AIR FORCE MEMORIAL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
1 Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington. Enjoy free performances by the United States Air Force (USAF) Band and its various ensembles. All shows at 8 p.m. Tickets not required. www.usafband.af.mil/events.
Max Impact, July 3 and 17. Join Max Impact, the USAF’s official rock band, in a celebration of freedom and patriotism.
Airmen of Note, July 10. Programming will include a new and classic big-band repertoire, with compositions by Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
Singing Sergeants, July 24. The Celtic Aire concert will feature songs “from D.C. to Dublin.”
Concert Band & Singing Sergeants, July 31, Aug. 14 and 28. Enjoy fiesta tunes (July 31), songs honoring the Greatest Generation (Aug. 14) and sounds of the stage and screen (Aug. 28).
Airmen of Note, Aug. 7 and 21. Join in a celebration of still-performing jazz and Latin elder statesmen (Aug. 7), including works by Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, Eddie Palmieri, Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson and others. Later in the month, a tribute to the Greatest Generation (Aug. 21) features iconic songs from the World War II era.
THE BIRCHMERE
3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray). 703-549-7500. For a complete list of upcoming performances, visit www.birchmere.com.
Ninth Annual Mike Seeger Commemorative Old-Time Banjo Festival, 7:30 p.m. July 11. The annual celebration of banjo picking will feature Jayme Stone, Marcy Marxer, Cathy Fink, Adam Hurt, David Reed and Greg Adams. $29.50.
Toad the Wet Sprocket, 7:30 p.m. July 14-15. The alt-rock band, whose hits include “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean,” released the album New Constellation in 2013. $45.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 7:30 p.m. July 26. The swing revival band is known for the hit “You and Me and the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight.” $39.50.
An Evening With Graham Nash, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5. The legendary singer-songwriter was a founding member of Crosby, Stills & Nash. $90.50.
Larry Graham and Graham Central Station, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30. Graham—who cut his teeth as bass player of Sly and the Family Stone—is known for his “thumping” technique on the bass strings. $69.50.
COLUMBIA PIKE BLUES FESTIVAL
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the popular free festival will take place from 1 to 8:30 p.m. June 20, at the intersection of Columbia Pike and South Walter Reed Drive.
The lineup includes Lenny Burridge Duo (aka LB2), Fat Liver Jenkins, Clarence “The Blues Man” Turner, Steve McWilliams and the Spectacles and headliner Sonny Landreth, the Grammy-nominated blues guitarist whose new album, Bound by the Blues, was released in early June. www.columbia-pike.org.
CREATIVE CAULDRON SUMMER CABARET SERIES
410 South Maple Ave., Falls Church. Catch performances by some of the D.C. area’s most talented musical theater artists on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., July 10 through Sept. 26. Tickets $20 ($18 for students and military); $100 for a table of four (includes a bottle of wine); $50 for a table of two (includes two glasses of wine). 703-436-9948, www.creativecauldron.org
Three for a Song presents, "Breaking Bad: Sinful Songs from the 20s and 30s," July 10-11. Join pianist Alex Hassan, tenor Doug Bowles and soprano Kari Paludan for an evening of sinfully good tunes with decidedly bawdy predilections.
Rachel Zampelli, July 17-18. Actress Zampelli shares her personal story of addiction and recovery in her solo cabaret debut, with numbers ranging from Amy Winehouse to Stephen Sondheim.
Bayla Sings Barbra: No Pressure! July 24-25. Bayla Whitten won Broadway World's “Best Actress In a Musical” for her role in Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. She also sings with the band Bittersweet.
Sandy Bainum, It Might Be Fun, July 31. Sandy Bainum performs songs from her new CD, which features original songs by composer/director/producer Bruce Kimmel. She’ll be joined onstage by musical director Lanny Meyers, who arranged, orchestrated and conducted the 35-piece orchestra that accompanies the singer on the album.
Sandy Bainum, S'Wonderful, Aug. 1. The singer performs a selection of Ira Gershwin tunes with musical director Lanny Meyers.
Bligh Voth's Got it Covered: A Night of Music Turned Upside-down, Inside-out, and Made Even Better, Aug. 7-8. Voth, the talent behind the podcast, "Avocados Are for Rich People," will perform covers ranging from The Muppets to embarrassing 90's pop songs that people pretend to loathe but secretly love.
It's Got To Be Love, Aug. 14-15. Acclaimed actress and singer Susan Derry, who played the governess in Creative Cauldron’s world premiere of Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith’s moving adaptation of The Turn of the Screw, performs an evening of sparkling love songs.
Chris Sizemore: Only Imagine, Aug. 21-22. Veteran actor and singer Chris Sizemore received a Helen Hayes Awards nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Resident Musical for his role as Enjolras in Les Miserables at Signature Theatre.
CRYSTAL CITY OUTDOOR EVENTS
Blues & Brews, June 17 and 24, features a beer garden and blues musicians in the courtyard of 2121 Crystal Drive, Arlington. crystalcity.org.
Wine in the Water Park, June 19 and 26, which takes place fountainside (1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington), also features local musicians. crystalcity.org.
FALLS CHURCH CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Thursdays at 7 p.m., through Aug. 6, Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church. In the event of rain, concerts will be held in the Falls Church Community Center at 223 Little Falls Road. Free. www.fallschurchva.gov/632/Concerts-in-the-Park.
Falls Church Concert Band, June 25. This community band kicks off the series with a spirited collection of marches, classic songs and medleys.
The Flannel Underground, July 2. Relive the ’90s with chart-toppers from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers and all your grunge favorites.
Dear Creek, July 9. Inspired by the sounds of Appalachia, this duo fuses jazz, blues, folk and rock
Ocho de Bastos, July 16. This band, whose name means Eight of Clubs, aims to blend cultures through its unique brand of Latin-infused pop and rock.
Mama Tried, July 23. Mama Tried has a progressive bluegrass sound featuring musicians Randy Barrett and Dede Wyland.
Andrew Acosta and the New Old-Time String Band, July 30. Led by guitarist and singer Andrew Acosta, this American traditional band takes audiences back to their roots.
Tom Principato, Aug. 6. Hometown musician Tom Principato (see page 54) brings his award-winning blues rock back to the Falls Church stage.
THE FALLS CHURCH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
115 East Fairfax St., Falls Church. Presented by Stone Room Concerts. $20; $10 for students and seniors. www.stoneroomconcerts.com
Árstíðir, 8 p.m. July 1. The Icelandic indie/folk band gained a huge audience when the video of its a cappella performance at a train station in Germany went viral.
Quiles & Cloud, 8 p.m. Aug. 29. The acoustic roots duo released its first album, Long Time Coming, in 2012.
GALAXY HUT
2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Shows begin at 9 p.m.; $5 cover charge. (Some shows not confirmed at press time; check website for full schedule.) 703-525-8646, www.galaxyhut.com.
Great Cities and Greenland, June 14. Great Cities is a new band formed by musicians from the D.C. music scene. Greenland offers both upbeat indie rock and spacey ballads.
Mittenfields and Rom, June 15. Driving guitars and bass lines and emotive vocals.
Toner War and Brandon Hurtado, June 22. A combo bill of atmospheric indie music.
Loop 2.4.3 and Lost Civilizations, June 28. A great double bill for experimental music lovers.
DKvDK, June 29 and Aug. 16. This D.C. band has mastered a powerful ambient electronic sound.
Schwervon!, July 6. The two-piece band counts the Pixies and the B-52s among its influences.
Justin Trawick, July 13. This Arlington-based artist plays solo or with a full band and fuses everything from bluegrass to hip-hop into his music.
Runner of the Woods, July 19. An indie-folk Americana country band from Nashville.
IOTA CLUB & CAFE
2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-522-8340, www.iotaclubandcafe.com.
Caroline Rose, 8:30 p.m. June 25. The artist’s sound fuses rockabilly, vintage country and blues. $12.
The Vespers, 9 p.m. June 26. The Americana band from Nashville recently released its third album, Sisters and Brothers. $12.
Benefit Show for the Josh Anderson Foundation, 4-6 p.m. June 27. The show, featuring rockers Plexus, will benefit a foundation dedicated to suicide prevention and helping teens with mental illness. $10.
The Bobby Thompson Project, 9 p.m. July 10. Nominated for 2015 “Musician of the Year” by the Washington Area Music Association, the D.C. band is known for its energetic and soulful blend of blues-rock and Americana. The show, also featuring the Ashleigh Chevalier Band, will be recorded for a live album. $10.
Shane Scheib, 8 p.m. July 13. The Nashville guitarist fuses folk, rock and jazz. $10.
The Old Ceremony, 9 p.m. July 24. A pop-noir group from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. $12.
Sirsy, 9 p.m. July 25. The Upstate New York-based rock duo has opened for Maroon 5, Collective Soul, Cheap Trick and other well-known acts. $12.
Thirteen Towers, Holophonics, the A-OKs, Be Like Max, 8 p.m. July 27. Get skanking with this quartet of punk-ska bands. $12.
Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6. The Americana group from Paso Robles, California, just released a new album, Lean Into the Wind. $10.
Crenshaw, 7 p.m. Aug. 16. A Marshall Crenshaw reunion show. $12.
Tone, (time and price TBD) Aug 22. The D.C. band plays instrumental post rock.
LUBBER RUN AMPHITHEATER
Lubber Run Park (corner of North Columbus Street and Second Street North), Arlington. Free. 703-228-1850, www.arlingtonarts.org/venues/lubber-run-amphitheater.aspx.
La Unica, 8 p.m. June 13. This D.C.-based party band features roots music ranging from Latin rhythms to Irish folk tunes.
The Metropolitan Chorus, 8 p.m. June 15. More than 100 voices make up this chorus, which performs music dating from the Renaissance to today.
Potomac Harmony Chorus, 8 p.m. June 17. Everything from traditional favorites to modern jazz is performed in four-part harmony, barbershop style.
The Army Blues, 8 p.m. June 19. This 18-piece jazz band is part of the United States Army Band known as “Pershing’s Own.”
Signature Theatre Event, 8 p.m. June 20. Shirlington’s acclaimed theater will be staging a tuneful production (details not available at press time).
Shane Gamble Trio, 6 p.m. June 21. The mid-Atlantic’s answer to Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, Shane Gamble merges working-class songs, jangly guitars and country stories.
The Arlingtones, 8 p.m. June 24. Arlington’s own barbershop chorus.
Mary Ann Redmond, 8 p.m. June 26. This multiple Wammies-Award-winning jazz, rock and R&B vocalist has toured with Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Neville Brothers.
Laurie Rose Griffith and Peter Mealy, 8 p.m. June 27. Elements of folk, blues, country and jazz all play into this versatile duo's unique sound.
Arlington Philharmonic, 6 p.m. June 28. Arlington’s own first-class symphony puts on a “Pops for Pets” benefit for both the Philharmonic and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
Andrew Acosta and the New Old-Time String Band, 8 p.m. July 3. Bluegrass legend Speedy Tolliver (see page 52) is set to perform with the Arlington-based acoustic Americana band.
Halau O’Aulani and the Aloha Boys, 6 p.m. July 5. Native music and dance combine to bring a little bit of Hawaii to Arlington.
Ted Garber, 8 p.m. July 10. Multi-instrumentalist Garber brings a singer-songwriter vibe to what he calls “BluesAmericanaRock.”
A Cappella Festival featuring the Tone Rangers, 8 p.m. July 11. It’s all a cappella, all the time, with this festival featuring the award-winning Tone Rangers, who have tackled everything from Gregorian chants to TV theme songs.
Levine School of Music Jazz, 6 p.m. July 12. Comprising some of the region’s leading jazz musicians, this ensemble of Levine Music School faculty will get everyone swinging.
The Grandsons, 8 p.m. July 17. The roots rockers are celebrating their 28th year playing together.
CAMMO, 8 p.m. July 18. Musicians from the Center for American Military Music Opportunities, which supports music and music therapy for members of the armed forces.
Shenandoah Run, 6 p.m. July 19. The nine members of this Americana folk band fill the stage with their down-home rootsy rock and folk.
Russkie Musikanti, 8 p.m. July 25. This ensemble features some of the area’s top balalaika musicians in the Russian folk music tradition.
Levine School of Rock, 6 p.m. July 26. Instructors from the Levine School of Music are ready to get loud.
Pebble to Pearl, 8 p.m. July 31. P2P brings the funk, the rock and the blues, delivered with a soulful groove.
Sara Gray, 8 p.m. Aug. 1. The accomplished young country singer from Maryland has already opened for such noted acts as Miranda Lambert and the Zac Brown Band.
The Loop, 6 p.m. Aug. 2. This trio plays a variety of “acoustified” original and cover songs, from classic and modern rock to current pop.
Wytold Lebing Quartet, 8 p.m. Aug. 14. The virtuosic cellist has played with the National Symphony Orchestra and many other world-class ensembles.
Rico Amero, 8 p.m. Aug. 15. This kid-friendly performance blends jazz, R&B and rock ’n’ roll, and features Amero’s own talented children.
BG & the Mojo Hands, 6 p.m. Aug. 16. Expect a variety of blues styles from this D.C.-based band.
Levine School of Music Family Concert, 6 p.m. Aug. 23. The Levine music faculty will play a family-friendly set of tunes.
POTOMAC OVERLOOK SUMMER CONCERTS
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 North Marcey Road, Arlington. Concerts start at 7 p.m. Free ($5 per person donation requested). www.nvrpa.org/park/potomac_overlook/content/concerts.
Barbara Martin, June 13. Blues and folk musician Barbara Martin recalls Ella Fitzgerald.
Stream & The Blue Dragons/Tom Teasley, June 20. Stomp your feet with these multi-instrument percussionists.
Randy Barrett, July 18. Folk, bluegrass, country—Barrett combines them all.
Surrender Friday, July 25. “Groovy, hipalicious” rock is what you can expect from this fun cover band.
Project Natale, Aug. 8. Traditional jazz.
The New Mountain Fever Band Bluegrass, Aug. 22. The local bluegrass band combines vocals, banjo, mandolin, guitar and more.
ROCK AT THE ROW
Pentagon Row, 1101 South Joyce St., Arlington. Shows are Thursday nights, 7-9 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Free. pentagonrow.com/events.
Slippery When Wet, July 16. Get ready to sing along to “Bad Medicine,” “Wanted Dead or Alive” and other hits with this Bon Jovi tribute band.
Kristin and the Noise, July 23. The Philly-based cover band promises a good time with a playlist of crowd favorites.
White Ford Bronco, July 30. The ‘90s band plays covers ranging from Blind Melon to Weezer and everything in between.
257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital,” Aug. 1 (Saturday night show). The military band boasts a proud lineage, dating back to the legendary Corcoran Cadets of 1883, the D.C. militia that inspired John Philip Sousa to compose his march of the same name.
The Reagan Years, Aug. 6. Relive the time when we had 99 red balloons and we all wanted Jessie’s girl.
The Rockets, Aug. 13. A seven-piece party band from Philadelphia.
Gonzo’s Nose, Aug. 20. This Arlington institution plays hits from the ’80s, ’90s and today.
ROSSLYN #TBT Concerts
Freedom Park, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Stop by on June 18 and 25 for free Throwback Thursday concerts featuring cover bands playing your favorite tunes from the ’80s and ’90s. Wine and beer provided for sale by Washington Wine Academy. rosslynva.org/do/numtbt-concerts.
SHIRLALA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Library/Signature Theatre Plaza, The Village at Shirlington, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Performances Thursday nights, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. villageatshirlington.com/events/upcoming-events/shirlala-music-festival/.
The Shack Band, June 18. Southern funk reigns supreme when these energetic musicians take the stage.
Dan Haas Trio, June 25 and Aug. 13. Toe-tapping, sensitive and melodic pop rock.
Taylor Carson, July 9. A thoughtful, acoustic singer-songwriter.
Lloyd Dobler Effect, July 16. Raise up the boom box for this acclaimed band that mixes modern rock with Latin rhythms and go-go beats.
Paul Pfau, July 23. Recently seen on NBC’s The Voice, Pfau combines pop, rock and the blues.
Ewabo, July 30. Ewabo brings a little island flavor from Trinidad and Tobago to Arlington.
The Morrison Brothers, Aug. 6. Originally from D.C., this country-rock outfit is now based out of Nashville.
King Teddy, Aug. 20. King Teddy offers “swing for the modern age.”
Sandra Dean Band, featuring Daryl Davis, Aug. 27. This throwback night will include ’50s & ’60s rock ’n’ roll, blues and rockabilly.
SIZZLIN’ SUMMER NIGHTS
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Signature’s cabaret series returns July 8-25 with a different concert each night to keep you cool (it’s air-conditioned) and entertained. Enjoy divas and show tunes, comedic musical revues and more. $25 per show or $150 for an all-access pass. 703-820-9771, www.signature-theatre.org.
STATE THEATRE
220 North Washington St. (Lee Highway/Route 29), Falls Church. 703-237-0300, www.thestatetheatre.com.
Blue Oyster Cult, 9 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) June 19. Expect more cowbell from these classic “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” rockers. $35.
The Weepies, 8 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.) June 21. The harmonizing singer-songwriter couple of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen has a new album out called Sirens. $32.
Burlesque Sing-A-Long, 9 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) July 10. This burlesque show is set to well-known sing-along tunes, with lyrics projected on the big screen. $12 advance; $15 day of show.
Rockn’ to Lockn’, 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) July 17. The all-ages show is a battle of the bands, with the winner going on to play at the 2015 Lockn’ Festival at Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, Virginia, Sept. 10-13. Ticket prices to be announced.
Jam Band Fan Night 5, 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) July 18. Celebrate 50 years of the Grateful Dead with local jam bands, including Covered with Jam, On the Bus, Magnolia Blue and more. $10 in advance; $13 day of show.
X, 8 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.) July 19. The legendary L.A. punk rockers recently opened for Pearl Jam. $35.
The Legwarmers, 9:30 p.m. (doors open 8 p.m.) July 25. This ’80s tribute band is a regular sellout act at the State Theatre. $18.
KMFDM, 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) July 31. An avant-garde mix between techno/dance music and heavy metal. $28 in advance; $30 day of show.
Hackensaw Boys, 9 pm (doors open 7 p.m.) Aug. 8. Join this CD release party for an Americana touring band that got its start in Charlottesville. $13 in advance; $16 day of show.
TINNER HILL BLUES FESTIVAL
Sponsored by the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, the Tinner Hill Blues Festival is a three-day, multi-venue celebration of music in Falls Church. Now in its 22nd year, the 2015 festival takes place June 12-14, featuring noted artists such as Deanna Bogart. Visit tinnerhill.org to view the full schedule.
WESTOVER BEER GARDEN & HAUS
5863 Washington Blvd., Arlington. The outdoor beer garden features live music on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.; Fridays 6-10 p.m.; Saturdays 5-9 p.m. Free. 703-536-5040, www.westovermarket.com.
Bob Sheppard & Friends, June 17, July 15, Aug. 15, and Sept. 2. Arlington local Sheppard plays rock, folk, soul and bluegrass songs from the 1800s to today.
40 Miles Home, June 19. These Arlington locals and Westover regulars play melodic acoustic rock.
The O Street Band, June 20 and Aug. 22. The cover band plays songs by Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, Heart, Bob Dylan and others.
The Buzz Hounds, June 26 and July 17. The rootsy rockers cover artists such as Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and the Grateful Dead.
Jumpin’ Jupiter, June 27. Westover beer garden chef-rocker Jay Jenc fronts this Americana rock band.
We Can’t Help It If We’re Awesome, July 1 and 29. The unplugged acoustic trio plays bluegrass, alternative and traditional country tunes.
The Rock-a-Sonics, July 3. This Maryland-based outfit brings a little stand-up bass action to its vintage rockabilly sound.
Malarky, July 8 and Aug. 5. The all-female Irish band is based in Arlington and includes strings and piano.
Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone, July 10. Think Stevie Ray Vaughan mixed with a little Fabulous Thunderbirds with a side order of the Stones.
Paul Carlson, July 11 and Aug. 29. Fiddler Paul Carlson has Celtic and bluegrass-style fiddling down, but he is also a master of the Nordic style.
Starryville, July 18. Starryville combines modern rock with alt-country for a unique indie sound.
Sean Tracy, July 22. Heartfelt acoustic rock from an Arlington local.
Farley Granger, July 24. Mandolin, guitar and banjo are all part of this roots-rock band.
We Crave Life, July 25 Arlingtonian Michael Freeborn, aka “Mikey Cool,” is a guitar prodigy who plays covers by the Grateful Dead and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as a few original tunes.
Blues Condition, July 31. The local blues band plays tributes to such legends as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and the Allman Brothers.
Star Dust Dance Band, Aug. 1. Bill Cleary and his band of fellow Arlingtonians specialize in N’Awlins jazz.
Jazz Workshop, Aug. 7. Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Paul Pieper leads an ensemble of accomplished jazz musicians.
Giants & Thieves, Aug. 8. This acoustic-rock trio describes its members as “raised by wolves and fiercely bearded.”
The Stewart Sisters, Aug. 12. The band features two sisters-in-law who have been creating “homegrown harmony” together since 2009.
Sanford, Aug. 14. A fusion of funk, soul, blues, jazz and classic rock.
Four Star Combo, Aug. 21. Rockin’ rockabilly and honky-tonk music.
The Walkaways, Aug. 28. The local alt-country band (see page 55) has a new album, Romance and Medicine.