Music Picks: December 2016

By Jon Kaplan and Trent Johnson

SATUDAY, DECEMBER 3
Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Showcase
The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards was founded by local Cathy Bernard, and named after Fred Ebb, an American songwriter who wrote “New York, New York,” and many other hits. This show will showcase 2016 winners Justin Jones (Grand Prize Winner) and Maddy Clark (winner of Young Songwriter Prize), and finalist Jason Byrd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $23. AMP by Strathmore: 11810 Grand Park Ave. North Bethesda, MD; www.ampbystrathmore.com

Dark Star Orchestra
Now going on almost 20 years as the premier Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra pride themselves on faithfully recreating the Dead experience. At most shows, DSO recreates an entire Dead show, right down to the set list and instrumentation. That level of dedication is what draws Dead fans to DSO shows, and has even led to appearances by members of the Dead themselves. Doors open at 7 p.m. $29. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
Andy Shauf
Canada’s Andy Shauf returns to our area to headline his own show. He last appeared a few months ago as opener for the Case/Lang/Veirs tour. Shauf’s tunes are a mix of Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, and Harry Nilsson, and his most recent album, “The Party,” came out in May. With Chris Cohen. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. $12 in advance; $14 day of show. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
The Jezabels
Though I wouldn’t go so far as aligning the sound of The Jezabels to the definition of “jezebel,” that being impudent, shameless and unrestrained, the music the group makes is certainly free. The indie rock group hailing from Australia had planned a World Tour earlier this year, but was put off because member Heather Shannon underwent treatment for ovarian cancer. With her “feeling stronger,” the band is back on tour promoting their February release Synthia. Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
Delta Rae
From NPR to Time to Forbes, this six piece band from North Carolina has made waves since their inception. The folk group has been pretty prolific with two albums and numerous festival stops including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, plus the group shared the stage with First Lady Michelle Obama. With a soothing sound, the group is now aiming to deliver an all acoustic holiday celebration. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $24.75-$49.75. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Stop us if you’ve heard an origin story like before: two college freshman met in their dorm room and began writing music only to form an awesome band. Yeah, that’s the story behind Rainbow Kitten Surprise, which is the most hipster band name perhaps ever. The band uses soulful lyrics combined with acoustic strums of guitars with sporadic pinches of “dynamic instrumentation.” The band’s website assures you’ll be humming along, and we concur because the tunes are undeniably catchy. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15. The Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
Pasadena Band
The Pasadena Band has been around the block, touring for many years all while cultivating a national audience. The Maryland group often produces well thought out lyrics and grooves any audience can dance to. Though the band is almost constantly touring throughout the country, they recently added DC native Zach Bellas to the lineup, helping to reinvigorate the group for future tours on the horizon. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 day of show. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

Third Eye Blind
With colorful lyrics, electric riffs and adoring fans, Third Eye Blind has been a recognizable cog in the rock machine for more than 20 years. With classic tracks such as “Jumper,” “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Never Let You Go,” the band has a number of deep tracks sure to provide 90’s nostalgia to anyone in proximity, unless you caught their set at the Republican National Convention. We’re pretty sure they’ll play the hits for this show, we hope. Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35. The Fillmore at Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
American Wrestlers
Now based in Missouri, the American Wrestlers was actually founded by an immigrant. Hailing from Scotland, Gary McClure eventually made his way stateside before recording the Wrestlers’ self titled debut album in the rural midwest. The freedom of the environment is easy to spot in the tracks, as the group sounds like an 80’s indie band with lo-fi and all. If you’re in the mood for an early show, this upbeat group of guitar grapplers might be your speed. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 day of. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com

Atlas Road Crew
Atlas Road Crew have only been a band for five years, but they are already generating buzz and packing music venues across the country. This Southern rock band with soul accents was formed when its members were attending The University of South Carolina, and their first EP was produced by Mark Bryan of Hootie & The Blowfish. Also appearing Saturday, December 10 with Stop Light Observations. With Mo Lowda & The Humble. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15 in advance; $17 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

Dragonette
After a two year hiatus from making music, Dragonette is hard at work on another yet to be titled album. Regardless of the gap between releases, the group has still been touring internationally, playing with names such as Major Lazer, Mike Snow and the Presets. With indie pop principals, the group’s music has enjoyed success in pop culture and on the radio, which has provided fuel for the proverbial fire. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Emancipator
Since the 2006 release of Soon It Will Be Cold Enough Emancipator, or Douglas Appling, has been a mainstay in the EDM scene. Appreciated for his organic approach and fusion of different sounds from various cultures, his sets are often diverse and engaging. In 2015, Emancipator released Seven Seas after working on the album for nearly two years through extensive mixing and collaborations. After a busy two years, the performer is likely looking to close out 2016 with a bang on U St. Show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets cost $20. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

Kacey Musgrave
The two-time Grammy winner is touring on her first Christmas tour titled “A Very Kacey Christmas Tour” on the back of an album of the same name. This will be the famed country singer’s first foray into holiday themed music, but if Musgrave tackles the subject matter with the same confidence and fierceness she does the twangy genre, this will surely be a fun show. Don’t believe us, ask her; “I’m making sure these are going to be some very magical nights.” Shows at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $53-$68. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.thenationaldc.org

The Reverend Horton Heat
Born Jim Heath in 1959, The Reverend Horton Heat is known to his fans as the godfather of modern rockabilly and psychobilly. Their music is a mixture of country, surf, punk, big band, swing, and rockabilly, and keeps fans up and dancing in the aisles all night. With Unknown Hinson, Nashville Pussy, and Lucky Tubb. Doors open at 8 p.m. Mainstage. $25. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
Matt Pond PA
Matt Pond has been making music since 1998, and his most recent album, “Winter Lives,” just came out last month. The “PA” part of his name was a tribute to his musical beginnings in Philly, although Pond has sometimes dropped the initials, only to bring them back later. His indie tunes are hard to classify, but Pond has covered artists like Elvis Costello and Oasis, which gives you an idea of his influences. With Moving Panoramas. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. $15. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was started by a couple of former punks who decided to, er, swing in a different direction. Yes, these guys were at the forefront of the swing revival, and their profile received a major boost from their appearance in the 1996 indie flick “Swingers.” Since then, BBVD has been touring and recording constantly, and every winter, they hit the road for their special holiday tour. Don’t miss it! Show at 7:30 p.m. $49.50. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Mac Miller
Hailing from Pittsburgh, few rappers have evolved from album to album like Mac Miller, who burst on the scene with rhymes about drugs and life as an adolescent is now touring on the heels of a full blown romance album in The Divine Feminine. With beat experimentation and a textbook, old school rhyming style, Miller is for sure on the rise in the rap game. Lack faith, well he’s rubbed shoulders in the studio emcees such as Kendrick Lamar, Action Bronson and Earl Sweatshirt. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35. The Fillmore at Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17
Driftwood
Though the name “Driftwood” implies either a rigid band with a country and folk sound, this band often shies away from those strict identifiers. Instead the group hailing from Binghamton, New York attempts to blend and blur the lines of preconceived genres in order to reflect the truest sound of the members. With three songwriters constantly collaborating and honing on each song’s particular sound, this band doesn’t plan on settling within a genre anytime soon. Doors open at 9 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, Virginia: www.jamminjava.com

Rasputina
When dealing with classical instruments, they are often accompanied by a set of traditional standards. For Rasputina, and their cellos, the rock group has often found the best music comes when shattering those expectations and creating new sounds with old tools. Couple this with costumes of marginalized women from different historical periods and you get a raucous group prepared to storm the stage with screams and strings. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 day of the show. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; www.thehowardtheatre.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
Darlene Love
Legendary singer Darlene Love comes to town for “A Darlene Love Christmas.” Love is famous for hits like “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and is inextricably linked to producer Phil Spector, who she worked with early in her career. Love also had success acting, appearing in Broadway musicals and as Danny Glover’s wife in the “Lethal Weapon” movies. Doors open at 6 p.m. $45-$82.50. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC: www.thehowardtheatre.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
Todd Wright’s 14th Annual Santa Clauster-f@%!
The granddaddy of all holiday shows takes place on December 22nd and 23rd when Jammin’ Java presents Todd Wright’s 12th Annual Santa Clauster-f@%! Christmas Spectacular. Tons of area musicians come together to play holiday songs with little or no rehearsal and a merry time is had by all. Grab your tickets as soon as you read this, because these shows will sell out! Another show on Friday, December 23. Doors open at 6 p.m. $15-$30. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

The Funk Ark
This DC-based band, signed to Thievery Corporation’s ESL Music, is led by pianist Will Rast. Their sound is funk and Afrobeat, and the band is populated with some of the best jazz musicians from around the DC area. With Three Man Soul Machine. Doors open at 7 p.m. $12 in advance; $14 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
Biz Markie
This holiday season, The Fillmore Silver Spring welcomes an 80’s vs 90’s Dance Party, featuring none other than the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop” himself, Biz Markie. Released in 1989 as the lead single from his album “The Biz Never Sleeps,” the song “Just a Friend” made Biz a household name. Besides live appearances, Biz appears in movies and TV shows, including the kids show “Yo Gabba Gabba.” Doors open at 7 p.m. $15.50. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Joe Budden
After more than 15 years in the hip hop game, it’s arguable Joe Budden produced his best work with his recent album  Rage & The Machine. With subject matter such as depression, relationship problems and even addiction, Budden has always allowed his lyrics to carry a certain weight portraying the real happenings in his life. While some may see rap as a young man’s game, Budden enjoys his veteran status even referring to himself as “Uncle Joe.” Look, just Christmas gift yourself a pair of tickets and thank us later. Doors open at 11 p.m., show at 11:30 p.m. Tickets cost $27.50 in advance, $35 on the day of. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; www.thehowardtheatre.com

The Pietasters
Since forming at Virginia Tech in 1990, The Pietasters have been on the scene in DC and the mid-Atlantic area, pumping out ska tunes for loyal fans. Lead singer Stephen Jackson has been the stalwart member all along, and continues to lead the band to this day. With Mephiskapheles, Hub City Stompers, and Loving Paupers. Doors open at 8 p.m. $15. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

Virginia Coalition
Virginia Coalition, known to their fans around the area as VACO, have been playing together for almost 20 years. Meeting as friends during high school in Alexandria, VACO has been moving fans with their blend of rock and folk since 1997. They don’t play a whole lots of shows anymore, so catch them whenever you get the chance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $12.25-$17.25. The Hamilton: 600 14^th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Clutch
With a growling melodic approach to music, Clutch is a bit harder than a rock band, but not quite a metal band. This is good for people who aren’t really in the market for music that’s so fast and so loud that it’s hard to understand the depth of the lyrics. The Maryland group has been performing since 1991, and have always made it a goal to differentiate each album from the last, which gives them an eclectic catalog for live shows. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
The Fat Katz
“Never the same,” that’s the mantra for The Fat Catz who rely on compositions meant to get the crowd feeling something. Though the group constructs meticulous electric sounds and acoustic instruments, they are always heavy on improvisation taking their “space rock” to new dimensions as no two shows carry the same highlights. Either way, if you’re into electronic instrumentation, this is a good show for you. Doors open at 7 p.m. show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $8. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
John Kadlecik Band
It’s happened a couple times in rock and roll. The leader of a tribute band gets plucked from on high to appear with the actual band they are paying tribute to. This happened to Takoma Park’s John Kadlecik when he was invited to tour with Furthur in 2009. Furthur consisted of Bob Weir and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, and Kadlecik had spent years with his Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra. With the John K band, he performs Dead songs as well as originals. Also appearing Friday, December 30. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15 in advance; $20 day of show. The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St. Falls Church, VA; www.thestatetheatre.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
Old 97’s
Old 97’s have been rocking the alt-country scene since they formed in Dallas in 1993. Lead singer Rhett Miller has released solo albums and toured on his own, but he always comes back to the hard-rocking full band. They’ll also be playing the next night, New Year’s Eve, and that ticket comes with champagne and party favors. Not a bad way to ring in the New Year. With Justin Jones. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $31.28-$47.75. The Hamilton: 600 14^th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com