If your concert calendar looks anything like mine, I’m wishing you the very best of luck as you figure out how and where you’ll sleep this month. It seems like every single artist whose 2025 albums I obsessed over announced tours this April, so I’ll be bopping around the DC area mid-month to catch Hayley Williams, Florence + The Machine and other artists at different venues. That said, I’m trying to work in a few local shows to support the excellent indie rock acts like Phoneboy, The Happy Fits and Old 97’s, all hitting stages in the area this April. See you in the pit!
AMERICANA DREAM
4/2, Old 97’s, Englewood Hershey
I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the Old 97’s are playing at Englewood Hershey this month. The alt Americana/rock outfit is one of the few bands that I think has woven an incredible range of genres into their signature sound, while somehow landing it every time. The opening of “Timebomb” on 1997’s “Too Far to Care” still goes just as hard as it did 30 years ago, and the more recently released song, “The Dropouts,” is permanently etched into my brain as a small light that got me through long, sad summer days in 2020.
GIVE ‘EM A RING
4/3, Phoneboy w/Heart Attack Man, Capital City Music Hall
I don’t know where Phoneboy came from (writer’s note: the correct answer is New Jersey), but “Nevermind” might be one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a minute, so it shouldn’t be a surprise the band snagged a spot in my top picks for the month. The pop-punk influenced indie rock outfit is exactly what my early-aughts, indie-loving heart needed. Their music is refreshing and clever. For a good smattering of what to expect at the show, check out tracks like “Wayside,” “Nevermind” and “Hey, Kid!”
Oi! Oi! Oi!
4/26, Laura Jane Grace, XL Live
An icon and a poet, frontwoman of punk band, Against Me! Laura Jane Grace is bringing her current solo tour to the ‘Burg later this month. In addition to her amazing performances supercharged with anthemic, heartfelt hooks, Grace is known for her advocacy for transgender visibility, addiction and mental health, often spotlighting her own experiences through raw lyrics in songs like “Black Me Out.” Grace’s latest album, “Adventure Club,” features some excellent tracks like “WWIII Revisited” and a few unprintable titles that I can’t wait to hear live.
If you’re a musician and/or promoter, or a fan of a local artist, and you’d like to share some upcoming shows with TheBurg, drop me a line at [email protected].
HONORABLE MENTIONS
4/3, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, XL Live
4/16, Lotus, XL Live
4/18, Save Ferris, XL Live
4/18, Dance Dance Revolt Tour, Consciousness Coffee
4/24, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Hershey Theatre
4/24, Plunder & Lightning, The Abbey Bar
4/25, Joe Pye and Neidig & Koretzky, Wildwood Wetlands Festival
4/26, Soulja Boy, Capital City Music Hall
4/26, Motown Through the Decades, West Shore Theatre
4/29, John Legend, Hershey Theatre
4/29, The Happy Fits, XL Live
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