Music & Concerts

FALL ARTS PREVIEW 2017: Miley, Demi, Dolly and then some

Taylor Swift, Pink, Shania among eclectic fall album releases

Published

8 years ago

September 15, 2017

After a long hiatus from music, Shania Twain is back with a new album dubbed ‘Now,’ slated for a Sept. 29 release. It’s her first album since 2002’s RIAA Diamond-selling ‘Up!’ (Photo by Giampaolo Sgura; courtesy the Karpel Group)

The new release schedule for fall is loaded with long-awaited new albums from some of the biggest stars in music. There will be plenty of new tunes to keep music fans occupied.

Today (Friday, Sept. 15) is highlighted by the latest from local favorite Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters, who unleash their ninth studio album, “Concrete and Gold,” featuring the electrifying first single “Run.”

Also out is a live album and DVD documenting Madonna’s record-breaking “Rebel Heart Tour.” Also out is the latest from new wave pioneer Gary Numan, “Savage (Songs From a Broken World),” Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens) with “The Laughing Apple,” Swedish EDM duo Galantis are back with “The Aviary,” former Vampire Weekend mainstay Rostom will release his solo debut “Half-Light” and Metric vocalist Emily Haines is set to release her new solo album “Choir of the Mind.”

More big new releases arrive the following week, with new wave revivalists the Killers leading the way with “Wonderful Wonderful.” Also dropping Sept. 22 is “Double Dutchess,” the long-awaited second solo album by Black-Eyed Peas diva Fergie. It comes 11 years after her smash “The Duchess,” but judging from the singles so far it will be well worth the wait.

Other new albums due on the 22nd include the latest from trip-hop pioneer Tricky, “ununiform,” folk-rock legend Van Morrison with “Roll With the Punches,” goth goddess Chelsea Wolfe with “Hiss Spun,” Australian electro-pop group Cut Copy with “Haiku From Zero,” versatile R&B vocalist Ledisi with “Let Love Rule,” rapper Macklemore’s first solo album in 12 years, “Gemini,” and a live album by acclaimed lesbian guitar virtuoso Kaki King, “Live at Berklee.”

Sept. 29 is a big week for multiple generations of female artists. The legendary country icon Dolly Parton will release a children’s album, “I Believe in You,” while country-pop superstar Shania Twain is back with her first new album in 15 years, “Now.”

Demi Lovato also returns on the 29th with “Tell Me You Love Me,” featuring her platinum single “Sorry Not Sorry” and Miley Cyrus delivers her latest, “Younger Now.” British synthpop duo Hurts also have a new album on the 29th, “Desire,” including the new single “Ready to Go.”

Former Oasis singer Liam Gallagher has set his new solo album “As You Were Available” for an Oct. 6 release. Alternative rockers Wolf Parade are also back on the sixth with “Cry Cry Cry,” along with the debut album by the much-buzzed about R&B vocalist Kelela, the latest from indie-popsters Ducktails, “Jersey Devil,” the new solo effort by openly gay Bloc Party vocalist Kele Okereke, “Fatherland” and glam-rockers the Darkness with “Pinewood Smile.”

Pop superstar Pink returns Oct. 13 with her first album in five years, “Beautiful Trauma,” featuring the stunning first single “What About Us.” On the same date, critically beloved St. Vincent will deliver one of the year’s most anticipated albums with “MASSEDUCTION.” Also scheduled for the 13th are new albums by Beck, “Colors”; legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, “Carry Fire”; William Patrick (aka Billy) Corgan with his collaboration with producer Rick Rubin, “Ogilala”; and an intriguing collaboration between uber-talented troubadours Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile, “Lotta Sea Lice.”

Also out Oct. 13 is “The Con X: Covers,” a 10th anniversary celebration of “The Con” by openly gay sisters Tegan and Sara with all of that classic album’s songs covered by various artists.

Look for a newly remastered and expanded edition of the Smiths’ “The Queen is Dead” on Oct. 20. Originally released in 1986, it’s widely considered one of their finest efforts.

October wraps up with two of the fall’s biggest releases: Kelly Clarkson drops her latest, “Meaning of Life,” on Oct. 27, and on the same date Weezer returns with “Pacific Daydream.” The-Dream also hits on the 27th with “Love Affair,” featuring the hit single “Summer Body,” and emo-rockers the Used return with “The Canyon.”

The much-anticipated new Taylor Swift album, “Reputation,” arrives Nov. 10. Led by smash single “Look What You Made Me Do,” it’s likely to be the season’s biggest-selling release. Also hitting on the 10th is the latest from moody alt-rockers Evanescence, “Synthesis.”

Nov. 17 is highlighted by the latest from that icon of wit and misery, Morrissey, who is back with “Low in High School.” The season is capped by the long-promised “Songs of Experience” by U2, the follow-up to their outstanding 2014 release “Songs of Innocence.” Presumably, though, the new album won’t show up on everyone’s iPhone automatically, or at least we can hope.

Kanye West may (or may not) unload his latest, reportedly titled “Turbo Grafx 16,” this fall — as always, he is hard to predict. Bjork is working with acclaimed gay electronic visionary Arca on an album expected in November, with the first single called “The Gate.”

Other artists expected to release new albums this fall but have yet to announce dates include Tei Shi, Sam Smith (who just released a new single, “Too Good At Goodbyes”), Ne-Yo, Paloma Faith, Thirty Seconds to Mars, En Vogue, ‘80s heroes Tears for Fears, ‘90s rockers the Offspring, Travis Scott, Charli XCX, Barenaked Ladies, Nas, Clean Bandit, Kylie Minogue, MGMT, Sara Bareilles, Zayn, Tove Lo, Kiesza, Avril Lavigne, Mariah Carey, up-and-coming rapper Kamaiyah, Marilyn Manson and a Christmas offering from one of pop’s hottest stars, Sia. Inevitably some of these will get bumped to 2018.

Other possibilities include Christina Aguilera, Vampire Weekend, My Morning Jacket, Spiritualized, Bruce Springsteen, Sky Ferreira, Modest Mouse, Juicy J, Iggy Azalea and Violent Femmes.

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Music & Concerts

Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program

‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by orson/Bigstock)

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.

Published

3 months ago

September 9, 2025

Joe Reberkenny

Doechii performing at WorldPride 2025's closing concert in June earlier this year. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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

Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas

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

Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride

Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica

Nov. 23, 6 p.m.

Lisner Auditorium

Washington Master Chorale

Sacred Jewel Box

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

Published

5 months ago

July 18, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Pop icon Cyndi Lauper brings her farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live on July 24. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

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.