It’s déja vu all over again as springtime turns the landscape from two-tone to full spectrum. The season is right for a balmy walk to dinner and a great concert, but make your plans early because, as always, the early birds sit in the front rows.
Here is a select list of indoor concert venues and a sampling of shows from each. Check the venue’s website for a complete listing and descriptions of what styles of music these artists play. Keep your eyes open for the outdoor concerts preview in Entertainment in the next few weeks. I’ll keep you posted on the “who, what and where” in my Music Box column each Friday morning.
Annapolis
Rams Head On Stage here in Annapolis is the place every national act wants to play. Many national tours begin at Rams Head On Stage. No doubt it’s a well-run and fan-friendly venue. I have a feeling that the artists also love the town, the Rams Head staff, the great food and finely crafted brews.
The acoustics at Rams Head can be challenging at times (different wherever you sit, I think), but you are never far from the stage in this 300+ seat venue. Sign up for their mailing list so you’re at the front of the line when purchasing tickets for new shows: http://www.ramsheadonstage.com.
Notable upcoming shows include: Live at the Fillmore — Allman Brothers Tribute, May 1 (8 p.m.); Josh Ritter, May 3-4 (8 p.m.); Gino Vanelli, May 8 (8 p.m.); Todd Rundgren at Maryland Hall, May 17 (8 p.m.); Bob James 75th anniversary, May 19 (8 p.m.); Marc Broussard, June 2 (8 p.m.); Glen David Andrews, June 3 (8 p.m.); Ottmar Liebert, June 7 (8 p.m.); Madeleine Peyroux, June 20 (8:30 p.m.); Lee Roy Parnell, June 24 (8 p.m.); Dar Williams, June 27 (6 and 9 p.m.); The Rippingtons, June 28 (5 and 8 p.m. shows); Gin Blossoms, Aug. 3 (6 p.m.); and The Lettermen, Aug. 8 (8 p.m.).
Easton
Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is lovely Easton, full of art galleries, fine restaurants and a welcoming community with a strong passion for the arts. The Avalon Theatre offers 400+ seats in an historic movie palace, plus an intimate 60-seat venue called the Stoltz Listening Room.
Upcoming concerts: Dan Navarro, May 8 (8 p.m.); Psychedelic Furs, May 20 (8 p.m.); Samantha Crain, May 22 (8 p.m.); Laurence Juber, May 28 (8 p.m.); Session Americana, May 29 (7 and 9:30 p.m.); Martin Sexton, May 30 (8 p.m.); David Mayfield Parade, June 5 (8 p.m.); The Wailers, June 7 (8 p.m.); and Robbin Thompson, Sept. 11 (8 p.m.).
Baltimore
In Baltimore this summer there’s the 1,200-seat Rams Head Live! offering one of the best lineups of all the indoor concert facilities. It’s always an electrifying mix of regional and national acts performing from night to night. This is predominantly an all-ages venue, so feel free to bring the family (but check the schedule just in case it’s a 21+ night). You’ll always find great entertainment at Rams Head Live!
Upcoming shows: Ben Fold with YMusic, May 6 (8 p.m.); Zappa Plays Zappa, May 10 (8 p.m.); Kaiser Chiefs, May 12 (8 p.m.); Saxon, May 15 (8 p.m.); J. Roddy Walston and The Business at Power Plant Live, June 5 (8 p.m.); Tyler, The Creator, June 10 (8 p.m.); Aaron Lewis, June 25 (8 p.m.); Dropkick Murphys at Power Plant Live, July 18 (6 p.m.); Earl Sweatshirt, Aug. 25 (8 p.m.).
The Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, now known as the Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center, offers spiffy new digs that are sure to please the discerning concert and theater goer. Look for the best in musical theater touring shows while welcoming some of the nation’s most anticipated concert artists.
Upcoming concerts: Dwight Yoakum, April 24 (8 p.m.); Steve Winwood, April 28 (7:30 p.m.).
Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is home to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, which performs a number of composer-themed evenings and a series of popular music-themed tribute concerts throughout the summer. They also book a lot of great popular music.
Upcoming shows: Paramore, May 11 (7 p.m.); American Idols, July 21 (7:30 p.m.).
The Creative Alliance in Baltimore is an alternative venue where the arts are encouraged to cross-pollinate, creating new cultural forms and experiences mingling with tried-and-true traditional fare. From samba to soul and good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll, when it comes to the Creative Alliance, it’s all good!
Upcoming performances: Jazz clarinetist Ben Goldberg, April 26 (7 p.m.); Alash, May 1 (8 p.m.); California Twang, May 2 (8 p.m.); Polka Dance Party, May 6 (7:30 p.m.); Ray Wylie Hubbard, May 14 (8 p.m.); Baltimore Rock Opera Society, May 21-24 and May 28-31 (various showtimes); Noches Acusticas, May 29 (9:30 p.m.); Bumper Jacksons, June 5 (8 p.m.); Les Rhinoceros, June 14 (8 p.m.); The Quebe Sisters, June 25 (8 p.m.); Lea Gilmore’s Big Fat Blues Cabaret, June 26 (8 p.m.); Que Viva Cuba!, June 27 (4:30 p.m.); dance party with Bachata Plus, June 27 (8 p.m.); Las Cafeteras, July 11 (8 p.m.).
Washington
In Washington, D.C., there are monumental shows mounted at the colossal 12,000+ seat Verizon Center sports arena. For such a cave, the acoustics are pretty amazing.
Upcoming shows: Bette Midler, June 22 (8 p.m.); Imagine Dragons, July 6 (7:30 p.m.); Shania Twain, July 26 (7:30 p.m.); Ariana Grande Honeymoon Tour, July 25 (7:30 p.m.); Madonna, Sept. 12 (8 p.m.), Ed Sheeran, Sept. 22-23 (7:30 p.m.).
The go-to mid-sized venue (1,200 seats or thereabouts) in the nation’s capital is the 9:30 Club. While there really isn’t anywhere to sit, except on the concrete floor while you wait for the show to begin, the sightlines are generally excellent.
Upcoming concerts: Joe Pug, May 2 (8 p.m.); Lord Huron, May 3-4 (7 p.m.); Butch Walker, May 7 (7 p.m.); Matt & Kim, May 11-12 (7 p.m.); Bill Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead, May 13 (7 p.m.); Rusted Root, June 3 (7 p.m.); Calexico, June 5 (9:30 p.m.); Paul Weller, June 9 (7 p.m.); Courtney Barnett, June 13-14 (7 p.m.); Soul Asylum & Meat Puppets, June 18 (7 p.m.); The War On Drugs, June 20-21 (8 and 7 p.m. respectively); The New Pornographers, July 7 (8 p.m.); and Bajofondo, July 14 (7 p.m.).
The Sixth & I Historic Synagogue caters to young professionals in their 20s and 30s, offering both Jewish and secular programming with visiting authors, politicians, artists, comedians, academics, filmmakers, actors, entrepreneurs, activists — and musicians. Watch for the spring and summer schedule at http://www.sixthandi.org.
A beautiful and comfortable 500-seat Washington, D.C., rock ‘n’ roll venue is The Hamilton. At 600 14th St, NW, it’s centrally located and just a couple blocks from the White House. Great acoustics and a nice restaurant make this a place to savor.
Upcoming performances: Griffin House, May 7 (7:30 p.m.); Mandolin Orange, May 15 (8:30 p.m.); Chopteeth, May 16 (8:30 p.m.); Buffy St. Marie, May 19 (8:30 p.m.); Kermit Ruffins, May 26 (7:30 p.m.); Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes Acoustic, May 27 (7:30 p.m.); Bonerama with Mike Zito, May 29 (8:30 p.m.); Steel Drivers, June 5 (8:30 p.m.); John Scofield Uberjam, June 10 (8:30 p.m.); Paquito D’Rivera, June 11 (7:30 p.m.); The Bad plus Joshua Redman, June 12 (8:30 p.m.); Jack DeJohnette Trio, June 13 (7:30 and 10:30 p.m.); Stanton Moore plus Charlie Hunter, June 14 (7:30 p.m.); Snarky Puppy, June 15-16 (8 p.m.); and Carbon Leaf, June 20 (8:30 p.m.).
Blues Alley is home to the world’s finest jazz players. All Blues Alley appearances include two shows each night (8 and 10 p.m. with a drink minimum).
Upcoming shows: Tinsley Ellis, May 6; Melba Moore, May 8-9; Otis Taylor, May 10; Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Quintet, May 12-13; John Pizzarelli, May 15-17; Generations of Miles, May 21-24; Eldar, May 28; Irma Thomas, June 5-7; Terence Blanchard, June 16-21; Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra, July 2-3; Jean Carne 40th Tour, July 9-12.
Gypsy Sally’s is a new Americana roots rock music venue. They’ve been getting some stellar talent over the past year or so. Better check it out!
Upcoming concerts: Moonalice, May 17 (8 p.m.); Honey Island Swamp Band, May 29 (9 p.m.); Six String Drag, June 17 (8:30 p.m.); George Porter Jr. and his Runnin’ Pardners, June 24 (8:30 p.m.); and the New Riders of the Purple Sage, July 17 (9 p.m.).
Look for some quality shows at the 3,000+ seat DAR Constitution Hall in the District this summer.
Upcoming performances: Sufjan Stevens, May 5 (8 p.m.); The Whispers with Sinbad and CC Peniston, May 9 (8 p.m.).
Another fun musical sojourn is to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts where, not only do they have a sumptuous helping of superstars stopping in for command performances, but also a series of free shows 365 days a year on their Millennium Stage (6 p.m. each evening). It’s a beautiful place to hear some music with so many fine venues under one roof.
Here is a selection of blues and jazz shows coming up at the Kennedy Center: Blues Hall of Fame Tour with Musselwhite, Cotton, Hammond, May 1 (7:30 and 9:30 p.m.); Antonio Hart Organ Trio, May 8 (7:30 and 9:30 p.m. shows); Harlem Nights, U Street Lights, May 10 (8 p.m.); and the annual Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival, May 15-16 (7 p.m.).
D.C. metro area
Just outside of Washington, as you circle the Capital Beltway, get off at Rockville Pike and you’ll find the Music Center at Strathmore. This is a beautiful, relatively new symphony hall venue which hosts occasional rock shows. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents a summer series each year at Strathmore.
Upcoming performances: Julie Andrews, April 25 (9 p.m.); Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, April 26 (4 p.m.); Rain Tribute to The Beatles, May 1 (8 p.m.); Armenian Music, May 8 (8 p.m.); Aretha Franklin, May 13 (8 p.m.); and a BSO Tribute to John Williams, May 28 (8 p.m.).
In downtown Silver Spring there’s the 2,000-seat Fillmore, a standing venue.
Upcoming shows: Michael Franti Spearhead, June 4 (8 p.m.); Rakim, June 12 (8 p.m.); Mint Condition, July 11 (8 p.m.); and a Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Aug. 7 (7:30 p.m.).
Close by there’s the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, a classy art deco movie palace with plenty of space for dancing. The food is pretty good, too!
Upcoming concerts: Eddie Money, May 1 (7 and 10 p.m.); Wil Hart of The Delfonics, May 10 (7 p.m.); Michael Urbaniak, May 21 (7:30 p.m.); Chrystal Gayle, May 24 (8 p.m.); Mary Wilson of The Supremes, June 5 (8 p.m.); Spampinato Brothers, June (7 p.m.); Iguanas, June 19 (8 p.m.); Janiva Magness, June 20 (8 p.m.); Jr. Cline & The Recliners, June 27 (8 p.m.); Anson Funderburgh, Aug. 1 (8 p.m.); Dr. Ralph Stanley and Friends, Sept. 11 (8 p.m.).
So there are lots of shows for you to experience and choose from this spring and summer. Be sure to keep in touch with my Music Box column published Fridays in The Capital’s Entertainment guide for the latest concert news.
Michael Buckley can be reached at voicesofthebay@aol.com.