Max Capacity: The Biggest + Best Concerts this February

There’s nothing like an evening of live music to keep away the winter blues. Here’s a list of five killer live shows happening in the DMV area this February that will help take your mind off of it being February.

2.19

Boyz II Men at The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Kings of R&B Boyz II Men are back in the DMV, for a stop on a tour of the East Coast, playing a set full of hits and surprising covers. Expect a hyped-up audience of all ages who still go crazy for these icons of over-the-top balladry and complex harmonies — maybe you’ll even be one of the lucky ones to be tossed a rose during “I’ll Make Love To You.” $75+. 8 p.m.101 MGM National Ave. Oxon Hill, MD; mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com // @mgmnationalharbor

2.24

Cro-Mags, NO/MAS and Pilau at Comet Ping Pong

A formative band in the early days of New York City hardcore punk, Cro-Mags have since evolved into a cult live act that continues to draw massive crowds. Their heavy, thrash metal-influenced hardcore sound incorporates an even deeper intensity to an already aggressive form of music, which has influenced countless punk bands over the last four decades. Though just one original member remains in the lineup — outspoken frontman Harley Flanagan — the band is a force to be reckoned with onstage. $30.90. 10 p.m. 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; cometpingpong.com // @cometpingpong

2.25

GloRilla at The Howard Theatre

One of the hottest names in hip-hop right now, GloRilla’s taking a victory lap after a massive 2022. Her “Anyways, Life’s Great” tour finds her spending much of February on the road, playing sold out shows around the country. This is probably your last chance to see her performing viral hits like “F.N.F.” and “Tomorrow 2” in a venue as intimate as The Howard, so get over there while you still can. $50. 7 p.m. 620 T St. NW, DC; thehowardtheatre.com // @howardtheatre

2.26

GZA at The Howard Theatre

GZA knows how to get butts in seats: He’ll be playing every track from his classic sophomore LP “Liquid Swords”  this show, peppering in other fan favorite solo and Wu-Tang tracks throughout. A trailblazing presence in hip-hop over the last 30 years, GZA continues to be an engaging, thrilling performer, tearing through hit after hit to the delight of his awestruck audiences. $30+. 7 p.m. 620 T St. NW, DC; thehowardtheatre.com // @howardtheatre

2.28

Bill Callahan and Pascal Kerong’A at Capital Turnaround

Folk iconoclast and indie icon Bill Callahan comes to town, hot off the release of his latest project, the cerebral, occasionally raucous “YTI⅃AƎЯ.” The record is another collection of songs that manage to be unique and surprising but singularly Bill, full of plainspoken observations and cosmic wonder. He’s joined on this tour by Congolese-born, Austin-based singer songwriter Pascal Kerong’A, a magnetic performer whose debut EP is coming later this year. $30+. 8 p.m. 770 M St. SE, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

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Matt Byrne