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)
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
Music & Concerts
Queer mega stars (and allies) ready to take D.C. stages this fall
Watch LGBTQ icons light up stages across the DMV as they sing, dance, and drag their way through spectacular shows.
One of the best ways to welcome fall is by catching LGBTQ performers (and their allies) lighting up some of the D.C. area’s biggest stages. From country and pop to drag and rock, the season is packed with shows you won’t want to miss.
Maren Morris – The country, rock, and pop diva—known for hits like “The Bones” and for standing up against Nashville’s anti-LGBTQ voices—takes the stage at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, Va.) on Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64.
RuPaul – The mother of modern drag and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will spin a DJ set at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE) in Northeast D.C. on Sept. 20. Before RuPaul swaps wigs for headphones, Trade and Number 9 owner Ed Bailey will warm up the decks. For tickets and details visit echostage.com.
Conan Gray – The queer pop prince, celebrated for his Gen Z anthems like “Heather” and “Maniac,” brings his Wishbone Pajama Show to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, (4500 Patriot Cir) on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $113. For more info visit shop.conangray.com/pages/tour.
All Things Go Music Festival – With a lineup that includes Noah Kahan, Lucy Dacus, Kesha, Clairo, Doechii, and more, the beloved LGBTQ-friendly festival takes over Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Md.) Sept. 26–28. For tickets and details visit allthingsgofestival.com.
BERTHA: Grateful Drag – This unique tribute brings drag artistry and the sounds of the Grateful Dead to The Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) on Sept. 27. Tickets start at $47 at theatlantis.com.
Peach PRC – Rising Australian pop star and out lesbian, whose confessional tracks like “Perfect for You” and “Forever Drunk” have made her a queer TikTok darling, performs at The Atlantis on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The show is general admission only. Additional details are on theatlantis.com.
Addison Rae – The TikTok star-turned-pop princess, who’s crossed over into music with glossy hits like “Diet Pepsi” brings her sold out show to The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.) on Sept. 30. Tickets are sold out, but resale options start around $80. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary – Celebrate the cult classic that’s been a queer midnight-movie staple for decades, with Barry Bostwick (a.k.a. Brad Majors) at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41 via Ticketmaster.
Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills – Four legends, one stage. Between Khan’s funk, LaBelle’s soul, Knight’s R&B, and Mills’ powerhouse vocals, this concert at Capital One Arena (601 F St NW) on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. promises pure diva magic. Tickets start at $103. For more details visit capitalonearena.com.
Lorde – Joined by The Japanese House and Chanel Beads, the Grammy-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter behind “Royals” and “Solar Power” returns to The Anthem on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Lorde has long been embraced by queer fans for her dreamy pop and subversive lyrics. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
Andy Bell (of Erasure) – The British queer rock icon, best known for synth-pop classics like “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love,” brings his Ten Crowns Tour to the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $90.45.
Doechii – The self-described queer “Swamp Princess”—and WorldPride 2025 headliner—continues her breakout year with the Live from the Swamp Tour at The Anthem on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Known for blending rap, R&B, and avant-garde performance art, Doechii is one to watch. Tickets start at $153.
Neon Trees – The out-and-proud Utah rockers behind “Everybody Talks” and “Animal” perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Lead singer Tyler Glenn, who came out publicly in 2014, has become a strong queer voice in alternative rock. For tickets and info visit impconcerts.com.
Sasha Colby – The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 winner strips down on the Stripped II Tour at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets available now on Ticketmaster.
Lola Young – The bisexual indie-pop sensation, whose raw songwriting has earned her millions of TikTok fans and multiple chart soaring hits visits The Anthem on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Opera Lafayette
Featuring Mary Elizabeth Williams as Dido
+ Elijah McCormack, Chelsea Helm
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sixth & I
PostClassical Ensemble
The Pale Blue Do: A Musical Voyage Inspired By Nature
Featuring National Geographic’s Enric Sala, Guest Curator
Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater
Washington Concert Opera
Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Washington Master Chorale
An intimate a capella concert taking place in an architectural jewel, featuring cherished choral gems from Anglican and Catholic tradition and early American hymns. The concert will also present the world premiere of Christopher Hoh’s Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, and hymn singing featuring Robert Church, organist and choirmaster at St David’s.
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 5 p.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Music & Concerts
Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia
Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live
Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.
Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website.
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