The Sweetlife Festival—the concert sponsored by salad chain Sweetgreen—announced this afternoon the artists that will populate its second stage at the April 28 festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. more ›

Last year we reported on the strong presence the District had at the annual music industry spring break that is SXSW in Austin, TX. This year, in addition to official shows from The Hall Monitors, Benjy Ferree, These United States and, oddly enough, Frodus, there were a number of unofficial appearances as well. The DC Does TX day party returned to Austin for its second year, District-based Exotic Fever Records held a shindig of their own, and a few acts like Laura Burhenn and Wild Fictions had some performances without other locals on the bill. There are always at least 20 fantastic shows going on at the same time at SXSW, so we didn't make it to everyone's performances, but here's a quick look at some of the excellent shows that we did catch. more ›

There's a sign inside of Mt. Pleasant church space turned alternative venue La Casa that reads "Capacity: 74 people." It's a picture that, if juxtaposed with the number of music lovers actually crammed into the place to check out U.S. Royalty at a benefit for victims of a neighborhood apartment fire last month, could've found itself a spot in The Onion. The crowd already knew that established acts like Kitty Hawk and Ra Ra Rasputin would put on exciting sets, but U.S. Royalty seemed to be the night's great question mark since a buzz had already started to simmer, despite having come into existence only six months before. After a powerful set that saw singer John Thornley fall effortlessly between the microphone and the piano bench and provide some exciting hooks that ranged geographically in influence from Brazil to Tennessee, the question mark wasn't whether the band was any good, but for how long they'd stay local. It seems they've picked an appropriate band name, although we'll have to wait until July for their first release. more ›