The DC Traveler

Former punk rock icon and hardcore Black Flag front man, Henry Rollins is hitting the road with a his new election-time ‘Recountdown Tour’ talking tour.
You’ll be sure to hear lots of Bush bashing, anti-war, anti-establishment, anti-government, and straight talking (and at times angry) social commentary on subjects ranging from music and culture to society and celebrities.
The host of the IFC one-on-one interview program The Henry Rollins Show, Henry grew up in Washington, DC where he sang for a couple punk bands, before joining Black Flag. He was considered one of the most intense and aggressive punk performers on the scene.  …read more

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While I’ve been writing about pumpkin cannons and other Halloween activities, this post, I’m writing about the Chicago alt rock band, Smashing Pumpkins.
Meteoric rise after touring as the opening band for Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane’s Addiction, along with being influenced by bands such as The Cure led them to be called the next Nirvana or Pearl Jam.
After becoming one of the most acclaimed bands of the 1990s and selling over 18 million albums, with several Billboard chart toppers, due to typical rock band problems (loss of their keyboard player to a heroin overdose, member alcohol and drug …read more

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Grammy-winner Cassandra Wilson was named “America’s Best Singer” by TIME magazine in 2001.
Interpreting classic jazz standards or singing her own bluesy jazz pieces is her sound today, but her background is varied, from playing in marching bands as a child to a back up singer with Joni Mitchell and  singer in funk bands.
In the 1980 she explored into the New York jazz scene and has since recorded over 20 albums, won a Grammy and was named the female Jazz Vocalist of the Year by Down Beat magazine, three years in a row.
Cassandra Wilson
Warner Theatre
513 13th Street, NW, between E …read more

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For more than 20 years, the jazz fusion band, The Rippingtons, have been pouring out funky, hip and smooth jazz hits. With 17 albums recorded, some with guest artists that include a who’s who of  smooth jazz artists, such as David Benoit, David Koz and Kenny G, The Rippingtons are sure to delight jazz fusion fans.

The Rippingtons with Russ Freeman Blues Alley 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007 (map it)
Dates and Times – Thursday, October 30, and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2. Two shows …read more

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Enjoy live music surrounded by priceless pieces of art, every Sunday evening, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
These free public concerts include both classical music by famous composers, such as Beethoven, Bach and Haydn, as well as holiday and live film scores.
One notable concert is on Sunday, November 9th that includes the screening of the 1914 silent film, In the Land of the Head Hunters, together with a live orchestra to accompany the film.
The fictional documentary film entitled In the Land of the Head Hunters tells the story of the Kwakwaka’wakw people of British Columbia, Canada. Motana, …read more

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October offers all kinds of great  (and different) live music in Washington, DC.
At The Birchmere, check out:

Julie Fordham – brings her adult contemporary sound to the Birch. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 at 7:30 – $29.50
The Kinsey Sicks – Probably America’s only “dragapella” beautyshop quartet.  Expect campy songs, political humor and their version of Going to the Chapel of Love…Locked out of the Chapel of Love. Tuesday Oct. 28 -7:30 – $32.50

Zappa Plays Zappa – Expect Dweezil Zappa and friends to play 40 or so of his (and I assume his father’s) original alternative tunes. Monday, Oct. …read more

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The band KISS is not just a heavy metal band, it’s a rock merchandising empire. Probably no other rock band has parlayed their fame into more non-music revenue, perhaps other than Elvis Presley. The band’s list of merchandise includes comics, television, reality television shows, action figures, and tons of other KISS merchandise and memorabilia.
And KISS front man Paul Stanley is no exception. He will be exhibiting his oil and acrylic paintings, along with Giclee prints, at the Wentworth Gallery in Tysons Gallery in suburban McLean, Virginia.
If you can’t recall the different KISS characters, Stanley was the Starchild and is …read more

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That’s how Ed Sullivan introduced the Fab Four back in February, 1964.  Their performance on The Ed Sullivan Show ushered in the British music invasion.  The up and coming British rock band, The Beatles, received national attention when couple days before at New York’s JFK airport, an estimated 3,000 screaming fans showed up to greet them.

And you can relive the experience of their first American concert tour, or at least something close, perhaps without all the screaming teenagers and teenie-bopper hysteria.
Rolling Stone magazine calls 1964…The Tribute the “best Beatles tribute band on earth”.  The show captures the essence of The …read more

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Fort Belvor is hosting its 13th annual Octoberfest just a 30 minute drive from downtown Washington, DC.
Enjoy authentic German umpapa bands and polka dancing, some great kids events and activities, along with a big carnival.
And don’t miss the great German food, like grilled brats and Rhinewurst sausages with Sauerkraut. And of course, treat yourself to a stein or two of German beer.  The whole experience may make you feel like you’re enjoying a part of this original Deutschland festival.
Fort Belvor 13th annual Octoberfest
Off Richmond Highway / US-1, and Belvor Road – Fremont Field
Fort Belvor, VA (map it)
Dates and Times – …read more

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One of the best and, best attended, neighborhood street festivals in Washington, DC is the annual Adams Morgan Day Festival. 
As the longest running street festival in DC (30 years), it brings a full day of live music and exciting dance performances, artisans selling their original and hand-crafted goods, interactive performance workshops, and food from around the world.
With two main stages feature live music from a wide range of genres from Rock, Latin, jazz to Americana, bluegrass and funk, and more. Plus dance performances from Bolivia to Africa , Cuba to Spain.
Located on a tree-lined street, Arts on Belmont …read more

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