off in Philadelphia on March 6 and they hit DC the following night. Sane encourages locals to come out to the show and take in the experience. “When an Anti-Flag show ends, and the air clears, the feeling of unity between the people in the room is hard to describe. This is because an Anti-Flag show is a space where everyone matters. A place where everyone should have an equal opportunity to have fun and rock out,
regardless of every petty bullshit clash that people deal with in every day life. Our show is more than a rock event, it is a coming together of people. A place that people can leave feeling as if this world has a chance because the people they encounter in the room will remind them that there are still good people in this world. That’s what I'm reminded of every time I play an Anti-Flag show and that's why after all of the blood, sweat and tears I've put in, I'm still performing.”
Starts at 6 p.m. $15. - Jason Walsh
Rock N Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, D.C.; 202-388-ROCK; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
Playing for Change at Rams Head On Stage
What started as a project to bring the music of street musicians from around the world together on one song in video and audio has turned into an international phenomenon. The now famous “Stand by Me” video, which features nearly 40 artists filmed from across the globe, edited together into one singular song has had almost 40 million views on You Tube and since the project’s early inception in 2004, producer Mark Johnson has continued to connect these people through music. “The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people,” Johnson said. “No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual, or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world.” Johnson has continued to record many classic standards with artists worldwide, including Bob Marley’s “One Love” and John Lennon’s “Imagine.” For a chance to see a collection of these dedicated performers all on one stage, Annapolis will be the place to be this March.
Starts at 8 p.m. $35 - Jason Walsh
Rams Head On Stage: 33 West St., Annapolis, MD; 410-268-4545; www.ramsheadtavern.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8
Dangermuffin at the Jammin Java
They’ll be jamming’ at the Java this month as South Carolina’s Dangermuffin rolls into town with their “organic and cool” Americana folk sounds. Formed in Folly Beach, Dangermuffin is a trio that puts the groove into this acoustic styling in what they call “a punchy, folk-jam pastry with a sweet-toothed soul of the South.” Joining the guys from SC is the solo endeavor Cris Jacobs band, who has spent the last decade with his Baltimore outfit, The Bridge. For a night of down-home fun with a slight twist, the Java will be the place to be, but be warned, this gig will be standing room only.
Starts at 8 p.m. $10 advance/$13 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8
Los Amigos Invisibles at the Black Cat
A night of international flavor hits the Black Cat this month as Los Amigos Invisibles bring their acid-jazz disco/funk fusion all the way from Venezuela. Nominated for multiple Grammys and winners of a Latin Grammy, this dance band with Latin flavor is now based out of New York, with six critically acclaimed releases to date, including the most recent, “Commercial,” from which they dropped an outtakes E.P. last year called “Not So Commercial.” The Amigos are currently signed to David Byrne’s Luaka Bop record label. If you like your tunes high-energy with dance beats mixed with some South American soul, Los Amigos Invisibles will be the band for you this month.
Starts at 8 p.m. $22 advance/$25 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 13
Iced Earth and Warbringer at the 9:30 Club
Tampa’s Iced Earth is returning to the 9:30 with their patent blend of power thrash. Formed in 1985, Iced Earth is led by founding guitarist Jon Schaffer and they released their tenth studio album, “Dystopia,” last October. This is the first record to feature their new lead singer, Stu Block from Into Eternity, who replaces longtime frontman Matt Barlow. Joining the onslaught is Warbringer, a thrasher band out of California’s Ventura County who came together in 2004. Warbringer dropped their third and most recent endeavor, “Worlds Torn Asunder,” this past September on Century Media Records. For a weeknight of head banging havoc from two of metal’s favorites, head out to the 9:30 Club with your horns raised high.
Starts at 7 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14
Uncle Kracker at the 9:30 Club
Matthew Shafer a.k.a. Uncle Kracker is on the road sharing his Top 40 spin on hiphop/rock. Originally a DJ back in the day for his bro Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker set out on his own, releasing his debut “Double Wide” in 2001, which had the hit, “Follow Me,” a popular track that helped propel the record to double platinum. Kracker has since completed three more records with the help of Kid Rock as producer, and is scheduled for the release of new material sometime this year, dubbed “Postcards from Home.” Alabama songstress Sonia Leigh joins Uncle Kracker on this tour as well as fellow Detroit singer-songwriter Ty Stone.
Starts at 7 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15
Hank 3 at the 9:30 Club
Shelton Hank Williams, or Hank Williams III, or just Hank 3, has always been a busy guy. When he’s not drumming for Arson Anthem or playing bass for Phil Anselmo’s Superjoint Ritual or working on his punk/metal band Assjack, he’s continuing to reinvent himself in his solo work blending country roots with punk, hardcore, metal, and psychobilly elements in a sound that is distinctly his own. After a heated split with Nashville’s Curb Records label, who released his previous albums, Hank 3 struck out on his own last year, dropping three new albums on his own label through metal giants, Megaforce Records. “Ghost to a Ghost/Guttertown” is a two-disc country album, while the “3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin’” metal record is dubbed “cattle-core,” and lastly “Attention Deficit Domination” sees Hank 3 exploring doom rock. Williams said the undertaking was no easy task. “It’s been intense, man,” he said. “Having my own label hasn’t cut into my creativity so far, and that was the main thing I was worried about. Since I did all four records at once, there was a lot to organize and a lot to deal with in general. I do it all on my end as far as the layouts and the art and all that shit, and then send it to ’em. Megaforce has stepped up and helped me create my vision, ‘cuz no one else would be into putting all that product out at once. That was huge for me, man, to approach it like that. I wanted to come out of the gate full-on, and so far, so good.” Williams continues his North American run that started last year, supporting this new material and he divides the show into different sets of the various styles. You never know what might happen at a Hank 3 show.
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $20. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 16
Henry Rollins at the Baltimore Sound Stage
DC native Henry Rollins is on the road again with his spoken word act, vocalizing his observations, rants, and opinions about all that he’s seen in his millions of miles of travel. Dubbed “The Long March 2012-2013 Tour,” Rollins kicked off the outing in Europe and will be returning stateside and to Baltimore for an evening of waxing poetic in a way only he can do. He made his mark with the seminal punk band Black Flag in the 80s, moving on to the Rollins Band through the 90s, before undertaking a career in film as television as well as a regular radio DJ in Los Angeles. Last year he released a book of photographs and writings called “Occupants.” Fans of Rollins fast-talking, quick-witted banter won’t want to miss this chance to hear what Henry has to say.
Starts at 8 p.m. $25 advance/$30 day of show. -Jason Walsh
Baltimore Soundstage: 124 Market Pl., Baltimore, MD; 410-244-0057; www.baltimoresoundstage.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 17
Psychedelic Furs at the State Theatre
Those classic 80s sounds are returning to the region as the Psychedelic Furs find their way to Falls Church. The original London alt-rockers who made their name with the title song to the John Hughes film, “Pretty in Pink,” the Furs have continued to keep New Wave alive in an industry that changes almost every day. Formed by brothers Richard and Tim Butler in 1977, the band went on hiatus during the 90s, working in the band Love Spit Love, and reformed in 2000. On this go around, the Furs will be performing their second album from 1981, “Talk Talk Talk,” in its entirety. Joining them on this evening is DC’s Dance for the Dying, and if you miss them at Falls Church, they will be playing at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis on Monday, March 19.
Starts at 7 p.m. $36. - Jason Walsh
The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St. Falls Church, VA; 703-237-0300; www.thestatetheatre.com

MONDAY, MARCH 19
Toots and the Maytals at the 9:30 Club
Legendary reggae songwriter Frederick “Toots” Hibbert is bringing the Maytals back to the States for some positive vibrations this March. Formed in the early 60s when Ska was booming in their native Jamaica, Toots and Maytals soulful style quickly became popular, earning them a place in the annals of reggae music. “Pressure Drop” still remains one of their greatest and most covered hits, among their endless catalog of great Rastafari standards. Through the last five decades, the Maytals have continued to tour and particpate in large festivals and this current run gives reggae fans a chance to see Jamaican royalty play some of the great island sounds.
Starts at 7 p.m. $26. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 20
Metal Alliance Tour 2012 at Sonar
The Alliance has formed and will be crushing souls in Baltimore this month at a festival led by Santa Barbara’s DevilDriver, who are out on the road promoting their recent gift to the metal gods, “Beast,” which released this past summer. Dubbed the “Metal Alliance Tour 2012,” DevilDriver is joined by The Faceless, a technical death metal crew out of Encino, as well as Maryland’s Dying Fetus. Also on board is Arizona’s Job For A Cowboy, 3 Inches of Blood from Canada, and Impending Doom from Riverside, California. Rounding out the bill is Wretched, the death metal outfit from Charlotte. Aside from this stacked lineup of metal’s heaviest, there will be some local bands supporting as well.
Starts at 3:30 p.m. $22 advance - Jason Walsh
Sonar: 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD; 410-783-7888;www.sonarbaltimore.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 20
Kasabian at the 9:30 Club
English Indie rockers Kasabian are crossing the pond from their native Leicestershire, supporting last year’s “Velociraptor!” record, the band’s fourth studio release. Formed in 1997, Kasabian are heavily influenced by the sound of The Stone Roses, and have been compared to Happy Mondays, Primal Scream, and Oasis. Their swirl of electronic and DJ hooks with alt-rock sensibilities have made them a popular act internationally. This current run stateside further promotes “Velociraptor!” with their U.K. hit “Switchblade Smiles.”
Starts at 7 p.m. $22. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 24
Band of Skulls and We Are Augustines at the 9:30 Club
What started as Fleeing New York, saw three college students in Southampton, England, bring their love of rock and songwriting together and become a force in the London music scene. Band of Skulls is the brainchild of guitarist and vocalist Russell Marsden, bassists and vocalist Emma Richardson, and drummer Matt Hayward. Combining the garage and ALT rock ideals with a flavorful of blues, Band of Skulls have now released three albums, including “Sweet Sour” which hit the market last month. Joining the Skulls on their run across the States is We Are Augustines from Brooklyn, who are out supporting their debut, “Rise Ye Sunken Ships.”
Starts at 8 p.m. $18. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

MONDAY, MARCH 26
Kevin Seconds, Kepi Ghoulie, Vic Ruggiero, and Franz Nicolay at the Black Cat
Many of the veteran hardcore guys from the 80s have found their way of expressing those angst-filled emotions in the latter years acoustically. Kevin Seconds is one of those true pioneers who keeps going. Seconds formed 7 Seconds in 1979 with his brother Steve Youth and wrote some of the most influential anthems in the early 80s during hardcore’s early beginnings. Songs like “Young ‘Til I Die” and “Walk Together Rock Together” spoke to suburban kids everywhere during the Reagan era, but it was in 1989 when Kevin picked up an acoustic guitar and began his solo career that has now spanned more than two decades. Joining this run with Seconds is Kepi Ghoulie from Sacramento’s The Groovie Ghoulies, punk and indie composer Franz Nicolay, and Vic Ruggiero, best known for his time with the Slackers and Rancid. This is an opportunity for fans to see some of these old-school legends throw down some personal solo sounds.
Starts at 8 p.m. $10 advance/$12 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 27
D.R.I. at Baltimore Soundstage
One of hardcore’s fastest are coming to the region this month, as Houston’s D.R.I. brings the classic crossover thrashcore to Baltimore. Known for their blistering one-minute anthems, the Dirty Rotten Imbeciles have been slaying venues since the early 80s. Led by founders Spike Cassidy and frontman Kurt Brecht, D.R.I. made their mark with “The Dirty Rotten L.P.,” followed by “Dealing With It,” and the groundbreaking “Crossover,” which was one of the first metal/hardcore fusions that began the change in heavy music that still echoes today. If you like it fast, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Starts at 6 p.m. $15. -Jason Walsh
Baltimore Soundstage: 124 Market Pl., Baltimore, MD; 410-244-0057; www.baltimoresoundstage.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 27
The Revival Tour at the Recher Theatre
Yet another collection of punk and hardcore veterans turn off the amps and pick up acoustic guitars in what has now become an annual tradition. “The Revival Tour,” started in 2008 by Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music, has featured some of the great underground artists performing in a light that many have not seen. Joining Ragan on this year’s installment is Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio, Tommy Gabel of Against Me!, and Cory Branan, who has collaborated with Lucero and Thrift Store Cowboys. Sponsored by Ten-Four Records, this tribute to folk music brings some of the great talents of modern music into a unique and unexpected setting.
Starts at 7 p.m. $15 advance $18 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Recher Theatre: 512 York Rd. Towson, MD; 410-337-7178;
www.rechertheatre.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28
Van Halen at the Verizon Center
This is the tour Van Halen fans have been waiting decades for…The Van Halen brothers reunited with David Lee Roth, and a new album of new songs, well sort of…
“A Different Kind of Truth” is the first collaboration between Eddie, Alex, and Diamond Dave in 27 years, and the first record to feature Eddie’s son Wolfgang on bass, replacing original member Michael Anthony. However, the songs come from early, unreleased material by the band during the mid-to-late 70s. This ends one of the longest standing feuds in rock history and now fans have a chance to catch it before it ends, because who knows with these guys. Roth hasn’t worked on material with the VH brothers since their commercial height with the release of “1984.” It was during that tour that tensions arose and Roth’s departure, going on to have a successful but short-lived solo career, while Van Halen saw the beginning of the Sammy Hagar era. They’ve released a video from the album’s first single, “Tattoo,” which shows that even though these guys are in their late 50s, Roth still has his chops and Eddie can still light up a fretboard. This reunion has been in the making since 2006 when the early rumblings were made, followed by some performances with Roth, but the new album and ambitious North American Tour will determine whether these guys, all these years later, can finally get along. Van Halen formed in 1972, originally as “Mammoth,” but began their rise stardom with their first self-titled record that contained the hits “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “You Really Got Me,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” and the guitar lesson/clinic, “Eruption.” The band enjoyed a decade of success with Roth so hopefully they can enjoy a decade more. Opening for Van Halen will be the 70s sounds of Kool & the Gang.
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $79.50-149.50. - Jason Walsh
Verizon Center: 601 F. St. NW, D.C.; 202-628-3200; www.verizoncenter.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 29
Nero at the 9:30 Club
London’s Nero started as a drum and bass trio but has evolved, incorporating dubstep with house music elements. Formed in 2004, the electronic chaos features producers Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray, with vocalist Alana Watson who joined the duo in 2008. Nero released many singles over the last few years which have done well on the U.K. charts, but their debut album, “Welcome Reality,” hit the mainstream last August, rising to the number one spots in Britain, as well as going gold at home as well as in Australia. Supporting Nero on this outing is Los Angeles DJ/producer Dillon Francis with his own spin on dubstep.
Starts at 10 p.m. $40. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 30
Reckless Fest at Sonar
Modern metal will be scorching the stages of the Sonar as the Reckless Fest unleashes some of the newest bone-crushing bands upon Baltimore. Leading the pack is Britain’s Asking Alexandria who released “Reckless & Relentless” on Sumerian Records last year. Adding to the chaos is the blazing fast riffage of Trivium, the Orlando based outfit who are out supporting their fifth-studio album, “In Waves.” This festival also sees Chelsea Grin from Salt Lake City, Michigan’s post-hardcore I See Stars, and Motionless in White from Scranton. Support at this festival also includes Attila, For the Fallen Dreams, Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, and Vanna. An early event with some of the youthful bands of the day.
Starts at 4 p.m. $27 advance/$30 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Sonar: 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD; 410-783-7888;www.sonarbaltimore.com