The DC Traveler

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 - Robert Cray is one of my favorites “she broke my heart, I messed up, but I still love you, please take me back baby” rockin’ blues singers. I first saw Robert Cray in Austin in 1986 immediately after he released Strong Persuader, a CD that catapulted him to mainstream music. He puts on a great show. Tuesday, March 4.

Robert Cray Band - Right Next Door

• Robin Trower - Rock guitarist Robin Trower started his career with Procol Harum in 1967. After he left the band, his album Bridge of Sighs became an huge hit. Saturday, March 9.
• Cut the Cake with The Average White Band - Thursday & Friday, March 14 & 15.
• Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy has influenced guitarists from Jimmy Hendrix to Eric Clapton. Wednesday & Thursday, March 26 & 27

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

At Blues Alley in Georgetown:

• Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan brings his two-handed string tapping to play melody and chords simultaneously in a solo show. Thursday through Sunday, March 6-9, two shows nightly.

Stanley Jordan - Eleanor Rigby

• Argentine jazz tenor saxophonist Gato Barbeie had one of the most popular jazz CD ever released, the 1976 album, Caliente. It included the romantic cover of Carlos Santana’s Europa. Friday - Sunday, March 214-16, two shows nightly.

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

9:30 Club is hosing some fun and unique sounds, including:

• The Hives with the Donnas - From Sweden, probably the best dressed garage band in history. Dressed in black and white suits, they are touring to promote their latest CD, The Black and White Album, with about half of the tunes shifting from their garage band roots into a more experimental sound. Saturday, March 8 - UPDATE - THIS SHOW IS NOW SOLD OUT.

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC
202-393-0930

At the Black Cat on 14th Street:

• The Cribs - The 3-piece indie post-punk band from England recently backed-up the Sex Pistols at their November comeback concerts. Wednesday, March 19.
• If you were to blend the 1960s Philly sound of The Ronnettes with rock pioneer Buddy Holly, and then add a dose of The Velvet Underground, you might come up with the two-part harmonies and driving beats of The Raveonettes. Also joining them will be Black Acid and Glasvegas, Saturday, March 29.

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC
202-667-7960And finally, at the Ram’s Head Tavern in Annapolis, check out some of the more eclectic range of performers.

• Dave Mason - Legendary rocker Dave Mason, grew up in the influential band Traffic, with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood. His big hit, “Feelin’ Alright” became a rock anthem, made popular by Joe Cocker, among others. Here’s one of my fav Mason tunes. Monday & Tuesday, March 3-4.

• Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes -
  the Jukes set sound for a bunch of later Jersey shore soul and R&B bands. Friday, March 7.
• Davy Jones - Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees!! Davy Jones was the British lead singer of The Monkees, (probably the the first TV-created band). Along with Peter, Mike and Mickey, he became a huge teen idol in the 1960s. Sunday, March 9.

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-268-4545Images - Johnny Winter,

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