October Concert Preview

Photo courtesy of
‘Colbie Caillat’
courtesy of ‘Martijn vdS’

Oh my, does October bring delightful things. It feels like fall, and that means not only that the leaves are changing color but that we’re in the magical yet short time where the temperature is just chilly enough at night to cool off some of those tiny concert venues a bit but not too cold to have to bring a giant coat.

Check out my completely subjective roundup of all the concerts I’m excited about in October, including The Bravery, Pinback, Colbie Caillat, and even Hanson and KISS after the jump.

Photo courtesy of
‘Middle Distance Runner @ State Theatre, 7/2/09’
courtesy of ‘Joanna D R’

This Saturday, October 3, my personal favorite local band Middle Distance Runner will be at Iota in Arlington ($12). I don’t know how this keeps happening, but they seem to schedule their shows only when I am unavailable. If you happen to have a more MDR-friendly schedule, I bet you would get a chance to hear them play some of the songs off their new album (coming Oct 20) and jump around and clap your hands a little bit.

Wednesday, October 7 seems to be a particularly good music night, with Yourself and The Air and Republic Tigers at Black Cat ($10) and Brandi Carlile w/ Katie Herzig at 9:30 Club ($26). I would recommend checking out the Republic Tigers show if you like The Unicorns or Built to Spill– they play a cool brand of indie rock with a weirdly soothing electronic dimension. As for the 9:30 Club show, I’m personally a bigger fan of Katie Herzig’s lighter tone than Brandi’s throatier sound, but plenty of people love them some Brandi.

I freaking love The Bravery. I loved them before I saw them, but I love them even more now that I’ve gotten smashed up against high schoolers for that love. You, too, can take the next step for your Bravery love Sunday, October 11 at the 9:30 Club ($25).

Talk about a night of legends: Tuesday,  October 13, Daniel Johnston will be at the 9:30 Club ($25) and KISS is coming to the Verizon Center. Granted, most people will have heard of one more than the other, but Daniel Johnston wrote songs for artists in the 90s, and Kurt Cobain made his “Hi, How Are You” tshirt (the name of Johnston’s album) popular. In fact, I just saw a version for sale at Urban Outfitters. Oh, hipsters. Anyway, if painting your face and listening to music that will melt said paint right off is more your thing, head over to the Verizon Center instead.

Friday, October 16 adorable chick rocker Kate Voegele will be at the Rock and Roll Hotel ($16). She sort of reminds me of a mix between Kelly Clarkson, Marie Digby, and maybe a dash of Ashlee Simpson? I suspect I might be a little older than her main fan base (her songs are featured on One Tree Hill), but when has that ever stopped me.

Saturday, October 17 is a sweet double header at the 9:30 Club: Colbie Caillat has an early show ($35) and Built to Spill later on ($25). Colbie (of “Bubbly” fame, along with that Jason Mraz duet she did) is more on the saccharine sweet side, and Built to Spill specializes in sweet guitar solos and indie rock.

If you like your lyrics spoken more than you like them sung to you, check out Art Brut Sunday, October 18 at Black Cat ($15). Art Brut is a witty British band that I’ve heard is pretty darn fun live, which doesn’t surprise me at all.

Monday, October 19 Sea Wolf with Port OBrien and Sara Lov will be at DC9 ($10 in advance, $12 at the door). I’ve heard lots of good things about Sea Wolf lately, and the singer sounds ridiculously familiar to me but I just can’t place it.

Tuesday, October 20 some of my favorites from the holiday Ten out of Tenn show I went to last year will be returning. Erin McCarley, Butterfly Boucher, k.s. Rhoades will be at Rock and Roll Hotel ($13/$15) BUT WAIT–the very same night, Hanson and Hellogoodbye will be at the 9:30 Club ($35). What?! Oh man. I am stoked. I can’t even tell you how many hours I’ve spent listening to Hanson, and there was definitely a good nine month period where the hellogoodbye CD didn’t leave my car. Can’t wait to see what this show is like.

Finally, on Wednesday, October 28 another one of my great loves, Pinback, will be at Black Cat ($15). I actually like their newer stuff a lot better than what they were doing a few years back, so now is the time to catch them live.

Did I miss anything you’re excited about in October? Leave 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 “October Concert Preview

  1. Missing from this list is that Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson will be at the 9:30 on 10/10.

    Normally, I would not endorse going to the 9:30, but Miles’ eponymous album was among my most-played records of this year and I cannot wait to see him live supporting the new record, “Summer of Fear”.

    Besides, Miles will be there supporting Bob Mould – the very fixture of the District scene. Very W<3DC, I think.