The crowd gathers at the Black Cat MainStage
There are good shows, and then there are great shows. What makes them great usually differs from person to person. It could be seeing a beloved artist for the first time. It could be experiencing a pop-icon in the flesh. Or it could just be the energy in the room when that hometown-that-made-good bands comes back on their second reunion tour. We covered a lot of shows this year, but these are just a handful of concerts that made 2013 special to these DCist contributors.
Beyonce @ Verizon Center: July 29, 2013
What more can I say about The Queen B? She has been on my concert bucket list for a while now, and seeing her in the flesh was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve seen plenty of great shows this year but Beyonce steamrolled everything.
— Rohan Mahadevan
Spider Bags @ 9:30 Club: September 29, 2013
After being turned on to the band by DCist favorites Titus Andronicus a few years back, I’ve been playing the waiting game with Durham, N.C. band Spider Bags. An album in 2009? No substantial tour. An album in 2011? Again, not really touring. Frontman Dan McGee has made a point to write music when he’s inspired, and the economics of touring aren’t feasible so he just doesn’t do it often. It makes sense. But when they were announced as the opener for Superchunk’s most recent tour it was hard to pass on it. Superchunk was consistent as always, but the opening set from the world-weary alt-country band was worth tip-toeing around Breaking Bad series finale spoilers.
— Andy Hess
Stevie Wonder & DJ Spinna @ Liv Nightclub: October 12, 2013
Don’t get me wrong: DJ Spinna’s “Wonder-Full” parties are fantastic. I’ve written about them before. They delve deep into the writing and producing credits of one of the greatest artists of the last 50 years, Stevland Morris a.k.a. Stevie Wonder. That said, if you’re familiar with Stevie’s catalog, you pretty much know every song being played and can find yourself tuning out slightly when a track you’re less enthusiastic about is comes on. But just when you think you’re in for the standard experience, something magical happens.
Yep. That was Mr. Wonder performing “I Wish” while Spinna spun the “Funky Drummer” break at Liv on October 12. Oh, and then Stevie came back out and made up a song on the the spot. A legend shows up unannounced to a party dedicated to his expansive songbook. Yeah, without a doubt, this was the highlight of my show experiences this year.
— Jacarl Melton
The Dismemberment Plan @ 9:30 Club: October 19, 2013
After having now seen the Plan in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Chicago, I can say with authority that the band’s D.C. shows are always the best. But while the audiences in 2011 were overjoyed simply by being in the long dormant band’s presence, thrilled to sing and bounce along as equipment broke down and lyrics were forgotten, this year’s string of shows did not have the sense of rarity to propel the energy of either the crowd or the band. Instead, the Dismemberment Plan took the stage devoid of nerves and showcased a mastery over their live set that clearly came from the months of practice and recording that had preceded it. The audience responded with increased fervor as the Plan proved that they can not only do wonderfully sloppy but impressively tight.
— Valerie Paschall
J. Roddy Waltson & The Business @ 9:30 Club: November 7, 2013
Performers. If I had one word to describe J. Roddy Walston & The Business that would be it. Watson made it known the band was head-over-heels grateful to headline 9:30 Club on November 7. Newly released Essential Tremors promised a rock-fueled show with heavy guitar riffs and catchy melodies.
Within seconds of taking the stage, Walston adorned his mic stand with a bra hurled from the crowd. The band’s look was reminiscent of ’70s era grunge rock a la long hair, plaid shirts and ripped jeans. The setlist was an extensive compilation of J. Roddy’s resume, including recent hit “Heavy Bells” and Little Richard’s famously covered “Lucille.”
Walston sprang from mic to piano to guitar, his raspy voice belting memorable choruses. Fans didn’t miss a beat, singing, swaying and catching Walston when he dived from the stage. Perhaps the most impressive feat of the night was the band’s alcohol intake, emptying beer cans and a handle of whiskey between songs. J. Roddy is American rock and roll in its truest form: loud, heavy and wild.
— Emma Watters
Phantogram @ 9:30 Club: December 7, 2013
Phantogram has been on fire of late. Sold out shows, a song on the soundtrack of a hit movie and a new album on the way made for an interesting 2013. But the band’s inaugural 9:30 Club show proved they’re not just a flash in the pan. Sarah Barthel (keys/vocals) and Josh Carter (guitar/vocals) have established a sound not easy to describe. Their bewitching harmonies and pounding keyboards create ethereal yet danceable tunes.
The talk of the tour was Phantogram’s spellbinding light show. Ghostly strobes made the band disappear between beats. “Mouthful of Diamonds” was accompanied by the club’s disco ball, intermittently filling the room with sparkling light true to the hit’s chorus.
Barthel whipped her signature dark locks back-and-forth as she gracefully bent over her keyboard. She commanded the stage with an elegant, confident presence. Her soft voice addressed the crowd: “Here’s a new song called ‘Howling at the Moon’ We’re not technically supposed to play it, but it’s too cool not to share.”
A glimpse of new territory proved the band stayed true to their atmospheric, beat-driven electro-rock. Voices will be released on Republic Records early next year.
— Emma Watters
Diarrhea Planet @ Rock and Roll Hotel: December 15, 2013
Diarrhea Planet embodies the sort of contagious youthful innocence regarding the utter awesomeness of rock and roll. Why have one guitarist when you can have four? Why stick to power chords when you can solo and play with the fretboard? And when confronted with such an outlook on life and rock and roll, why not just enjoy it? Why not sing “Auld Lang Syne” when the band brings on a guest violinist? Why not pump your fists and bang your head regardless of whether you know the words? Why not dress in a hot dog suit and join the band onstage with a tambourine? By the way, all of that happened. No, Springsteen-inspired punk is not for everyone but to cross your arms at a Diarrhea Planet to show is to admit that you can only take fun in small doses.
— Valerie Paschall
Priests @ Fort Reno: July 29, 2013
I’m as surprised as you are that a Fort Reno show was one of the best shows I’ve seen all year. Don’t get me wrong: Fort Reno shows are great and a staple of summers in D.C.—often showcasing some of my favorite local bands, while opening me up to new ones. But rarely was I as moved by a Fort Reno show as I was this summer when Priests rocked the stage. Having just come back from a lengthy summer tour, the riot grrrl/surf-punk quartet were as tight as ever, and their high energy set at the venerable Tenleytown stage inspired something of a mini mosh pit among the youthful attendees of the show. Punk happens, and when it does, it’s glorious.
— Matt Cohen
Black Cat 20th Anniversary Shows: September 13 & 14, 2014
Shudder to Think, Tuscadero, Gray Matter, Girls Against Boys, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, a star-studded Prince cover set led by Mary Timony. The Black Cat 20th anniversary shows were a lot of things, but “lame” was far from one of them. I could spill more ink on just how awesome they were, but we’ve done enough of that already.
— Matt Cohen
