February Concert Preview

February might not be my favorite month of all time, what with the gross weather and the Valentine’s Day pinkness of it all, but there are plenty of exciting concerts and musical events in DC to perk up those winter blues! Here is my (completely subjective, not comprehensive) compilation of what’s going on music-wise for February.

The first week of February, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage presents “Broadway Today and Tomorrow,” which gives you a little (and free!) taste of Broadway’s hottest talent, including a vocalist from Wicked and new work from award-winning composers.

Wednesday, February 11 seems to be the night of the talented indie girl act: sultry-voiced Sonya Kitchell and jazzy, fun Erin McKeown will be at Jammin Java ($10); while Sara Bareilles, best known for “Love Song,” will be at Birchmere ($25).

Head down to the 9:30 Club the afternoon of Sunday, February 15 for “Next Big Thing,” which is over 20 local alternative and punk acts for a mere $15. And then you can say “I knew them when” after they get famous.

Thursday, February 19 is UK group Fujiya and Miyagi at the 9:30 Club ($20). It’s hard for me to describe these guys, but they’ve got kind of a groovy, electronic vibe with vocals that sometimes sound more like spoken word than singing.

Photo courtesy of
‘Mos Def’
courtesy of ‘prawnpie’

Actor, rapper, and generally awesome guy Mos Def is doing two shows the night of Monday, February 23 at the 9:30 Club ($35). Hip-hop shows can be somewhat ridiculous affairs that basically just have a DJ and one or two dudes jumping around the stage, but Mos Def’s music is varied, thoughtful, and flows more like poetry than anything else, so I wouldn’t miss it.

The most hilarious surprise of the month is that Tom Jones is coming to the 9:30 Club on Wednesday, February 25th ($55)! I can’t even hear his name without getting “It’s Not Unusual” stuck in my head all day. Aaaand, now it’s in yours.

Finish up the month with hipster favorites Tapes ‘n Tapes on Friday, February 27, at the Rock and Roll Hotel. Although I’m pretty sure it’s unrelated to their stage presence, their video gave me a good little chuckle.

I know that it’s kind of beside the point to give you a heads-up on shows that are sold out, but there are a ton of those in February that are too exciting not to mention: Andrew Bird, which I will be reviewing next week, The Pretenders, James Morrison (w/ Erin McCarley, love her), and Cat Power, all at the 9:30 Club.

Anything I missed that you think is noteworthy? Post it in the comments!

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.

2 thoughts on “February Concert Preview”

  1. Kevin Seconds , of the seminal hardcore/punk band 7 Seconds, is playing a solo set at the Black Cat on the 15th. Some new stuff and also some classics.

    In a similar hardcore vein, the following Sunday will have John Joseph, front-man for the Cro-Mags, doing a spoken word also at the Black Cat. Should be great stories of the New York scene of the mid-80’s.

    For a two-night hipster event, go see Tokyo Police Club at the Black Cat on the 26th before going to see Tapes ‘n Tapes the next night.