Music Picks: October 2016

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2
Yacht Rock Revival
If you’re like us, and can’t get enough 70s light rock, then Yacht Rock Revue is for you. This band of merry musicians puts on their 70s threads, and performs the hits of bands like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald and Steely Dan. This tour includes 70s artists Matthew Wilder, Robbie Dupree and members of the bands Ambrosia and Player. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 in advance; $40 ay of show. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC: www.thehowardtheatre.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4
Warpaint
With a moniker like Warpaint, you might expect a thrash metal band with little sentimentality regarding the wellbeing of your ears. Though the actual Warpaint offers up some hard rock themes with tunes about the pain of love, the group approaches these subjects with a pop-rock grace. The four-piece female group has actually been trending more toward the alt-pop genre, using instrumentation minimally. This hasn’t affected their effectiveness, however, as the group is coming off the heels of their third studio album, Heads Up. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
Bad Religion
Bad Religion, the punk rockers from L.A. who have been at it since 1979, are still going. While lineup changes have meant members coming and going over the years, the band currently features three out of four original members (Greg Graffin, Brett Gurewitz and Jay Bentley). With Against Me! and Dave Hause. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com  

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Formed in 2001 in Rochester, N.Y., Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (also known as GPGDS) plays a combo of reggae, world beat and jam band music. Their sixth studio album, Make It Better, has just been released and will be available at this show, so don’t miss it. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance; $17 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

Lewis Del Mar
With patient strums of a guitar, the folk-pop duo attacks their fused genre with an abrasively colorful language. Each song neatly escalates and calms its tempo, delivering a powerful combination of sounds as strong as the sartorial acumen held by the members. Even with the aforementioned genre, the duo obviously pulls influences from grunge, especially with their penchant for raising and lowering their tone throughout a song, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats. Doors open at 7 p.m., and show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC;www.rockandrollhoteldc.com  

Paul Pfau
He’s had his ups and downs in the music biz, but Paul Pfau is always moving forward. Originally from Western Maryland, and now calling Nashville home, Pfau’s musical career was threatened by a polyp on his vocal chords. After he got better, he appeared on season eight of The Voice, and now he’s back with a new EP release, The Great American Love Story. With Brian Dunne. Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$25. Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

Temper Trap
Temper Trap will forever be famous for what is essentially the perfect rom com tune in “Sweet Disposition.” While the band probably doesn’t want that to be the truth, it hasn’t stopped them from crafting other smooth singles. The group carries a beautiful indie feel with a pacing that is both smooth and enjoyable. If you get a chance, definitely see them live. It’s not a trap, we promise. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
American Aquarium
According to their website, the big emphasis in American Aquarium’s music is honesty. The band balances the good with the bad, including narratives revolving around epic highs and gritty lows. The music is unequivocally “Southern.” Though the tunes aren’t overtly country, there is a twang in the sounds of their voices and the strums of their often acoustic guitars. The band’s 2015 release Wolves has the band at its apex, and with sorrowful sounds like “Southern Sadness” and “Family Problems,” get ready for an emotional rollercoaster. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$20.The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

Ken Wenzel & Cross Kentucky
Ken Wenzel & Cross Kentucky is what you get when you gather six musicians from the DMV with rock influences and country traditions. Vacillating from country to rock is normal for this local group seeking to bridge the gap between both genres with scintillating saxophone solos and a raucous lead guitarist. Though they maintain twang, the talented band delivers music in multiple paces, so fans of both country and rock can enjoy the tunes. 9 p.m. to midnight. Free to attend. Sehkraft Brewing: 925 N. Garfield St. Arlington, VA; www.sehkraftbrewing.com  

Post Malone
With a melodic approach to hip-hop, Post Malone follows the steps of greats Kanye West and Drake, delivering music easy to approach and fun to sing along to. The Dallas native started as a guitarist hopeful, but eventually crossed over into the studio production side of music before developing his own “sauce.” Now the young artist has worked with rap-game stalwarts such as the aforementioned West, 50 Cent and Young Thug, to go along with his stint opening for pop culture icon Justin Bieber. With this amount of early success, all without an official LP release, this might be an opportunity to see a budding star in a more intimate location before he moves on to venues like the Verizon Center. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25. The Fillmore Silver Spring:8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
Cindy Alexander
L.A.-based singer/songwriter Cindy Alexander has recently released her eighth studio album, Deep Waters. On it, she draws from her life experience, including tackling tough subjects like overcoming breast cancer. Alexander won NBC’s StarTomorrow talent show and was offered a record deal, but turned it down, deciding the indie route was for her. 8:30 p.m. show. Tickets cost $12. IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

Majid Jordan
Even though they haven’t had a ton of singles in their short lifespan, you’ve likely heard the sultry sounds of duo on the Drake track “Just Hold on We’re Going Home.” The pair is one of the upcoming musical acts signed to the Canadian rapper’s OVO label, and have been producing amazing R&B tracks since they hit the music scene. For this show at the 9:30 Club, not only will you get to see them in action, but with an online purchase you’ll also receive a copy of their self-titled album. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $28.25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com  

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11
Caroline Smith
Behind her beautiful singing voice, which enables her music to straddle the line between pop and R&B, Smith’s words always carry a certain weight. Even in her tunes, the messages often revolve around mantras of self-empowerment and believing in yourself. Two that come to mind are “Magazine,” a single about body image and the pressure the media places on people to look a specific way, and another is “Let ‘Em Say,” which calls for folks to ignore the haters. Essentially, Smith is a less famous, more talented Meghan Trainor, and likely a lively concert. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$25. Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA;www.jamminjava.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
Muddy Ruckus
Despite complaints from the neighbors, Muddy Ruckus created their 2016 releasePretty Bones in their apartment, on tour and in a number of other cramped locales. While this probably sounds like it was hell, you can feel the intimacy in the album, as the folk duo created warm tracks that sound like two friends fooling around with a guitar and drums, except it objectively sounds good. Gypsy Sally’s will be the perfect venue for these kinds of grooves, unless you can somehow convince the group to play in your kitchen. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Free admission.Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com  

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Scott Bradlee went viral when he posted a video of his band, Postmodern Jukebox, on YouTube doing a cover of Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop” in doo-wop style. Since then, Bradlee and Postmodern Jukebox have continued to go viral, and make genre-bending covers of songs such as “All About That Bass” and “Tainted Love.” Show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $37.50-$103. DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D St. NW, DC;www.dar.org/constitution-hall

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14
Crywolf
Crywolf, or rather lone member Justin Phillips, has the perfect name. Wolves are known to howl at the moon, and some wolves can carry a tune while doing so, making some dope music in the wild. Crying is a physical response typically triggered by a whirlwind of emotions. Phillips’ music is the perfect combination of these two abstract terms, blending mellow sounds with an emotionally charged electric howl. The music is soulful, powerful and smooth all at once, and the single “Anachronism” is a wonderful highlight of Phillips’ qualities, which are only adding up as he continues to record this style of dramatic music. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Black Cat:1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

Teenage Fanclub
Started in Scotland in 1989, Teenage Fanclub was propelled by the songs of Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley and Gerard Love, all contributing to the band’s output. Their third album, Bandwagonesque, released in 1991, earned them international fame, including in the U.S., where they even came out ahead of Nirvana in end-of-year polls. With Skyler Gudasz. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com  

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14
The Fishermen Band
When you go fishing, typically you’re on the prowl for a specific type of water-breathing animal, but sometimes you toss the line out and hope for any bite. Listening to music is similar as we all have our favorites, but sometimes want to bounce around from genre to genre. The Fishermen Band’s sound is this in a nutshell (fish egg?) as the group blends funk, jazz, rock and folk into their eclectic sound. Their new single, Hey, is due out on Halloween and in advance of the release, the band is set to enjoy a release party at Sehkraft Brewing. 9 p.m. show. Free. Sehkraft Brewing: 925 N. Garfield St. Arlington, VA; www.sehkraftbrewing.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
Eric Johnson
When you get a chance to see a world-class musician, it behooves you to venture out to the venue and check them out. With Eric Johnson, the DMV will have an opportunity to see one of the best active contemporary guitarists in a one-man show featuring his crafty songwriting and piano prowess. Though some think loud noises accompany the title “guitarist,” Johnson will delve into many volumes of elegance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $28.50-$58.50. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com  

Keiko Matsui
Not all concerts have to be rah-rah shows with raucous noise. Sometimes you’re not in the mood to have your ears ringing and that’s okay, because Keiko Matsui is here to bring her brand electric piano sounds to Virginia. The sounds are completely pleasant and easy to dance to or enjoy over a cup of coffee or a nice meal. There are no frills or theatrics with Matsui’s jazz music, just an elegant easygoing nature. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA;www.birchmere.com

Red Elvises
Also known as “Igor & Red Elvises,” after their frontman Igor Yuzov, the Red Elvises started in 1995, playing what they called “Siberian surf rock.” Yuzov grew up in the former Soviet Union, and left as soon as possible, starting his current when Elvis Presley supposedly came to him in a dream and told him to play rock ‘n’ roll. 8 p.m. show. Tickets cost $15. IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA;www.iotaclubandcafe.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18
John Paul White
From 2009 to 2014, John Paul White toured and recorded with Joy Williams as The Civil Wars, a critically-acclaimed, Grammy-winning Americana folk duo. After their breakup, White returned to his solo career and recently released his album Beulah to critical acclaim. With The Kernal. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25-$27. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

Styx
Even people who don’t like Styx like Styx. The iconic band has produced hit rock songs for decades, and the group’s music transcends pop culture mediums, as they’ve enjoyed numerous name drops in films and TV shows. The band has been touring for more than 40 years, so folks have had tons of opportunities to see these vanguards of rock live. While the group hasn’t released a studio album since 2005’s Big Bang Theory, Styx’s catalog is extensive with radio bangers, making this a can’t miss show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $46.50-$66.50. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC; www.warnertheatredc.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19
JD Souther
JD Souther is one of the most prolific songwriters in the music industry. Whether it was penning songs for The Eagles or other bands from the 70s and 80s, it’s likely you’ve heard words over the radio that started as scribbles on his scratch paper. Now Souther is touring on the back of his 2015 release Tenderness, which sees the old soul balancing his pop and jazz influences. With Souther, the tunes are always heartfelt and can’t miss, just like this performance. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $34-$42. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org  

Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco emerged on the scene with a carefree attitude best represented by “Kick, Push” and “The Show Goes On.” However, over the past few years, the Chicago rapper has slowly been transforming into more of a political voice, shifting the focus of songs to subjects such as social justice and inequality. Though the music has become more serious in tone, the rhymes are still ferocious and well thought out. Despite his radio play trending down, Fiasco is as respected in the hip-hop community as any other artist, so he definitely remains an act worth seeing. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35-$65. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC;www.thehowardtheatre.com  

Sia
Sia’s career has had many incarnations already, and it seems she’s just getting started. She came to prominence in the U.S. when her song “Breathe Me” was used to haunting effect in the series finale of the HBO show Six Feet Under in 2005. Since then, she’s become famous for hiding her face behind elaborate costumes, and writing hit songs for artists like Beyonce, Rihanna and Christina Aguilera. With Miguel and AlunaGeorge. 7 p.m. show. Tickets start at $35. Verizon Center: 601 F St. NW, DC;www.verizoncenter.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
Darlingside
Gathered around a single microphone, each strumming a stringed instrument and bellowing into a single microphone, is Darlingside. Each member of the four-piece band sings in some capacity, offering their unique voices to the individual songs. The sound teeters on the edge of Band of Horses and Mumford & Sons, mixed with the steady vocal teamwork reminiscent of a talented acapella group. So if you’re in the mood for a mellow night of live music, look no further than Darlingside. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12.25-$20.25. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com  

John Brown’s Body
This Ithaca, N.Y.-based band has been creating albums since 1996, and just released their newest, Fireflies, in September. The band describes their sound as “future roots music,” and though they’re known as a reggae band, they experiment with dub, electronic, funk, ska, hip-hop and dubstep. With Nappy Riddem. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance; $18 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
The Fab Faux
Two key members of late-night talk show bands that play The Beatles’ might sound like an odd combo. However, The Fab Faux is made up of Beatles freaks that want to do the music justice, and they do. The aforementioned late night band members are guitarist Jimmy Vivino, music director on Conan, and bassist Will Lee, who appeared onDavid Letterman for more than two decades. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $44-$93.50. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC;www.thehamiltondc.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23
Die Antwoord
This rap group from South Africa has been oddly famous for weird reasons. Though you’d be hard-pressed to hear the group, made up of rappers Ninja, Yolandi Visser and DJ Hi-Tek, on any mainstream airwaves, they’re explosive sound has been a staple on music blogs. The accented rap is fun to bounce to, with electronic noise complementing the unique flow of each lyricist. Another quality of the triad is their use of “zef” culture, a.k.a. things that are out-of-date, trashy and pastiche. Recently, there was a rumor of a breakup, but the reports have been vehemently denied. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC;www.echostage.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
Laura Benanti
In July, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert needed an actress to portray Melania Trump. They called Laura Benanti, who nailed the impression and raised her profile around the country. Turns out, she’s been appearing on stage and screen for years, winning awards left and right. At this show, she’ll sing and tell funny stories from her years in showbiz. Shows at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $40-$45. The Barns at Wolf Trap:1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30
GWAR
Sort of local (they formed in Richmond, Va.), and sort of not (their characters come from outer space), GWAR has been rocking the interplanetary space since about 1984. While no founding members remain, the band has persevered. At a GWAR show, it’s always recommended that you wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, or wet. With Darkest Hour & Mutoid Man. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

Jackie Greene
With Back to Birth, Jackie Greene, formerly of The Black Crowes, actually brings a garage rock sound more similar to The Black Keys. Song after song is chock-full of groovy guitar riffs and soulful lyrics that carry you to the next track. While it’s not necessary to know the words to your favorite bands’ songs, we suggest giving the album a listen or two, because you’re going to want to sing along at this show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$25. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31
Dweezil Zappa
Frank Zappa’s son has carried on the family tradition – not just of playing music, but of playing intricate, whimsical, sometimes silly stuff. Dweezil has spent years learning his dad’s tunes, but is also a composer in his own right. And on this tour, he plays his own music, drawing from his newest release Via Zammata. Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $65. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com