DMV Sounds: December 2022

From bluegrass to classical, pop to post-punk, the final month of 2022 sounds timeless and timely. Long-running beloved local bands headline quite large venues and power pop welcomes in a new year. Whether you’re looking to sway or slam dance, there’s an option for you. And get tickets now. Most of these shows will sell out in advance.

12.2

Junior League Band at Black Cat

The Junior League Band has been at it for quite a while. That’s a good thing, especially in their genre. The laid back, bluegrass-inspired Americana is one of the few musical stylings that sounds better with age. Enjoy a late fall evening swaying back and forth in a punk venue. $20. 8 p.m. Learn more about Junior League Band at lissyrosemont.com and follow @juniorleagueband. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

12.6

NSO Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert at The Anthem

It’s good to remind yourself the National Symphony Orchestra is a local band. You live (I’m assuming you’re reading this where we publish but if not, maybe consider moving to D.C.) in one of the best music cities in the world. Take advantage and see some of the best musicians while you don your ugliest sweater. $25-$40. 8 p.m. Learn more about the NSO at kennedy-center.org/nso and follow @natsymphonydc. 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc

12.16

Truth Cult opens for Hotline TNT at Songbyrd

I didn’t want to call this column D.C. Sounds because Baltimore has a hell of a lot of great artists and Truth Cult is a testament to the city’s greatness. The five-piece fills the At the Drive-In sized hole in your musical heart. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the current ATDI/Sparta/Mars Volta contingent, but the urgency isn’t there like it used to be. You can hear the urgency in Truth Cult, especially on their “Tour ‘22 Tape,” featuring the standout “Roadside Picnic.” $15-$18. 7 p.m. Learn more about Truth Cult at truthcultband.bandcamp.com and follow @truthcultband. 540 Penn St. NE, DC; songbyrddc.com // @songbyrddc

12.17

Oh He Dead at 9:30 Club

Oh He Dead is similar to Junior League Band. They’ve been doing their thing for a long time (in band terms). Their stuff gets better with age. Their fan base is growing at a positive clip, as evidenced by this 9:30 Club headlining spot. For fans of Valerie June and The California Honeydrops, Oh He Dead is good on record and great live. If you happen to book music festivals, specifically of the outdoor variety, it’s hard to beat Oh He Dead. $25. 8 p.m. Learn more about Oh He Dead at ohhedead.com and follow @ohhedead. 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

12.31

Bad Moves at Quarry House Tavern

Ring in the new year (well, almost new year since the show begins well before midnight) with a heavy dose of power pop! The D.C. four-piece has some harmonies that’ll please New Pornographers fans, jangly guitar for the Matthew Sweet contingent and charm on the level of Superchunk for the Merge Records crowd. Listen local, party local. $15. 7 p.m. Learn more about Bad Moves at badmoves.bandcamp.com and follow @badmovesdc. 8401 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD; quarryhousetavern.com // @quarryhousetavern

Brandon Wetherbee