Music & Concerts
New holiday albums of 2016
Loretta Lynn stays traditional while Pentatonix gets creative
‘A Pentatonix Christmas’ is well executed but has more novelty than lasting appeal. (Photo courtesy RCA)
Kacey Musgraves “A Very Kacey Christmas”
With “A Very Kasey Christman,” country singer/songwriter Kasey Musgraves delivers her first holiday album, a collection with a real sense of warmth and nostalgia, and a tinge of heartbreak.
Musgraves keeps the arrangements simple and old school — the album sounds like something that one might find in the parents box of old holiday records. The charming retro vibe and Musgraves’ engaging vocals, along with smart song choices (mostly familiar covers, with a few originals).
It has appeal even if you’re not a big country fan. (CG)
Jane Lynch “A Swingin’ Little Christmas Time”
Retro seems to be the thing this year. “Glee” actress Jane Lynch has released “A Swingin’ Little Christmas Time,” and as the title suggests, the album’s predominant vibe is big band, with touches of jazz.
The lyrics and harmonies are ultra tight. Lynch proves herself to be quite an adept vocalist, and while there is a vein of humor and joy running through the album, there are also moments of solemn beauty, like Lynch’s exquisite take on “Coventry Carol.” (CG)
Loretta Lynn “White Christmas Blue”
Still sounding great at 84, country legend Loretta Lynn has released her first holiday album in 50 years with “White Christmas Blue.”
While light on the arrangements — a simple country backdrop that doesn’t get in the way of Lynn’s vocals — it’s a fun collection with familiar classics and a few newly written pieces (like the title song) that are simply charming. “White Christmas Blue” is nostalgic and evocative of yesteryear. (CG)
She & Him “Christmas Party”
Five years after the the duo She & Him released their popular “A Very She & Him Christmas,” the duo of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward are back with a followed, the aptly named “Christmas Party.”
She & Him retain their lovely low-key festive indie-pop vibe as they run through a dozen familiar chestnuts and lesser-known songs. Particular highlights include the obscure “Christmas Memories,” performed by Frank Sinatra, and a buoyant acoustic take on the Darlene Love standard “Marshmallow World.” The album opens and closes with two favorites: a lovely take on Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” and slow and swaying rendition of the Chipmunks’ “Christmas Don’t Be Late.” (CG)
Amy Grant “Tennessee Christmas”
It would be easy to mistake Amy Grant’s new album “Tennessee Christmas” for just another of the seemingly endless stream of compilation rereleases that have been regurgitated on the artist in recent years since the title cut was a hit on her first Christmas album in 1983. This, however, is her fourth official holiday release not counting a holiday-themed greatest hits collection and even a Hallmark exclusive release back when those were still a thing.
“Tennessee Christmas” includes a mix of classics and originals that, though much simpler than any Christmas project Grant (who brings her Christmas tour with Michael W. Smith to Baltimore Sunday night) ever recorded — she made it entirely in her home studio over the summer — still works. The most refreshing surprise is that the veteran gospel singer, who’s always had a pensive side, doesn’t shy away from that here. Heard alone, new songs like “Melancholy Christmas,” “December” and “Another Merry Christmas” sound like real downers but in the context of the record, they work surprisingly well as refreshing contrasts to the more upbeat material. Even “Joy to the World” here sounds more like a Vince Guaraldi track than the fast and bombastic carol we usually think of.
There’s one real standout in the originals — the bubbly and catchy “Christmas For You and Me,” which, given the right traction opportunity, could be come a seasonal standard. Bah humbug to LifeWay, a Baptist retail chain, that decided not to sell the album because it wasn’t religious enough. Get it at Target instead — their version has two bonus cuts. (Joey DiGuglielmo)
Pentatonix “A Pentatonix Christmas”
A cappella vocal group Pentatonix, who first gained attention for winning the third season on NBC’s “The Sing-Off,” are pretty amazing. You can’t listen to their new album “A Pentatonix Christmas” and not be confounded that everything you hear was created with vocal cords.
But while it’s all executed exceedingly well — the pitch is as stable as a steel bridge throughout and the arrangements are truly clever — this has more novelty than long-term appeal.
“O Come All Ye Faithful” bounces along to a mid-tempo Carribean rhythm. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” starts off rather promisingly but eventually picks up its tempo to such an alarming degree the ears feel practically bludgeoned by the end.
More effective (and listenable) are subtler cuts like “Coventry Carol” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” (Joey DiGuglielmo)
Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue brings her acclaimed “Tension” world tour to D.C. next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Capital One Arena. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.
The show features songs spanning her long career, from 1987 debut single, “The Loco-Motion,” to “Padam, Padam” from her album, “Tension.”
Music & Concerts
Busy season for live music in D.C.
Erivo, Kylie, Sivan, and more headed our way this spring
One sure sign of spring’s arrival is the fresh wave of live music coming to Washington. With more than 10 venues and a diverse lineup of artists, the city offers no shortage of live performances for the new season.
In addition to this impressive list, don’t forget the many artists coming to town for WorldPride, May 17-June 8. In addition to headliner Cynthia Erivo performing on Saturday, June 7 at the two-day street festival and concert, many other performers will be in town. Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, and RuPaul are among the featured performers at the WorldPride Music Festival at the RFK Festival Grounds, June 6-7. Visit WorldPrideDC.org for a list of other performers.
MARCH
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Mary J. Blige will take the stage at Capital One Arena on March 26 for her For My Fans tour. Two days later, on March 28, J Balvin will also perform at Capital One Arena for his Back to the Rayo tour.
The Lincoln Theatre will host the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington for three performances—one on March 15 and two on March 16.
If dance parties are more your vibe, you’re in luck. DC9 is hosting a series of themed dance parties this month, starting with Poker Face: 2000s + Dance Party on March 14, the ever-popular Peach Pit ’90s dance party on March 15, H.O.T.S.: A Sapphic Dance Party on March 22, and RageRiot!—a burlesque and drag revue featuring a lineup of local drag kings, queens, and everything in between on March 29.
APRIL
Australian queen of pop Kylie Minogue will bring her Tension tour to Capital One Arena on April 8, with British dance artist Romy as her special guest.
Indie singer-songwriter mxmtoon will stop in D.C. for their Liminal Space tour on April 4 at the 9:30 club, followed by indie rock band Gossip on April 5. The 9:30 club will also host two dance parties in April: Gimme Gimme Disco – a dance party inspired by ABBA on April 11 and Broadway Rave on April 18.
The Atlantis will feature Brooklyn-based indie rock band Pom Pom Squad on April 2.
Comedy duo Two Dykes and a Mic will bring their Going Hog Wild tour to the Howard Theatre on April 19.
DC9 has two dance parties lined up this month: Bimbo Night on April 4, hosted by Baltimore’s “premier red-tattooed Filipina diva” Beth Amphetamine, and Aqua Girls: A QTBIPOC Dance Party on April 5, celebrating “queer transcendence through music, movement, and community.”
The Anthem will welcome a lineup of big names in April, starting with Alessia Cara on April 8. Lucy Dacus will take the stage on April 18 and 19 for her Forever Is a Feeling tour, while funky pop artist Remi Wolf will headline on April 27, joined by special guests Dana and Alden.
MAY
Indie-pop artist Miya Folick will bring her Erotica Veronica tour to The Atlantis on May 1, followed by multi-genre musician SASAMI on May 2. Pop artist Snow Wife will close out the month at The Atlantis on May 31 as part of an official WorldPride 2025 event.
Queer rock band Lambrini Girls will perform at the Howard Theatre on May 4, while rock trio L.A. Witch will take the stage at DC9 on May 12.
Union Stage will feature Rachel Platten on May 3 for her Set Me Free tour, followed by Femme Fatale: A Queer Dance Party later that night.
The popular DJ festival Project Glow will return to RFK Stadium grounds on May 31 and June 1.
JUNE
Pride month kicks off with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Trixie Mattel, who will perform at Echostage on June 3 as part of a series of official WorldPride 2025 events.
Queer icons Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe will take over The Anthem on June 5 for a WorldPride 2025 event performance.
Perfume Genius will bring his signature sound to the 9:30 club on June 7 as part of WorldPride 2025 festivities. Later in the month, Blondshell will hit the 9:30 club for her If You Asked for a Tour on June 24.
Music & Concerts
Pride concert to take place at Strathmore after Kennedy Center rescinds invitation
International Pride Orchestra ‘heartbroken’ event ‘would no longer be welcome’ at DC venue
The International Pride Orchestra has announced its Pride concert will take place at the Strathmore Music Center on June 5 after the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts disinvited the group.
Since President Donald Trump took over the Kennedy Center during his first month in office, LGBTQ events and performances have been banned with community allies withdrawing in solidarity.
The Kennedy Center has cancelled “A Peacock Among Pigeons: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride,” a May 21 concert that was to feature the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. The International Pride Orchestra on Monday said its concert will now take place at the Strathmore.
“We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Center,” said International Pride Orchestra Founding Artistic Director Michael Roest in a statement released by the orchestra’s media page. “The Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and freedom of expression. However, we are profoundly grateful to the Strathmore Music Center for opening their doors to us. Their willingness to host our Pride Celebration Concert ensures that our message of love, pride, and resilience will be heard on the doorstep of the nation’s capital.”
The Pride concert is among the events that have faced uncertainty since the Trump-Vance administration took office on Jan. 20. Many, however, are fighting back and looking for ways to push back against the bans and cancellations.
“We aim to create a powerful and positive representation of the queer community through music,” said Roest. “We want to show the world who we are, celebrate our queer identities, and amplify the work of organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.”
WorldPride is scheduled to take place in D.C. from May 17-June 8.
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