People with jaw-dropping proficiency with a particular instrument usually receive titles like “prodigy” or “virtuoso” and earn immediate attention. Matthew Hemerlein could easily earn that distinction with any of the six instruments he plays. Many of those (violin, cello, upright bass) are often reserved for jazz or classical ensembles, but Hemerlein’s approach has some leanings toward popular music. Although he’s frequently compared to another great violinist (Andrew Bird), he says he aligns more closely with artists like Prince and Michael Jackson and hopes for the day where he’ll no longer have to update his own website.

Hemerlein’s unique brand of artistic pop has gained him plenty of attention from more than just local concert bookers. The DC Commission on Arts and Humanities has already awarded him a Young Artist’s Award, he’s looking at creating an album with music from high school students, and he provided music at the opening of the Creatura exhibit at SOVA on H Street NE. And then there’s “The Family Hemerlein,” a night of “clean music and dirty comedy” that puts these two seemingly unrelated disciplines in the same room, ready to perform for the second time. If you’re familiar with the work of Owen Pallett, Hemerlein’s pizzicato violin looping will sound familiar, but his work is a refreshing departure amongst local musicians. There’s no telling what a live show could include; we’ve seen him flow from original songs to Radiohead covers to “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid in one performance. We sat down with Hemerlein over dinner to talk at greater lengths about his various artistic pursuits.

Find him online: matthewhemerlein.com or myspace.com/matthewjordantardinohemerlein

See him next: Tonight at 5:30 p.m. or tomorrow (Wed, 2/25) at the BYT-sponsored Arts Club of Washington events (2017 I Street NW). Buy tickets here.