It’s often said that Washington, DC lacks for very little. It’s literally ground zero and the epicenter of national and international politics, there’s nightlife from the urbane to the DIY, and a thriving cultural and arts community—yet there’s a discernible absence of a festival scene in DC proper along the lines of say a Lollapalooza or Austin City Limits. Sure, there are any number of smaller enclaves self-promoting shows and specific scenes that are thriving—just nothing to the scale of “America’s Front Yard.”
Enter the Landmark Music Festival, content to not just throw a huge party for DC but to aid in the restoration and preservation of its host, the National Mall. As the organizers C3 Presents—who actually produce the aforementioned Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits (among others)—explain on the festival’s website, “The National Mall is more than just our country’s premier national park. It’s America’s Front Yard, the world’s window into the American story, and home to some of our nation’s most recognizable monuments, memorials and historic moments. It represents our country’s collective voice, its heroes, and its timeless values. But today, the National Mall—and all that it stands for—are at risk.
The Trust for the National Mall—an official partner of the National Park Service—is leading the charge to restore and improve the National Mall and honor its ideals for future generations through the new Landmark Campaign. Landmark Music Festival kicks off this monumental national campaign to bring awareness and funds to America’s Front Yard—all in a single Festival weekend unlike any other.”
We have six pairs of tickets to give away over the next three weeks for the inaugural shindig on the Mall, and for the first giveaway we thought to introduce you to a few of the DC acts who will be playing. Next week we’ll discuss some of the bands making the trip across the country, and for the third installment we’ll treat the international acts who are headlining the festival.
Kicking things off on Saturday is Ex Hex, a power trio who describe themselves as “what your older brother’s friends listened to.” Their 2014 debut album Rips meets at the confluence of garage reverb and catchy summer pop—providing the perfect transition from the dog days of summer to fall.
Speaking of haunting guitars, Vandaveer is set to play their powerful brand of Americana on Saturday. With over 500 shows to date, the DC-based folk project has been intriguing crowds across the country with their narrative driven songs and dark undercurrents. Their fourth album, Oh, Willy Please focuses on storytelling and is certain to strike a chord—or 20.
Also playing Landmark is U.S. Royalty, a band with industrial strength melodies. With two self-released albums under their belt, the band truly defines indie rock. Influences from the British Invasion to LA’s ’70s heyday linger in both the band’s style and music via hypnotic, upbeat tempos and well placed solos. Anticipate roaring crescendos along the way as well.
Finally, hip-hop star Wale is last on the list of DC talents to play the Festival. Famous for his wit and prolific writing, Wale has carved out his own place in modern hip-hop. Rooted in DC, Go-Go influences permeate Wale’s high energy beats. He mixes doses of modern style and raps on a variety of topics—sneakers to love songs. Rick Ross noticed Wale’s unique talent in 2011 and signed him to Maybach Music Group, producing his third and fourth albums, The Gifted and The Album About Nothing.
Enter to win a pair of 2-Day General Admission tickets by citing in the comments below the band or act you’re most looking forward to catching at the Landmark Music Festival. While we’ve touched on just some of the DC acts hitting stages, download the full 2-day event schedule and clue us into your favorites.
We’ll choose TWO winners on Monday, September 14, 2015 for a pair of tickets each. Winners will be notified directly via email.
