‘088:365’
courtesy of ‘::FiZ::’

Here comes July! As you consider going to concerts in the dead of summer, I just want to impart a few words of wisdom: you can’t always count on the A/C at some of DC’s music venues. I’m thinking specifically of Rock and Roll Hotel, where it is nearly impossible to go to a show without being overwhelmed by how freaking hot and sweaty it gets. So dress accordingly, and maybe consider an outdoor nighttime concert with some breathing room to avoid getting a faceful of sweaty pit from that guy shouting “Woooo!” next to you.

I love quirky music festivals, and July has a doozy for me: Saturday, July 11 is the Old Time Banjo Festival at Birchmere. It features Mike Seeger, Bruce Molsky, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Clarke Buehling, The Old 78s, & Adam Hurt and is $29.50 for all that banjo-ness.

Jack White’s new band, The Dead Weather, is coming to DC for a special two-night performance at the 9:30 Club Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14 ($35).

Thursday, July 16 Greg Laswell comes to the Rock and Roll Hotel ($10). He looks like someone who should be on Grey’s Anatomy, with his scruffy beard and thoughtfully shaggy haircut, and sounds like…well, someone who would be on the sountrack for Grey’s.

Catch a matinee show at the 9:30 Club on Sunday, July 19: Rocknoceros (whose name reminds me of Rhymenoceros, Bret’s hip-hop name in Flight of the Conchords) will be playing hits for kids of all ages off their new album “Dark Side of the Moon Bounce,” including winners like “Wee Go Potty.” ($15)

The next night, things get a little more grown-up: Pete Yorn and Zee Avi will be at the 9:30 Club Monday, July 20 ($25). I bet this one will sell out, despite being on a Monday, so get your tickets early.

I’ll be lounging around the lawn at Merriweather Post Pavillion on Saturday, July 25, enjoying the sweet summer jams of Jason Mraz, G Love and Special Sauce, and Eric Hutchinson.

Friday, July 27, things get hardcore with the Footprint in Hip Hop Tour at the 9:30 Club. Method Man and Redman will be there, along with Ghostface Killah and openers Duo Live ($35).

Round out the month with M. Ward and locals Chain and the Gang at the 9:30 Club on Thursday, July 30 ($25).

Anything I missed that you’re excited about in July? Post it in the comments!

Jasmine Zick

Jasmine is a Spin magazine contributor who is completely obsessed with music and all things new and different. She’s lived in the DC area since 2006, and still has plenty to discover about this great area! Find out why she loves DC.