DC / Baltimore / DMV Global Music and More January 2025
Concert Calendar Gig List
Compiled &
curated list of area gigs by local and touring bands and djs by Steve
Kiviat. List is edited and updated
frequently (go-go shows are often just announced the week of the show; Lamont’s
soul shows also). Work your way down day by day. Sorry this is late this month.
Calendar is posted, updated, and viewable here on the blog,
and events tweeted @stevekiviat. Calendar is sometimes linked on my Facebook,
Instagram, Bluesky, & Threads. Email list coming soon. Gig list includes
international (mainly African, Caribbean, Latin, Brazilian), roots, rap, soul,
go-go, rock, punk, pop, gospel, club dj dance and more DMV & Baltimore
& Annapolis gigs that I am interested in.
Lots of local Ethiopian and Go-go.
Additional gigs added after first posting have an *asterisk.* Events listed have been found on websites,
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/x, email, postcards, flyers, tik-tok, What’s app,
& club voicemails.
To submit events (for
posting) or comments (that are not posted) e-mail stevenkiviat @ gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 2025 Remaining Highlights (mostly visiting acts)
(then full list below w/ local & visiting).
Fri. Jan. 3-Janel
Leppin's Ensemble Volcanic Ash @ Rhizome (jazz, chamber music, punk, classical)
(being recorded for possible live album)
Fri. Jan. 10- Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and
the Costs of the Perfect Playlist book talk by author Liz Pelly w/ a
conversation w/ Chris Richards @ 8 pm @
Joint Custody U St.
Chanchon 503 @ Ruta 50 Bar & Grill Falls Church (El
Salvadorian chanchon cumbia)
Mon. Jan. 13-This is Lorelei (indie-pop &
pop-punk from Nate Amos of Water from Your Eyes) , You Bet @ DC 9
Tues. Jan. 14- Yeison Landero 7 to 10 & beer
tasting 6 to 7 @ 402 N. Howard St., Baltimore (cumbia accordionist) (City Roots
Eventbrite / discount for early purchase)
Sat. Jan. 18- Yeison Landero w/ Victor Arce for free
from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (cumbia accordionist ) &
later @ 8 @ Rhizome
Sun. Jan. 19- Let Freedom Ring Celebration, featuring
Christopher Jackson and Esperanza Spalding, Let Freedom Ring Choir, led by
Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. @ 7:30 @ Kennedy Center (free tickets 2
person given out @ 5:30)
Wed. Jan. 22-The Meteors @ Ottobar (London
psychobilly/rockabilly)
Fri. Jan. 24-Googoosh @ Anthem (Iranian Persian music
singer)
William Hart’s New Delfonics & Black Ivory @ Bethesda
Theater (soul)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 2025 Full list (*asterisks will be used to show
any additional events added throughout the month *)
Wed. January 1, 2025-
Sirius Company @ Sobe (go-go)
New Impressionz @ Babylon (go-go)
What Band feat. Killa Cal free @ Shark Bar (go-go)
Live Ethiopian music @ Napoli Lounge
Kizomba and bachata dj & dancing @ Crossroads 2
DJ Jamstar @ Tempoo Lounge (dancehall)
TCB & ABM @ Martini’s
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thurs. Jan. 2-
Massa Nera (New Jersey screamo hardcore &
post-rock/math-rock & Latin); Dim (Georgia emo hardcore ); Expiration Date
(DC/ MD screamo); Bodied (Northern VA hardcore ) @ Rhizome
Jill Sobule free from 6 to 7 @
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (pop-alt-rock)
Grandsons @ Hank Dietle’s (roots/Americana)
Thrills @ Jvs (roots pop & rock)
Azul Band @ Green Zone (global sounds)
Grupo Quimbao @ Bossa
Live Ethiopian music w/ guitarist Selamino & band @ Shalla
Restaurant in Silver Spring
Roots Band @ Makeda
Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian
music @ MHL Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian
music @ Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @
Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
What Band feat.
Killa Cal @ Martini's Ft Washington (go-go)
Sirius Company @ Shark Bar (go-go) *Cancelled due to busted pipe @ Shark Bar *
Afrobeats w/ DJ
Jamstar @ Spectrum Lounge
Afro-Caribbean dj @
Kaldis
Afrobeats @ Gazuza
Lounge
Original Facez @ 8
to 11:30 @ Aqua (go-go)
Reggae Movie night
@ 6 @ Peabody Hts. Brewery
Exhibition - The
Sound of DC: A Visual History of Punk DIY Thursday thru Saturday Jan. 4 @
Brentwood Arts Exchange
*The Vibe Conductor @ Grazie Mille (r & b) *
---------------------------------------------
Janel Leppin's
Ensemble Volcanic Ash @ Rhizome (jazz, chamber music, punk ,classical) (being
recorded for possible live album)
“I’ve Endured: Women of Old Time Music” an exhibition
opening @ 6 pm @ Creative Alliance
Trio Sephardi free from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium
Stage (Sephardic Jewish songs from Spain)
Robert Lighthouse @ Hank Dietle’s (blues)
After Thoughts Band @ Lamont’s (soul)
Rare Essence @ Fast Eddie’s (go-go)
Backyard Band @ Restaurant 55 (go-go)
Alfredo Mojica Group @ 10:30 @ Bossa (salsa) plus DJ Lu w/
Latin hits upstairs;
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge (Ethiopian) (*temporarily closed till Jan 6*)
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Live Ethiopian instrumental music w/ guitarist Selamino
& band 9 to 12 mdt. @ Meleket
Girls Rock! DC benefit @ Songbyrd
TOB, Drama Squad @ Martini’s (bouncebeat go-go)
New Impressionz @ Throw Social (go-go)
Exhibition - The
Sound of DC: A Visual History of Punk DIY Thursday thru Saturday Jan. 4 @
Brentwood Arts Exchange
--------------------------------------------------
Sat. Jan. 4-
Curren$y @ Howard Theatre (rap)
Homayoun Shajarian & Anoushiravan Rohani @ Strathmore
Nicole Seligmann (medieval music fiddle player) and Lucas
Ashby (percussionist) free from 6 to 7 @
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (Middle Ages songs)
Tropical Beats w/ DJs Leon City Sounds @ Green Zone
Motherf’ers JMB & Co.(motoric hurdy gurdy by Geologist
& dj Marc Minsker on bass & Jim Thomson on drums) , Applied
Communications (polarizing experimental pop), Overtime ZZZ (left field guitar
pop by PJ Brownlee ex-Plums) @ Rhizome
Haitian Independence Bash w/ DJs @ Crossroads 2
Adamarae & friends @ Songbyrd (schoolteachers band)
Distortion Inc., Hungry Bug, Apollo 66 @ American Legion Post
41 Cissel Saxon
Tumbao (Latin salsa ) @ 10:30 @ Bossa 1st floor & DJ Lu
Latin Hits upstairs; Turathna: A night of Culture & resistance benefit for
middle east children’s alliance @ 7:30 @ Bossa
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant (Ethiopian)
live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Ras Band w/ guest singers @ MHL Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ Black Rose Lounge
Rare Essence @ 11 @
Aqua (go-go)
Tropical Saturday Nights w/ Dj Ghost
& G-Nice @ Carib Express in Laurel
Feelin the Funk
Band @ Harmony Hall
TCB @ Fire Station
1 (bouncebeat go-go)
Junkyard Band ,
Still Familiar @ Restaurant 55 (go-go)
Backyard Band &
friends @ Karma (go-go)
Exhibition - The
Sound of DC: A Visual History of Punk DIY Thursday thru Saturday Jan. 4 @
Brentwood Arts Exchange
*DJ Baby Alcatraz @ 7 to 10 @ Daikaya *
*Akua Allrich & the Tribe @ 7 @ Takoma Station Tavern (jazz & classic afropop vocals) *
*DJ Slice & DJ G-Nice retro session 4 to 10 @ Society Silver Spring (reggae , soca, hiphop)*
*DJ Bri Mafia @ 10 @ DC 9 *
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Sun. Jan. 5-
AvevA @ DC JCC (Ethiopian-Israeli singer)
Qiik, Listening Skulls, D.O.V.E., Saafewaay @ Rhizome
(hardcore punk)
Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones @ Hank Dietle’s (blues
& rockin roots r&b)
The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926 movie inspired by the
Arabian Nights) with live soundtrack by the Anvil Orchestra (Roger C. Miller of
Mission of Burma & Terry Donahue) 2 pm to 3:30 @ National Gallery of Art
(registration for free tickets on nga website required)
live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Restaurant in Silver Spring
Roots Band @ Makeda
Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian
music @ MHL Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian
music @ Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @
Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
Drumming @ 3 to 7 @
Malcolm X Park returns in the spring
Afrobeats dj @ St
Ex
Spotlight Band @
Lamont’s (soul)
Haiti on our Mind (performers
tba) @ 7 @ Sankofa Books
TOB @ 1 to 7 pm @
201 Mass. Ave NE (bouncebeat go-go)
Backyard Band 8 to
12 @ Sobe (go-go)
* Sriram Gopal & Fourth Stream @ 8 @ Bossa (jazz & South Asian) *
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon. Jan. 6-
Rematriation (to raise $ for someone returning to their home
country) w/ Gloom Merchants, Requiem, Alex Harvelle, We'll get it next time,
Programmed Cell Death @ Rhizome *POSTPONED due to snow*
Memphis Gold & the Scrap Iron Band
@ 6 to 9 @ Westminster Church SW (blues) *POSTPONED due to snow to March 3*
Ethiopian music live @ Napoli Lounge
Ethiojazz @ Shalla
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tues. Jan. 7-
Equal Rights Amendment support show w/ Boy
Meets Pearl, Grief Cat, La Marvela, Ammonite and Quattracenta @ Songbyrd *POSTPONED TO JAN 14*
Ethiopian music @
Lion’s Den in Falls Church
Blacc
Print Experience @ Martini's White Plains (go-go)
Dancehall reggae dj @ Society Lounge
------------------------------------------------------
Zar Electrik free
from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (Egyptian and Mahgreb & Ethiopian & North African trance
& dance and rock music w/ guitar, oud, kora, & synth )
The Petawane
Experience @ Eloquent Touch Ballroom (r&b/soul) postponed
Hit Like A Girl,
Sam Elmore and the Ghosts, Muhnday @ DC 9
Tumbao @ Union
Stage
New Impressionz @ Babylon (go-go)
What Band feat. Killa Cal free @ Shark Bar
(go-go)
Live Ethiopian music @ Napoli Lounge
Kizomba and bachata dj & dancing @ Crossroads 2
DJ Jamstar @ Tempoo Lounge (dancehall)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thurs. Jan. 9-
Longtimers @ Hank Dietle’s (New Orleans inspired roots rock)
Live Ethiopian music w/
guitarist Selamino & band @ Shalla Restaurant in Silver Spring
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @ Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
What Band feat. Killa Cal @ Martini's Ft Washington (go-go)
Afrobeats w/ DJ Jamstar @ Spectrum Lounge
Afro-Caribbean dj @ Kaldis
Afrobeats @ Gazuza Lounge
Original Facez @ 8 to 11:30 @ Aqua (go-go)
Flack @ VFW Post 350 Hells Bottom (roots-rock)
*"Dahomey " (by acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics)) is about looted sculptures returned from French museums to Dahomey in what is now Benin, @ Sun Cinema ( described as a poetic work that delves into perspectives on issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution) (sold out) *
*The Fuss @ Wonderland Bar (ska, rocksteady ) *
*New Impressionz @ Martini's in White Plains (go-go) *
* Cheick Hamala Diabate @ 9:30 @ Bossa (music from Mali)*
* Danube Sessions & Kriminal Pop w Orchester Praževica @ Green Zone *
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fri. Jan. 10-
Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the
Perfect Playlist book talk by author Liz Pelly w/ a conversation w/ Chris
Richards @ 8 pm @ Joint Custody U St.
Chanchon 503 @ Ruta 50 Bar &
Grill Falls Church (El Salvadorian chanchon cumbia)
Raul Midon free from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium
Stage (jazzy soulful folk )
Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar - "Love & Bossa
Nova" @ 7:30 @ Creative Cauldron (Florida based Brazilian music duo)
Cryptid Summer, The Armors, Truth or Dare @ Rhizome
(post-punk, rock, pop-punk)
Hays Dowdy (Record Release), Outcalls, Soul Meets Body @
Comet P Pong (rock)
Last Train Home @ Rams Head Live Annapolis (roots folk rock)
Save Your Soul w/ dj Baby Alcatraz & Rob Macy @
Lithuanian Hall Baltimore
Joyce Lim presents Liv Wutang , Kiernan Laveaux
“MalloryFriday Night” @ 10 @ Hill Prince
H st NE (techno/electro)
After Thoughts Band @ Lamont’s (soul)
Rare Essence @ Fast Eddie’s (go-go)
Backyard Band @ Restaurant 55 (go-go)
Alfredo Mojica Group @ 10:30 @ Bossa (salsa) plus DJ Lu w/
Latin hits upstairs; *Son Cubano Subterrraneo w/ classic Cuban dance music @ 7:30 @ Bossa *
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Live Ethiopian instrumental music w/ guitarist Selamino
& band 9 to 12 mdt. @ Meleket
TOB tribute to Doug E Doug @ Throw Social (bouncebeat go-go)
Arabic music dj @ Green Zone
*"Dahomey " (by acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics)) is about looted sculptures returned from French museums to Dahomey in what is now Benin, @ 6:30 @ Sankofa Books ( described as a poetic work that delves into perspectives on issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution)*
*New Impressionz @ Aqua*
*TCB, Reaction @ Power (bouncebeat go-go)*
*Blacc Print Experience @ Takoma Station Tavern *
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Sat. Jan. 11-
Junior Marvin & the Legendary Wailers @ the Hamilton
Live (reggae)
Pedrito Martinez & Alfredo Rodriguez for 2 sets @
Keystone Korner (Latin jazz)
Ex Pilots, World Record, Mieke @ Quarry House (rock)
Original Facez @ Fire Station 1 (go-go)
Last Train Home @
Birchmere (root-folk-rock)
Sex Faces (w/ Jacky
from Des Demonas/ drone punk rock ) , Song People (eclectic minimalists), Ducts
(members of Dim Wizard, Halpine, Bittled UP & Des Demonas) @ Rhizome
Rock-a-Sonics &
Natty Beaux @ Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom (rockabilly)
The Kennedys @
Creative Cauldron (folk-rock)
Mosh Madness w/
Pretty Bitter, Spring Silver, FlowerBomb, Pinkie Lemon, Massie @ 3 @ Takoma
Park Presbyterian Church (benefit for Palestion Children’s Relief Fund)
Vienna Teng free
from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (singer/songwriter /pianist)
Tumbao (Latin salsa
) @ 10:30 @ Bossa 1st floor & DJ Lu Latin Hits upstairs;
Roots Band @ Makeda
Restaurant (Ethiopian)
live Ethiopian
music @ Shalla
Ras Band w/ guest
singers @ MHL Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Rare Essence @
11 @ Aqua (go-go)
Tropical Saturday
Nights w/ Dj Ghost & G-Nice @ Carib Express in Laurel
*Lorraine & the fabulous hand dancers 1 to 5 w/ Dj T-Play @ Brentwood Fire Dept. *
*Kraff, w/ Platinum kids, Ricky Platinum, Flava Roots @ 10 @ Buena Vista Ballroom in Jessup, MD (dancehall) * (eventbrite)
*New Impressionz, TOB, ABM @ Fast Eddie's (go-go)*
*The Lion's Den DMV presents Baltimore club dance lessons by TSU Terry @ 10:30 to 11:30; Los Angeles Krump dance lessons by David Bickerstaff @ 11:45 to 12:45pm; DC Beat Ya Feet Dance lessons by Sheldon Silvers 1-2pm; & Malik Dope drumming for an open dance jam session from 2 to 3 , all @ Kennedy Center Reach (registration required) *
*Club Quarantine w/ DJ D-Nice w/ guests Anthony Hamilton, Arrested Development, Big Daddy Kane, Goapele, Kenny Burns, Rakim, Rapsody, Tank, and Tweet@ Kennedy Center (sold out)*
*DJ Rumba-Fi "La Pachanga" w/ salsa, cumbia & more @ 10 @ Green Zone *
*uh oh I missed Evening of music & dance for Palestine Unrwa fundraiser@ Sitar Arts Center DC*
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Sun. Jan. 12-
Pedrito Martinez & Alfredo Rodriguez for 2 sets @
Keystone Korner (Latin jazz)
Newmyer Flyer : Simon &
Garfunkel Tribute @ 2 & 7:30 Creative
Cauldron
Baltimore Avenue, Pro
Video, clothes @ Rhizome (noise & punk)
Dance Club - CLOSING PARTY of Mallory weekend w/ Jacq Jill,
Flotussin, Joyce Lim, Baronhawk, Tommy C @ DC 9 (techno/electro)
New York City-based artists Gibson + Recoder present
"The Changeover System" from 2 to 4 @ National Gallery of Art .
During this live performance, Gibson + Recoder will work from within NGA
projection booth to transform the film projector’s light. They will use
rotating, hand-blown glass objects and other diffracting elements to bend,
scatter, and distort the film’s image. Florida-based sound artist Richard Garet
will perform his material sound approach in real time for the piece. (35mm,
approximately 70 minutes). Online
registration for this free event is required.
live Ethiopian music @ Shalla Restaurant in Silver Spring
(through Sunday)
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @ Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
Drumming @ 3 to 7 @ Malcolm X Park returns in the spring
Afrobeats dj @ St Ex
Granny & the Boys @ Showtime Bar
Hit Like a Girl, Braceface, Batty, Gay Baseball @ Matro
Baltimore
*Celebration of Life for John Mercer, Esq. (Attorney Mercer was the Legal Consultant on the National Hand Dance Association Board of Directors. He was a lover of Hand Dance, old school R&B and Go-Go). The Mercer Family will be hosting a public celebration for Johnny Mercer @ 2 pm to 6 pm @ the Howard Theatre, 620 T Street, NW at 2:00 p.m. (rsvp @ my keeper dot com) *
*Sable Drive, Stan Kelz @ Galaxy Hut *
*1252 Band @ Lamont's (soul)*
*R & B Club presents history of Cali R & B @ 12 noon @ Songbyrd *
*The Arab blues: Rami Gabriel & Karim Nagi (guitar, ouds, percussion) @ Nolan Center at Georgetown Prep (Sold out) *
* Solomon Haile @ Champion Kitchen DC (Ethiopian) *
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is Lorelei (indie-pop
& pop-punk from Nate Amos of Water from Your Eyes) , You Bet @ DC 9
Nucleus & friends band 5g @ 6 to 9 @ Westminster Church SW (blues)
Ethiopian music live @ Napoli Lounge
Ethiojazz @ Shalla
*PostClassical Ensemble "Amazing Grace:Fire & Light w/ Chickasaw Nation classical pianist Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate @ Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre *
----------------------------------
Yeison Landero 7 to 10 & beer tasting 6 to 7 @ 402
N. Howard St., Baltimore (cumbia
accordionist) (City Roots Eventbrite / discount for early purchase)
Dog Lips, Birthday Girl DC, Han Gan @ Quarry House Tavern
(rock)
Ethiopian music @ Lion’s Den in Falls Church
Blacc Print Experience @ Martini's White Plains (go-go)
Dancehall reggae dj @
Society Lounge
*Benefit for Los Angeles w/ DJ Mathias & DJ Pedro Night @ Sost * Moved to Thursday *
----------------------------------------------------------
Wed. Jan. 15-
Maruja Limon free from 6 to 7 @
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (Barcelona, Spain female flamenco pop
group)
guitarist Hasan Imam Hamdan, sarod player Manik Khan, a string quartet @ Strathmore mansion (south
Asian & African music)
Newmyer Flyer : Simon & Garfunkel Tribute @ Rams Head
Annapolis
Sirius Company @ Sobe (go-go)
New Impressionz @ Babylon (go-go)
What Band feat. Killa Cal free @ Shark Bar (go-go)
Live Ethiopian music @ Napoli Lounge
Kizomba and bachata dj & dancing @ Crossroads 2
DJ Jamstar @ Tempoo Lounge (dancehall)
*Essential Tremors Podcast presents host Lee Gardner playing Public Image LTD "Metal Box" @ 7 @ Idle Hour in Baltimore *
*"Let's Dance for Palestine - Palestinian dabke workshop@ 7:30 @ Palestinian House of Freedom, 650 PA Ave. SE Suite 50 *
*AfroBlue, HU singing group @ MLK tribute @ 7 to 8:15 @ MLK DC Central Library (registration for free suggested) *
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thurs. Jan. 16-
Elucid @ Union Stage (critic fave rap)
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone @ Birchmere
Seth Kibel & Flo Anito swing dance music @ Hank Dietle’s
David Chappell Band @ JVs (roots/Americana)
Live Ethiopian music w/
guitarist Selamino & band @ Shalla Restaurant in Silver Spring
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @ Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
What Band feat. Killa Cal @ Martini's Ft Washington (go-go)
Afrobeats w/ DJ Jamstar @ Spectrum Lounge
Afro-Caribbean dj @ Kaldis
Afrobeats @ Gazuza Lounge
Original Facez @ 8 to 11:30 @ Aqua (go-go)
*Les the DJ @ Grazie Mille (r'n'b, Asian city pop) *
*Benefit for Los Angeles w/ DJ Mathias & DJ Pedro Night @ Sost * (moved from Tuesday)*
*New Impressionz @ 8 @ Martini's in White Plains (go-go)*
*Verny Varela @ 9:30 @ Bossa ( cumbia, valenato, salsa) *
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Fri. Jan. 17-
Cecily “Soul Music for a Better World “ @ Creative Cauldron
(originals and covers)
Noochie @ Songbyrd (rap & go-go)
La Joaqui @ Diamond Lounge (Argentina urban freestyle
vocalist)
Los Cuates de Sinaloa @ Mexico Lindo
Nao Yoshioka @ Rams Head Annapolis (Japanese jazzy soul
singer )
After Thoughts Band @ Lamont’s (soul)
Rare Essence @ Fast Eddie’s (go-go)
Backyard Band @ Restaurant 55 (go-go)
Alfredo Mojica Group @ 10:30 @ Bossa (salsa) plus DJ Lu w/
Latin hits upstairs;
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Live Ethiopian instrumental music w/ guitarist Selamino
& band 9 to 12 mdt. @ Meleket
New Impressionz @ Throw Social (go-go)
Proper Utensils @ Takoma Station (go-go)
Arabic music dj @ Green Zone
*The Vibe Conductor dj @ Grazie Mille (r & b) *
*Linda Smith, Sad Veiled Bride, Sonic Eddy @ 7 @ Art, Sound, Language (twee pop) (donations requested)*
*MLK Shabbat: Visions of Freedom and Justice tribute to MLK & to late Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel who marched w/ MLK in Selma. The service will feature soul-lifting music from Covenant Baptist UCC's choir and Sixth & I musicians, plus words of inspiration from Dr. Imani Romney-Rosa Chapman, interfaith partners, and Sixth & I'ers @ 7 pm @ 6th & I. Stick around after the service for challah and dessert.*
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Sat. Jan. 18-
People’s March in DC & elsewhere in US
Yeison Landero w/ Victor Arce for free from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy
Center Millennium Stage (cumbia accordionist ) & later @ 8 @ Rhizome
Alex Bueno @ Club One
Adjective Animal, Giant Day, Anocean @ Quarry House
Project Locrea @ Creative Cauldron (global music from
international band)
Kindred the Family Soul @ Birchmere
“We Go Out!” w/ BAE
and Special Guest Beau Young Prince, Nacho Gummy Bears x Chibuguzo x Suga Riot
x Danjalé, and dj sounds by Trilla Kay & Bri Mafia @ Songbyrd
Monsters from the
Surf, Snapshirts , Zocko @ Hank Dietle’s (surf & garage rock)
Tumbao (Latin salsa
) @ 10:30 @ Bossa 1st floor & DJ Lu Latin Hits upstairs; *Arc Trio @ 7:30 (harp, guitar, drums genre bending music) *
Roots Band @ Makeda
Restaurant (Ethiopian)
live Ethiopian
music @ Shalla
Ras Band w/ guest
singers @ MHL Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Rare Essence @
11 @ Aqua (go-go)
Tropical Saturday
Nights w/ Dj Ghost & G-Nice @ Carib Express in Laurel
Stone Pleasure Band
@ Burgers in Manassas (southern soul)
Backyard Band @ 11
@ Shark Bar (go-go)
*Kankouran West African Dance @ 7 @ Dance Place *
*Linda Smith, Sad Veiled Bride, Sonic Eddy @ Normal Books in Baltimore *
MLK Day of service to prepare (& deliver ?) care packages for at risk families from 12 to 2 @ UPO Petey Greene Community Service Center, 2907 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue SE (eventbrite registration)
*Junkyard Band & Sirius Company @ Fast Eddie's (go-go)*
*Kim Michelle Experience @ Balkonie (go-go)*
*Derek Gripper (South African guitarist) & Rahim Alhaj (oud) @ 6:30 to 9 @ Nolan Center of Georgetown Prep *
*2025 Peace Ball: Voices of Justice and Liberation w/ Sweet Honey in the Rock, Artists from Joe’s Movement Emporium Black Leaves Dance Company, Farafina Kan, Superior Cling Jazz Band, DJ Farrah Flosscett @ Arena Stage *
*Laylit Arabic electronic music event w/ DJ Ushka (NYC), DJ Lionessa (Vancouver), DJ Aboudi Issa (Detroit) @ Culture *
*New Impressionz @ 8 to 12 mdt @ Urban Crab Boil in Forrestville (go-go)*
*TCB, DTA afterparty after Commanders playoff game @ Martini's in Ft. Washington( $20 admission if wearing Commanders gear before 12 mdt.) *
*Chuck Brown Band @ Collective Encore Columbia (go-go)*
*MLK Peace Walk from 9:30 am rally @ Shepherd Park to indoor parade followed by wellness fair @ 11 am to 2 pm @ ESA arena in SE DC (this walk has a 40 plus year tradition) *
Beat ya Feet dance workshop w/ Crazylegz @ 2:30 plus a record fair 1 pm to 6 pm as part of Say it Loud fest all weekend@ BlackRock Center for the Arts (online registration suggested*
*Hiphop & R& b bar crawl @ Chi Cha Lounge, District Alley, Saint Ex, Alice, Pure Lounge, Amsterdam 2 to 10 On U St NW (eventbrite)
*Chibuguzo @ 8 @ Songbyrd (Rap & r& b hybrid w/ creative instrumentation) *
*Thursday @ Fillmore (post-hardcore emo)*
*Professor & African Methodist Church liberation reverend Dr. Obery Hendericks gives MLK lecture @ 5 to 7 @ DC Comm on the Arts & Humanities, 200 I St SE ( ( 2021 book-Christians Against Christianity: How Right-Wing Evangelicals are Destroying Our Nation and Our Faith)*
--------------------------------------------------------------
Let Freedom Ring
Celebration, featuring Christopher Jackson and Esperanza Spalding, Let Freedom
Ring Choir, led by Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. @ 7:30 @ Kennedy Center
(free tickets 2 person given out @ 5:30)
Rare Essence, EU, DCVybe @ Howard Theatre (go-go)
Be’la Dona go-go brunch @ 2 @ Bethesda Theater *CANCELLED I THINK*
Kindred the Family Soul @ Birchmere
Jeremie Albino @ Union Stage (roots-folk)
David Chappell Band *w/ guest Anthony Pirog* @ 2 to 4:30 @ Hank Dietle’s (roots/Americana ) POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER*
Hula Monsters @ 6 @ Hank Dietle’s *CANCELLED *
Jumpin Jupiter @ 4 @ JVs (rockabilly)
live Ethiopian music @ Shalla Restaurant in Silver Spring
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @ Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
Drumming @ 3 to 7 @ Malcolm X Park returns in the spring
Afrobeats dj @ St Ex
*Kankouran West African Dance @ 4 @ Dance Place *
*Curtis Eller’s American Circus @ Galaxy Hut *
*Stone Pleasure Band @ Lamont's (soul)*
*Pure Elegance @ 8:15 @ Shark Bar (go-go)*
*Ndule @ 8:30 @ Bossa (Congolese improv jazz ) *
*Robert E. Person tenor vocalist tribute to MLK @ Blues Alley *
*Pretty Bitter @ the Garage in Boyds, Md (DC indie-rock)*
*Fairfax record riot @ 10 am to 5 @ Arlington-Fairfax Elk Lodge*
*TCB @ Power (bouncebeat go-go)*
*Professor & African Methodist Church liberation elder Dr. Obery Hendericks gives MLK talk @ Covenant Baptist ( 2021 book-Christians Against Christianity: How Right-Wing Evangelicals are Destroying Our Nation and Our Faith)*
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Anti-Inaugural
Ball w/ Sly stone cover band @ Black Cat
unInauguration 2
with J.D. Parran and Andrew Drury @ Rhizome (noisy jazz)
Omar @ the
Birchmere
Mark Wenner’s Blues
Warriors w/ Clarence Turner & more @
6 to 9 @ Westminster Church SW (blues)
Ethiopian music
live @ Napoli Lounge
Ethiojazz @ Shalla
*"King: A Filmed Record ...Montgomery to Memphis" free @ 12 noon @ AFI Silver*
*The Sound of DC: A Visual History of Go-go exhibit @ Brentwood Art Exchange through March 8 *
* MLK Day of service from 8:45 am to 2 pm @ Shiloh Baptist in Alexandria, VA to create prayer blankets for the Northern VA Juvenile Detention Center and prepare hygiene, household, and laundry kits for distribution to Bethany House, Friends of Guest House, David's Place Day Shelter, and the Alexandria Community Shelter. (eventbrite registration)*
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Tues. Jan. 21-
Del McCoury Band @ Collective Encore early and later @ Barns of Wolf Trap (playing 1960s era music)
Ethiopian music @ Lion’s Den in Falls Church
Blacc Print Experience @ Martini's White Plains (go-go)
Dancehall reggae dj @
Society Lounge
*Still Familiar @ Fast Eddie's (go-go)*
*Art Talk Tuesday panel w/ Jamal Gray (curator, dj, producer) & others involved in DC & PG visual arts 6 to 8 @ Busboys & Poets Brookland *
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Wed. Jan. 22-
The Meteors @ Ottobar (London psychobilly/rockabilly)
Harmonies of Hitsville @ Eloquent Touch Ballroom
Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes @ the Hamilton Live
(rock & cumbia)
Cecily @ Keystone
Korner
Sirius Company @
Sobe (go-go)
New Impressionz @
Babylon (go-go)
What Band feat.
Killa Cal free @ Shark Bar (go-go)
Live Ethiopian
music @ Napoli Lounge
Kizomba and bachata
dj & dancing @ Crossroads 2
DJ Jamstar @ Tempoo
Lounge (dancehall)
*Del McCoury Band @ Barns of Wolf Trap (playing 1970s era music) *
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Thurs. Jan. 23-
Amy Helm @ the Hamilton Live (roots Americana )
Yamato Drummers of Japan @ Strathmore
Sabor Tropical w/ Leon City Sounds djs & DJ Crown Vic @
ESL
David Grubbs, Susan Alcorn, The Caribbean @ Rhizome (Artsy
postpunk & postrock)
The Thrills @ Hank Dietle’s (roots-pop & rock )
Live Ethiopian music w/
guitarist Selamino & band @ Shalla Restaurant in Silver Spring
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @ Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
What Band feat. Killa Cal @ Martini's Ft Washington (go-go)
Afrobeats w/ DJ Jamstar @ Spectrum Lounge
Afro-Caribbean dj @ Kaldis
Afrobeats @ Gazuza Lounge
Original Facez @ 8 to 11:30 @ Aqua (go-go)
John Flynn & Joe Jencks Live in Concert @ Temple Isaiah in Fulton Maryland. (folk)
*Chante Moore @ Birchmere (polished r & b) (& on 24th)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Googoosh @ Anthem
(Iranian Persian music singer)
Warren G
“Regulate…G Funk Era 30th Anniversary show @ Howard Theatre (rap)
William Hart’s New
Delfonics & Black Ivory @ Bethesda Theater (soul)
Stand By for Failure: A Documentary About Negativland @
Rhizome
Afrocidade @ Creative Cauldron (Afro-Brazilian)
Dancing w/ the Stars @ MGM National Harbor
Black Masala & Eastern Standard Time @ Pearl St. Warehouse
Allstar Purple Party @ the Hamilton Live
Moises y Su Chanchona @ Ruta 50 Bar & Grill Falls Church
(El Salvadorian chanchona cumbia)
Industria del Amore , & Viento y Sol @ El Palenque Falls
Church
K-pop dance party @ Ottobar
After Thoughts Band @ Lamont’s (soul)
Rare Essence @ Fast Eddie’s (go-go)
Backyard Band @ Restaurant 55 (go-go)
Alfredo Mojica Group @ 10:30 @ Bossa (salsa) plus DJ Lu w/
Latin hits upstairs;
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Live Ethiopian instrumental music w/ guitarist Selamino
& band 9 to 12 mdt. @ Meleket
TOB & Big Don Bino & Yaddiya “Hoyas” @ Black Cat
(bouncebeat go-go & rap )
Reaction Band @ Throw Social
Arabic music dj @ Green Zone
*Tina-The Tina Turner Musical @ National Theatre through Jan . 26 *
*Chante Moore @ Birchmere (polished r & b)*
*Iranian Film Fest starts w/ Universal Language @ 7 @ Freer*
*Benefit for Ruthie of Ruthie & the Wranglers' medical bills w/ the Wranglers, Rock-a-sonics, Thrills , Porch Delights & guests including Ratso, Patty Reese, Mark Noone @ Rosensteel Hall (roots rock)*
* *Del McCoury Band @ Barns of Wolf Trap (playing 1980s era music) *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat. Jan. 25-
Freda Payne @ Blues Alley (jazz
& R& b vocals)
Ebi @ Warner
Theatre (Iran)
Chuck Prophet & his cumbia shoes all ages matinee @ 1 @ Rams Head Annapolis (cumbia rock)
Stokley @ Bethesda Theater (r& b)
Abortion Access benefit show w/ Birthday Girl DC, Clear
Channel, Dazy, Flowers for the Dead, Simpson, Yaya Bey @ Songbyrd (DC rock
& more)
Headhunters, Donald Harrison @ Keystone Korner (jazz )
Pom Poko, Big Bill @ Comet P. Pong
Mechanical Canine, Cuni, Faded Home @ Quarry House
China to Appalachia w/ Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer & Chao
Tian w/ guest sitarist Snehesh Neg @ Creative Cauldron (folk & Chinese
music)
Lunar New Year celebration w/ Stephanie Chou, a Chinese
American jazz composer, saxophonist, and singer. free from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy
Center Millennium Stage
Montez du Durango & Patrulla 81 @ Club One
Donaty @ Leyla’s Lounge
Esther Haynes, Keith Grimes, Dean Dalton @ Hank Dietle’s
(swing jazzy acoustic roots )
Tumbao (Latin salsa ) @ 10:30 @ Bossa 1st floor & DJ Lu
Latin Hits upstairs;
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant (Ethiopian)
live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Ras Band w/ guest singers @ MHL Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ Black Rose Lounge
Rare Essence @ 11 @
Aqua (go-go)
Tropical Saturday Nights w/ Dj Ghost & G-Nice @ Carib
Express in Laurel
*welcome the Year of the Snake with lion dancing & Stephanie Chou, a Chinese American jazz composer, saxophonist, and singer for free @ 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (registration ) *
*Silkroad Ensemble @ George Mason Center for the Arts *
*Steve Roy & Still Familiar @ Lamont's (DC go-go)*
*Del McCoury Band @ Barns of Wolf Trap (playing 1990s era music) *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun. Jan. 26-
Freda Payne @ Blues Alley (jazz & R& b vocals)
Esperanza Spalding @ Warner Theatre
Sarau de Samba, a monthly celebration of Afro-Brazilian
samba w/ locally based Brazilian musicians @ 2 to 5 @ Glen Echo Park
Chris Travis @ Union Stage (rap)
Nico Play, Benét @ Comet P. Pong
American Patchwork guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross, Falguni
Shah, an 11th-generation Hindustani classical vocalist, and Yasushi Nakamura,
an Issei jazz bassist w/ guest artist Grégoire Maret on harmonica @ 1 and 3 @
National Gallery of Art (Americana & global sounds ) (registration required
on website)
Raymi @ 2 @ Creative Cauldron (Andean music)
Brad & Ken Kolodner @ 7:30 @ Creative Cauldron
(old-timey, bluegrass & roots)
Dan Bern @ Jammin Java (folk)
Taimane @ Hamilton Live (Samoan Hawaii based ukelele
virtuoso)
live Ethiopian music @ Shalla Restaurant in Silver Spring
(through Sunday)
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria
(Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ MHL
Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian music @
Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @ Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
Drumming @ 3 to 7 @ Malcolm X Park returns
in the spring
Afrobeats dj @ St Ex
Pile “o’ Rocks w/ Nighthawks @
Collective Encore in Columbia, MD ( Rockpile covers band)
Granny & the Boys @ Showtime Bar
*The Del Arcos, Daley Combat @ Galaxy Hut*
*1252 Band @ Lamont's (soul) *
*Del McCoury Band @ Barns of Wolf Trap (playing 2000s era music) *
*Backyard Band @ 4 to 9 @ Babylon (go-go)*
*Lunar New Year lion and dragon dance @ 6 p.m. at MGM National Harbor *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soccer Mommy,
L'Rain @ 930 Club (indie rock)
Jessica Lea
Mayfield ( indie singer/songwriter)
Ethiopian music
live @ Napoli Lounge
Ethiojazz @ Shalla
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tues. Jan. 28-
Soccer Mommy, L'Rain @ Atlantis (indie rock)
Can I Kick It martial arts movie series w/ Dj 2-Tone Jones adding a soundtrack @
Songbyrd
Ethiopian music @ Lion’s Den in Falls Church
Blacc Print Experience @ Martini's White Plains (go-go)
Dancehall reggae dj @
Society Lounge
*Still Familiar @ Fast Eddie's (go-go)*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anderson Brothers
present Duke Ellington at 125, free from 6 to 7 @ Kennedy Center Millennium
Stage
guitarist Hasan
Imam Hamdan @ Strathmore Mansion (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iranian music)
Morgan Wade @ 930
Club (country/Americana)
Sirius Company @
Sobe (go-go)
New Impressionz @
Babylon (go-go)
What Band feat.
Killa Cal free @ Shark Bar (go-go)
Live Ethiopian
music @ Napoli Lounge
Kizomba and bachata
dj & dancing @ Crossroads 2
DJ Jamstar @ Tempoo
Lounge (dancehall)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thurs. Jan. 30-
Jamie XX @ Anthem (UK art-electro
dance)
(((O))) @ Atlantis
(Filipino experimental r& b)
Jean Carne’s Legacy
tour @ Blues Alley (r & b & Jazz vocals)
Charles Jones,
Sophia James, Aaron Childs (retro-soul) opening for Ben Barnes @ Lincoln
Theatre
Molly Lewis @
Songbyrd (Los Angeles lounge pop w/ a bit of Brazilian tinge)
Hotel Mira @ Comet
P. Pong
Live Ethiopian
music w/ guitarist Selamino & band @
Shalla Restaurant in Silver Spring
Roots Band @ Makeda
Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian
music @ MHL Lounge in Falls Church
Ethiopian
music @ Black Rose Lounge
Ethiopian music @
Love Lounge Fenton St Silver Spring
What Band feat.
Killa Cal @ Martini's Ft Washington (go-go)
Afrobeats w/ DJ
Jamstar @ Spectrum Lounge
Afro-Caribbean dj @
Kaldis
Afrobeats @ Gazuza
Lounge
Original Facez @ 8
to 11:30 @ Aqua (go-go)
*DJ Jahsonic @ Grazie Mille *
*Marjan Farsad @ Miracle Theatre (Iranian born singer &
artist/animator) *
*singer Neko Case book talk w/ Atlantic magazine Sr Editor Hanna Rosin @ 6th & I Synagogue *
*Junkyard Band 7 to 12 @ Piano Keys (go-go)*
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Fri. Jan. 31-
Mannequin Pussy , Militairie Gun @ Soundstage Baltimore
(punk rock ) (sold out)
Brandon Seabrook (eclectic guitarist & banjoist), Janel
& Anthony (eclectic cellist & guitarist) @ Rhizome
Willow Avalon @ Atlantis (country /Americana )
Jean Carne’s Legacy tour @ Blues Alley (r & b & Jazz
vocals)
Miead Nikfarjam and Dr. Kimia Hesabi Persian music @ 6:30 @
Strathmore before Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North @ 8 @ Strathmore Music
Center
Disco Biblioteca : music book club discusses Rebel Girl by Kathleen
Hanaa @ 7 to 8 @ People’s Book
Veronneau @ Creative Cauldron (French Chanson & bossa
nova & other global sounds)
The Set – R & B experience djs @ Howard Theatre
Leon City Sounds dj @ Showtime Bar (Cumbia, salsa, more)
After Thoughts Band @ Lamont’s
(soul)
Rare Essence @ Fast
Eddie’s (go-go)
Backyard Band @
Restaurant 55 (go-go)
Alfredo Mojica
Group @ 10:30 @ Bossa (salsa) plus DJ Lu w/ Latin hits upstairs;
Roots Band @ Makeda
Restaurant, Van Dorn St., Alexandria (Ethiopian)
Live Ethiopian
music @ Shalla
Ethiopian
music * On last Friday -reggae , dancehall, afrobeats dj instead* @ MHL Lounge (Ethiopian)
Ethiopian
music @ Black Rose Lounge
Live Ethiopian
instrumental music w/ guitarist Selamino & band 9 to 12 mdt. @ Meleket
Pile “o’ Rocks @ 8
to 11 @ Mayan Monkey Brewing Co., Gaithersburg
Still Familiar @ 10
@ Throw Social
Arabic music dj @
Green Zone
*DJs Pedro Night, VLE, Marcos3000, Ghost, Calibr8tor @ Soundcheck DC*
*Hiphop, afrobeats, dancehall, amapiano, dj @ Flame Restaurant Alexandria *
*Blacc Print Experience @ Takoma Station Tavern (go-go)*
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Slumberland Records
35th Anniversary Party w/ Lorelei, Jeanines, Lightheaded @ Comet P. Pong (twee
pop)
Bob Marley’s 80th
birthday reggae @ Bethesda Theater
Broommaker, Jason
Anderson, Hotel Sewing Kit @ Rhizome (indie folk)
Little Red &
the Renegades @ 7:30 @ Creative Cauldron
Tumbao (Latin salsa ) @ 10:30 @ Bossa 1st floor & DJ
Lu Latin Hits upstairs;
Roots Band @ Makeda Restaurant (Ethiopian)
live Ethiopian music @ Shalla
Ras Band w/ guest singers @ MHL Lounge
(Ethiopian)
Ethiopian music @ Black Rose Lounge
Rare Essence @ 11 @ Aqua (go-go)
Tropical Saturday Nights w/ Dj Ghost &
G-Nice @ Carib Express in Laurel
Proper Utensils @ Lake Presidential Golf
Club
*Akua Allrich tribute Nina Simone & Miriam Makeba @ PG Publick Playhouse *
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More lists-- Capital Bop has jazz; Mary Cliff has folk;
Fools Night Out has roots music; Tickeri has Latinx, Mi Gente DMV has Latin
dancing (salsa, bachata, zouk), Kesta Happenings DC Facebook has Latinx too, baltshowplace.tumblr has Baltimore punk & more; Elliot Gross on
Facebook has DC blues & blues-rock; DC. Underground on Instagram has metal
& hardcore; gogomusixdmv on Instagram has go-go flyers; *Fans of Tom Cole's G-Strings on Facebook has jazz & international*
