Music & Concerts
FALL ARTS 2018 CONCERTS: Troye, Elton, Xtina and — Stop! — Miss Ross
Region simmering with fall concerts of all genres and ilks
The region’s fall pop/rock concerts feature gay artists such as Elton John, on left, and Troye Sivan, to legendary divas such as Diana Ross. (Photos courtesy Matt Baron/Sutterstock, Universal Music Group and the Strathmore respectively)
Pop icon Elton John brings his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour to Capital One Arena (601 F St. N.W.) on Friday, Sept. 21-22 at 8 p.m. The three-year-long tour will be his last. Tickets range in price from $190-1,000 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Nineteen-year-old DJ and music producer prodigy Whethan (“Superlove,” “High”) performs Friday, Sept. 21 at the 9:30 Club (815 V St. N.W.) at 10 p.m. Filipino electronic artist Sweater Beats (“Glory Days,” “Faded Away”) and dance artist Andrew Luce (“Take Me,” “DIAMOND GIRL”) will also perform. Tickets are $25 at ticketfly.com, and parking passes for the 9th St. parking lot are $20.
Diana Ross plays the Strathmore Sept. 25-26. Tickets are $69-239. She’s played the region often in the last several years but this is her first Strathmore engagement since 2010.
Rock band The National (“I Need My Girl,” “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”) performs at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pky., Columbia, Md.) on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. Singer/songwriter Cat Power (“Sea of Love,” “Lived in Bars”), whose album “Wanderer” will be released in October; and folk rocker Phoebe Bridgers (“Motion Sickness,” “Scott Street”) will also perform. Tickets range from $46-76 and can be purchased at ticketfly.com.
Christina Aguilera performs her “Liberation” tour at The Theater at MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Md.) on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. The tour follows the June release of her album, “Liberation.” Tickets range from $112-3,432.
Troye Sivan’s “Bloom” tour is coming to The Anthem (901 Wharf St. S.W.) on Thursday, Oct. 4 from 7:30 p.m.-midnight. He headlined at Capital Pride in June. The tour follows the August release of his album by the same name. Transgender pop princess Kim Petras (“Heart to Break,” “I Don’t Want It At All”) opens. Tickets range from $61-468.
English indie rock songstress Florence+the Machine comes to The Anthem (901 Wharf St. S.W.) on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. The tour follows the June release of her album, “High as Hope.” Synth-pop artist and former frontwoman of Gossip, Beth Ditto (“Fake Sugar,” “We Could Run”) will also perform. Tickets range from $104.50-179.50.
The versatile group Pink Martini (“Amado Mío,” “Let’s Never Stop Falling In Love”) performs at The Anthem (901 Wharf St. S.W.) on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. The band dabbles in classical, pop, Latin and jazz. They will be joined by frequent collaborator radio journalist Ari Shapiro, co-host of NPR’s “All Things Considered.” The show is open to all ages, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $35-95.
British electropop group Years & Years, (“If You’re Over Me,” “King”) performs Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U. St. N.W.). Their “Palo Santo” tour follows the July release of their sophomore album of the same name. The performance will also feature sets by pop singer/songwriter CYN (“Only With You,” “Believer”) and pop artist Tunde Olaniran (“I’m Here,” “KYBM”). The show is sold out.
Jake Shears, lead singer of the pop group Scissor Sisters, performs solo at the 9:30 Club (815 V St. N.W.) on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. The performance follows the August release of his eponymous album. He is joined by the multimedia pop group Ssion (“At Least the Sky is Blue,” “Comeback”). Their album “O” was released in May. Tickets are $25.
Elle King (“Exes and Ohs,” “Shame”) brings her “Shake the Spirit” tour to the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St. N.W.) on Friday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The tour promotes her upcoming album’s release of the same name. Rock band Cordovas (“I’m the One Who Needs You Tonight,” “All I Found”) opens. Tickets are $30 and go on sale Friday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
French synth-pop artist Christine and the Queens (“Tilted,” “Girlfriend”) perform at the 9:30 Club (815 V St. S.W.) on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.-10:30. The concert follows the Sept. 21 release of her new album, “Chris.” Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and parking passes for the back parking lot on 9th St. are $20.
City Winery D.C. (1350 Okie St. N.W.) hosts an Evening With Jennifer Knapp (“Undo Me,” “A Little More”) on Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 9-10 p.m. Doors open at 8. Knapp, a folk-rock, formerly gospel musician, has released six albums as well as a memoir. In 2017, Knapp released her latest album, “Love Comes Back Around.” The event will be held in the Wine Garden. Tickets are $15.
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter and Broadway actor Josh Groban comes to the Capital One Arena (601 F. St. N.W.) on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. His “Bridges” tour follows the Sept. 21 release of his album of the same name. Broadway icon Idina Menzel, known for her roles as Elphaba in “Wicked” and Elsa in “Frozen,” will join him. Tickets range from $49-1,432. With every online ticket purchase there is a choice of a free “Bridges” CD or digital download.
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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