The DC Traveler

June offers all kinds of great live music in Washington, DC. Here’s some of the highlights (and perhaps a lowlight at Club 9:30).
At The Birchmere, check out:

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays 100 years of Cab Calloway. Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:30 – $35.00
Smooth jazz singer Michael Franks with Genevieve. Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 – $45.00
For something different, Trixie Little will be staring in Dial ‘P’ for Pasties, an original burlesque who-dun-it that combines striptease, acrobatics and some naughty fun.  Trixie will be coming from her recent competition in Las Vegas at the Grand Prix of Burlesque. …read more

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In May, there’s lots of great music in and around Washington, DC,  including the first shows at Wolftrap and lots of classic bands. So lets take the highlight tour.
At the Birchmere this month, a couple great guitarists, a killer mandolin player and a smooth piano player.

Smooth jazz guitarist, Norman Brown. Sunday May 4, 2008  at 7:30 -$45.00
Another guitarist, this one acoustic, Leo Kottke, brings his unconventional folksy 6 and 12-string slide guitar picking sound. Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 – $35.00

Sultry sounding jazz pianist, Alex Bugnon – Saturday May 24, 7:30 – $29.50
Bluegrass mandolin player David …read more

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The annual Big Band JAM features 10-days of the big band sounds from world-famous musicians and bands, college, high school, military and area jazz bands as well as tributes to a few legends of the hot sounds of jazz. 
A few of the highlights include performances by The Duke Ellington Orchestra, a special tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and its “Tribute to Quincy Jones”.
Check the Big Band JAM schedule for performance information.

Venues include:

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Sylvan Theater at the Washington Monument
Voice of America Stage (Auditorium)
Smithsonian Institution
Grace Episcopal Church
Blues Alley at 1073 Wisconsin Ave. …read more

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There’s some great live music this month happening in Washington, DC’s.   Here’s some of the more interesting performances: 
At the Birchmere, in suburban Arlington, VA, there’s jazz, country, a 1960s folk icon and a bit of comedy:

Smooth jazz saxophonist Candy Dulfer brings her cool sounds to the Birch – Thursday, April 3, 2008 – $39.50    
Flamenco guitarist Otmar Leibert will play solo and host a conversation with the audience – Sunday, April 6 – $29.50
Country music legend Roy Clark – Sunday  April 20 – 45.00
Jazz from The Rippingtons with Russ Freeman on Wednesday, April 23-  $39.50
1960s era folk music icon Judy …read more

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Here’s a round-up of some of the area’s best, most interesting or most unique music coming to the Washington, DC music scene in March.  And it seems to be a month featuring great guitarists.
At the State Theatre in suburban Fall Church, Virginia:

Johnny Winter and his “Rock N Roll…Hoochi Coo” sound.  Saturday, March 22, 2008.
Pat Metheny Trio, with Christian McBride & Antonio Sanchez – It’s unlikely that he’ll bring his 38 string Pikasso custom guitar, but 6 stings is enough to make his unique jazz sound. Friday, March 14.
 

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300
At the Birchmere, in Arlington:

The Robert Cray Band  …read more

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A friend of mine (thanks Holli) recently turned me on to a great jazz singer, Stacey Kent.
This engaging young jazz vocalist delivers heart-felt interpretations of moody ballads, well-known standards from the 30s and 40s and upbeat swing tunes with a sweet delivery that highlights her unique phrasing.  She has a simple, clean and simply unaffected, easy to listen to voice.
 
Since her first album in 1997, Stacey has won critical and popular acclaim, as well as the 2001 British Jazz Award, the 2002 BBC Jazz Award for ‘Best Vocalist,’ and the 2006 “Album of the Year” for her release of ‘The Lyric’.
     …read more

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