This Month in Music: August 2016

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4
RiFF RAFF
The “Neon Icon” himself makes his way to the DMV area, as he is sure to hit the stage with an incessant amount of bling and superfluous confidence. Originating as a YouTube sensation, RiFF RAFF has slowly carved out a niche for himself in the greater fabric of hip-hop by collaborating with names such as Wiz Khalifa and Childish Gambino. Though his rhymes seem silly, his performance is noteworthy, so don’t miss a chance to see Jody Highroller in the flesh. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. $20. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD;www.fillmoresilverspring.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
Broke Royals
Formed in 2014, local band Broke Royals saw their debut single, “About Time,” go viral in Thailand during a military coup in May of 2014. A collaboration between Philip Basnight and Colin Cross, the band probably didn’t foresee that being the first step on their musical journey. A more expected, but no less exciting, development is their show this month at Rock & Roll Hotel. With Bencoolen and The Bees Trees. Doors open at 7 p.m. $12. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC;www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

The Go-Go’s
After a 38-year run, The Go-Go’s are calling it quits, but not before one final tour. Formed in 1978, The Go-Go’s had a string of hits in the 80s and has had many reunion tours since. They remain the only all-female band that wrote their own songs, played their own instruments and topped the Billboard charts. This is the last chance to see them live. 8 p.m. show. $38-$73. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC;www.warnertheatredc.com

Jumpin’ Jupiter
On their Facebook page, Jumpin’ Jupiter lists their genre as “americanarockandrollsurftwangcountrywesternbluegrassabillybluepunkjazz.” If any of those interest you, you’d do yourself a favor to check out these local mainstays. Consisting of Patrick Cavanaugh, Douglas Hoekstra, Louie Newmyer and Jay Jenc, these guys have been dishing out solid tunes and shows since 1992. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $8. Velvet Lounge: 915 U St. NW, DC; www.velvetloungedc.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash
Grateful Dead tribute bands are a dime a dozen, but to celebrate the late bandleader Jerry Garcia’s 74th birthday in the first week of August, Heady Entertainment has put together a novel and talented bill. The lineup features local and regional acts playing original songs influenced by the Dead, while also mixing in some of their own renditions of the Grateful Dead’s tunes. Sol Roots, The Otter, Toad Head and Box Era are among those paying tribute to the master tunesmith and musician this month. Show at 8 p.m. $10-$20. Jammin’ Java: 27 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA;www.jamminjava.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 8
Heather Mae
Virginia-born Heather Mae hits IOTA in support of her five song EP, I Am Enough. Mae previously spent time playing shows as a ukulele-strumming folk singer, but for this album, she enlisted Mark Williams of Suckerpunch Recording to collaborate on her new direction toward indie pop. She also doesn’t shy away from topical and controversial subjects in her songs, so get ready for an interesting performance. 8 p.m. show. $12. IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA;www.iotaclubandcafe.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
FISHBONE
FISHBONE has been around since 1979, and they show no signs of slowing down. Touring ceaselessly under the radar, the band plays a fusion of ska, punk rock, funk, hard rock and soul, and is noted for their energetic live shows. Though the band’s lineup has changed over the years, founding members John Norwood Fisher, Angelo Moore and Walter Kibby are still playing with the band today. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $20-$25. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

Juliette Lewis
You know her as Woody Harrelson’s lethal sidekick in Natural Born Killers or the teen ingénue who flirts dangerously with a much older Robert DeNiro in Cape Fear. But Juliette Lewis is also a rock star – of sorts. The sexy L.A.-born actress, who has been sober since her early 20s, says she has always had a musical itch she can’t deny. Luckily, this is more than some celebrity vanity project. Her new single, “Hello Hero,” is a catchy, electro-dance ditty. Her 2009 album Terra Cognita was a harder rocking, grittier affair. File her musical side gig under legit. Doors at 7 p.m. $20. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
Elizabeth Cook
The belle of Sirius FM’s outlaw country music channel, Elizabeth Cook brings her sly wit, formidable voice and rockin’ band to The Birchmere this month. Cook’s new record, Exodus of Venus, is a powerhouse of outlaw country, gritty blues and classic rock sounds. Cook comes across as a little cornpone on her radio show with her syrupy accent and frazzled demeanor, but the new album reveals a woman firmly in command of her considerable talent. Show at 7:30. $25. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com

Will Hoge
A criminally underrated songwriter, Will Hoge has been cranking out some of the best heartland rock ‘n roll since John Mellencamp over the past decade. Boasting a clear, ringing voice and an accomplished, versatile band, Hoge works hard on stage while avoiding rock star cliches. “Just up the Road” is a plaintive and poignant song about striving for a better life, while “Bad Old Days” is one of the best tunes ever about giving up bachelorhood for family life. Doors at 7:30 p.m. $2-$25. Hamilton: 600 14th Street, N.W., DC; www.thehamilton.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
Charlie Musselwhite
There aren’t many living blues legends left among us, but Charlie Musselwhite – a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – is among them. Musselwhite is living proof that great music only gets better with age. The legendary bluesman cut his musical teeth alongside Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf on the south side of Chicago in the early 60s, and he may be the only musician to get a huge ovation just for opening his briefcase. Fans know that’s where he keeps his harmonicas, and they’re about to hear one of the true masters work his magic. Show at 8 p.m. $25-$35. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

Hollertown
The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, and Carolina Chocolate Drops are bigger names in the old-time country/bluegrass/Americana genre, but DC’s own Hollertown is making a name for itself as well. The six-piece acoustic powerhouse adeptly plays everything from haunting originals and old-timey standards to covers by Mötley Crüe, Bob Marley and the Texas Tornados. Hollertown performs monthly for bluegrass nights at both the Argonaut on H Street and Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill. They’ve also been a featured performer at the Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival, as well as top music venues across the DC area. Show at 9:30 p.m. Free. Hill Country: 410 7th St. NW, DC; www.hillcountrywdc.com

L7
One of the hardest rocking all-female rock bands in history, L7 made their biggest splash in the 1990s during the grunge era. But while the Los Angeles band was somewhat associated with their flannel-clad male peers up north in Seattle, their sound was different – more hooks, faster songs and definitely more attitude. The women of L7 take their punk-rock ethos seriously and since reuniting in 2014, they’re reportedly brought it heavier than ever onstage. Doors at 8 p.m. $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
The Cowards Choir
Andy Zipf, who has been writing and playing intense, moving music in the area for over 10 years, has taken a new name – The Cowards Choir. Zipf recently released his full-length album, Name the Fear, which is his first release under the new name. At this show, Old Sea Brigade and Christopher the Conquered will open. 8:30 p.m. show. $12.IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.iotaclubandcafe.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Animal Liberation Orchestra
Signed to Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records, Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO) has a mellow spirit similar to the label’s surfer songwriter head honcho. With a combination of classic songwriting, freewheeling jams and grooves that lead people to the dancefloor, ALO is sure to have something for everyone in the audience. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $18-$26. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

Dash Berlin
As an icon in the electronic world, Dash Berlin regularly lands in DJ Mag’s Top 100 poll. Having secured a place in the treasured Top 10 for the past three years, Dash remains at the very top of his game. Berlin was the first DJ to play at the legendary Boulevard Pool party at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, an d he’s headlined major festivals around the globe with the likes of Skrillex and Diplo. Catch him in a much more intimate venue at Echostage this month. Doors at 9 p.m. $30. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE, DC; www.echostage.com

The Julie Ruin
The documentary The Punk Singer, released in 2013, shone a light on ex-Bikini Kill singer Kathleen Hanna’s previously unpublicized battle with Lyme disease. On the upside, the film also boosted the profile of Hanna’s newest project, The Julie Ruin. The band also features Bikini Kill’s bassist Kathi Wilcox. With Olivia Neutron-John and Sneaks. Doors open at 8 p.m. Mainstage. $20. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC;www.blackcatdc.com

Nappy Riddem Birthday Bash
One of DC’s best local musical acts is turning five, and what better way to celebrate than with this gig at Gypsy Sally’s? Since forming in 2011, Nappy Riddem has been busy touring nationwide and releasing a string of remixes, transforming into an uplifting and conscious reggae band that is funky enough to pack the dance floor. Started by Mustafa Akbar and Rex Riddem, Nappy Riddem is now joined in the studio and on stage by drummer Jon Modell as part of their six-piece live band. Show at 9 p.m. Tickets $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC;www.gypsysallys.com

Prophets of Rage
Prophets of Rage are a supergroup consisting of Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and DJ Lord, and Cypress Hill’s B-Real. Their eponymously-titled debut single was just released last month, and their “Make America Rage Again” tour hits our area for what’s sure to be a fiery performance. With Awolnation. Show at 7 p.m. $45-$69.50. EagleBank Arena:4400 University Dr. Fairfax, VA; www.eaglebankarena.com

Toad the Wet Sprocket and Rusted Root
Two very different bands from the 90s will hit the 9:30 Club for a show together. Toad the Wet Sprocket started in Santa Barbara and took their name from a Monty Python sketch. They hit it big with breezy, catchy pop tunes like “Walk on the Ocean” and “All I Want.” Rusted Root started in Pittsburgh and made their mark with African and Latin-inflected tunes like their biggest hit, “Send Me On My Way.” With Daisie Ghost Flower. Doors open at 8 p.m. $35. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Andy Grammer
The son of a singer-songwriter famous for kids’ music, a former busker on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, and now a multi-platinum musician in his own right, Andy Grammer didn’t take the typical path to success. But if you’ve listened to new music in the last few years, you’ve almost certainly heard his hit song “Keep Your Head Up” and had it stuck in your head for days. Opening for Train. Doors open at 6 p.m. $45-$75. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkky. Columbia, MD: www.merriweathermusic.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
Black Sabbath
The rockers from Birmingham, England bring their live show to Bristow, Va. one last time. After many years of intense rock ‘n’ roll, squabbles, lineup changes and a little reality show called The Osbournes, Black Sabbath is officially calling it quits (at least for now). Don’t hesitate to buy a ticket if you have doubts about the band’s current abilities; all of them (including Ozzy) can still rock. With Rival Sons. Show at 7:30 p.m. $35-$150. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, VA;www.livenation.com/venues/14407/jiffy-lube-live

Ex Hex
DC native Mary Timony grew up in the heyday of the District’s 80s punk scene, and you can hear echoes of that era every time her latest band – Ex Hex – hits the stage at the Black Cat or Comet Ping Pong, two of band’s favorite local venues. The all-female trio’s aptly-titled new album, Rips, was released two years ago and received widespread critical acclaim, garnering the band profiles in The Washington Post, Los Angeles Timesand the hipster’s musical guide, Pitchfork. Rips is a searing, straight-ahead rock album containing 12 tracks about – according to the band’ s record label – “underdogs, guys stealing your wallet, schoolyard brawls and getting bent.” Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $25. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhotel.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23
David Crosby
Graham Nash came through in July, and Neil Young will be coming through town in September with Farm Aid, but this month, it’s David Crosby’s turn. Part of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (CSNY), part of The Byrds, and part of some of the most timeless and poetic songs in American music history, Crosby will not disappoint when he comes to The Birchmere this month. Show at 7:30 p.m. $90.50. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
Downtown Boys
Downtown Boys’ carefree name belies the serious political issues that this punk band from Providence tackles on stage and in the studio. Formed in 2011, Downtown Boys describes itself as a “bi bilingual political dance sax punk party from Providence.” Last year, Rolling Stone described them as “the most exciting punk band in America today.” Led by Victoria Ruiz and Joey DeFrancesco, the lead singer and guitarist, Downtown Boys are making the underground soundtrack to some of the most tumultuous times in American political history. Show at 8 p.m. $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC;www.rockandrollhotel.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25
Miranda Lambert and The Brothers Osborne
Miranda Lambert is one of the very few contemporary country music artists who can effectively straddle the line between mainstream blockbuster and renegade outlaw status. An excellent singer-songwriter and live performer, Lambert’s talent in recent years was sometimes overshadowed by her tabloid marriage to Blake Shelton. But with a divorce in her rear-view mirror, Lambert’s focusing on what she does best: music. The Brothers Osborne, who hail from nearby Deale, Md., will open for Lambert. Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45-$125. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD; www.merriweathermusic.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
The Funk Ark
The Funk Ark is a funk/afrobeat ensemble founded by Will Rast (Antibalas, Thievery Corporation, Ocote Soul Sounds) and comprised of some of the best jazz musicians from the DC area. Drawing from a love of the Latin funk and dance music scenes of the 60s and 70s, The Funk Ark creates music that is gritty, soulful and invigorating. The band’ s music – as its namesake would suggest – is a vessel for the best of the funk and jazz genres, and makes us proud of DC’s ever-evolving and vibrant local music scene. Show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
Ben Tufts and Friends
Dozens of the DC metro area’s best and brightest musicians combine forces to raise money for the Craig Tufts Educational Scholarship Fund. Ben Tufts has played in hundreds of area bands – Craig was his dad as well as the chief naturalist for the National Wildlife Federation, until brain cancer took his life in 2009. Three shows will take place at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $20 for all three shows. Jammin’ Java:227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

Bob Log III
Bob Log III – one of music’s oddest, most endearing acts – bills himself as a “ One-Man Band Slide Guitar Party.” During performances, he plays old Silvertone Archtop guitars, and wears a full-body cannonball suit and a helmet wired to a telephone, which allows him to devote his hands and feet to guitar and drums. The spectacle has been described as a guitar dance party, with the musician playing over 150 shows a year in more than 30 countries. Bob Log III is guaranteed to make you laugh, holler and dance. Show at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31
Banks & Steelz
Banks and Steelz is Paul Banks from indie rock band Interpol, and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. They became friends some years ago and started playing chess together; RZA apparently won most of the time. They also started collaborating on music, with no pressure about where it was going. But this is where it ended up, with a tour and their debut album, Anything But Words, coming out this month. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com