By: Ville Iso-Ahola
The 2018 DC Music Rocks Festival will take place at the 930 Club (815 V Street NW) on August 18 at 7:00 p.m. This year’s festival will feature performances from five local bands and a DJ from Girls Rock DC. There will also be a photo booth, a songwriter talent contest, and other fun activities. Tickets are $15 each.
DC Music Rocks — a syndicated FM radio show and podcast — continues keep D.C.’s music scene relevant by featuring top local talent at its annual festival.
DC Music Rocks Festival’s inaugural event began in 2017. It was as an extension of the radio show’s efforts to highlight local bands, talent, and raise money for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds are donated to “Girls Rock! DC,” — which is a DC-based music education organization for girls. The organization aims to create a supportive and creative space for girls, non-binary individuals, and trans youth from different races and backgrounds.
Furthermore, Many locals overlook DC’s music history. During the Jazz era, Duke Ellington and others gigged along U street. In the 1980s, the punk scene thrived. But it’s still thriving today. The 1990s saw Thievery Corporation catapult to international stardom. The group eventually broke ground as an innovative electronic band, which would blend many musical styles.
Fans can expect an eclectic mix of performances, with a heavy dose of alternative rock and indie. Kid Brother, a rock band from Northern Virginia, will perform this year.
Kid Brother’s influences and style are akin to the likes of Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids, and Cage the Elephant. Sharing the bill also will be Pebble to Pearl, whose self-entitled EP became available earlier this year. Pebble to Pearl plays a mix of funk-rock and hard-hitting blues.
The festival is also worth attending if you want to hear something a little different and original. Allthebestkids will perform at the festival. This D.C.-based band continues to work hard at developing its very own “Hip-Hop Psych Rock” style and sound.
Fans of 90s rock and alternative will most certainly will get their hard rock fill by listening to Black Dog Prowl. This band credits Soundgarden, Nirvana, STP, and Queens of the Stone Age as influences.
If you are interested in listening to DC Music Rocks’ weekly live show, tune in Tuesdays at 5 p.m. on WERA 96.7 FM. You can also check out their Podcast live on your computer or smart device. If you want to buy tickets, visit their website.
