Music
Sounds of Summer at Yards Park 2016
April 4, 2016 @ 12:00am
The summer comes alive at Yards Park on Friday nights. Blankets are spread, picnics unpacked and the crowd settles in for a great night of live music on the waterfront. Each season’s lineup brings a diverse mix of music ranging from classic Motown (Jimi Smooth) to roots Americana (19th Street Band.) The concerts are free and run from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. Music is from 6:30 to 8:30 but arrive early to get a good spot, the shows are popular. New this year, the stage will be on the Great Lawn portion of the park, and outside alcohol is no longer allowed. Fear not, a beer and wine bar is located on site. For information on the shows, visitwww.capitolriverfront.org.
Known for their “high energy” and “get up and boogie” style of performing, these guys rock the best of soul and R&B. Jimi Smooth’s vast experience on the microphone will make any guest hungry for one more song! www.jimismoothandhittime.com
For The Win plays a wide variety of Top 40, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, and more at venues across DC including multiple appearances for 106.7 The Fan radio station. The chemistry of this line-up and their musical variety guarantees everyone in the crowd will have a great time, sing along, dance and leave entertained. www.forthewindc.com
June 10
The Reflex
The Reflex offers a full-on retro experience with a diverse set of “must play” ‘80s tunes, including songs by Bryan Adams, Blondie, Duran Duran, the Go-Go’s, Journey, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and more. Dust off your parachute pants, Jordache jeans, and Rubik’s Cubes and prepare yourself for the sounds of The Reflex – The Ultimate 80’s tribute band! www.reflexlive.com
DC JazzFest returns to the Yards for a weekend of stellar jazz, beer, wine, food and a marketplace. Get a sneak peak on the action on Friday night when the festival opens its doors to the public for a free concert. www.dcjazzfest.org
Jah Works is a band of brothers based out of Baltimore, MD dedicated to writing, recording and performing original reggae music. A heavy dose of drum and bass combined, with sweet melodies, vocal harmony, and catchy hooks are the groups’ trademarks. www.jahworks.com
New Jersey’s original Springsteen tribute band since 1980 and the longest running tribute band in the world comes to Yards Park for a Born in the USA kickoff to the July 4 weekend. www.bstreetband.com
Playing rock, pop, alternative rock, and soul from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, Jeff From Accounting is the quintessential DC-area party rock band. The band members wear suits by day (hence the Office Space reminiscent name), living for the weekends when they strip their corporate slave clothes and dash from their cubicles to raise the rock horns of freedom. www.jefffromaccounting.com
This, “bluesy, horn filled powerhouse” is comprised of twelve members with over sixteen years experience together. The band draws on a wide variety of influences some of which include James Brown, ZZ Top, and the Tower of Power. www.texaschainsawhorns.com
Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Sam’s love of performing and connection with his fans continues to fill venues. His powerful vocals and highly personal lyrics draw you into his songs as he tells stories of love, heartbreak, in true country music tradition. www.samgrowmusic.com
July 29
Sly 45
Sly 45 is a Baltimore based band that plays hits from the 50s and 60s as well as contemporary favorites. www.sly45.com
Justin Trawick and The Common Good is a high energy “urban Americana” band with music ranging from bluegrass to hip hop. Their unique sound has been captivating crowds all over the East Coast and they are a Yards Park favorite.www.justintrawick.com
Lovely Rita is a high energy five piece Dance/Top40/Rock cover band, fueled by the powerhouse vocals of lead singer Erica St. Louis. Playing up and down the East Coast has taught them how to bring the fun to any crowd. www.lovelyritaband.com
If the 19th Street Band could be summed up in a phrase, it would be “old school”. From their folk instruments (upright bass, fiddle, and acoustic guitars), to their approach to music and performance, The 19th Street Band has followed the traditions of The Carter Family and The Kingston Trio while also integrating modern elements of Americana, Country, and Rock ‘n Roll. www.the19thstreetband.com
Lloyd Dobler Effect have been full time touring musicians for almost a decade. Named for the iconic scene in the movie Say Anything, the band plays a mix of original and cover music that has brought audiences to their feet at venues across the country.www.lloyddoblereffect.com