Sure, April showers bring May flowers, but with the fourth month of the year also comes a slew of great artists coming to the 9:30 Club and Merriweather Post Pavilion. As always, you have the chance to win tickets to each of the shows below…
Mayer Hawthorne and the Country, Tues 4/17
Mayer Hawthorne, the moniker of Andrew Cohen, is a neo soul multi-instrumentalist based out of Los Angeles. Hawthorne has cited R&B heavy hitters like Curtis Hayfield, Barry White, and Smokey Robinson as some of his music inspirations.
There’s no question that Hawthorne’s love of old-school soul influenced him during the writing of his most recent album, 2011’s How Do You Do. Slant Magazine notes that Hawthorne is “simply flawless in creating a ‘70s-era R&B groove,” while the Los Angeles Times praised the production, describing it as “refined and dynamic in a way that’s wholly missing from pop radio.” Hawthorne will be taking the 9:30 Club stage on April 17th, and fans may want to check in with TVD tomorrow… Hint.
9:30 Club & Black Cat Present Chairlift, Sat 4/21 at U Street Music Hall
Brooklyn-based Chairlift is probably best known for “Bruises,” the insanely catchy first single released from their debut album, Does You Inspire You. The song gained popularity after being featured in an iPod Nano commercial in 2008, helping Chairlift catapult to success.
The synth-indie-pop duo has proven they’ve been able to avoid the dreadful sophomore slump many artists suffer, with Something, released in January. While Something features the dance-y, ’80s-esque pop sound Chairlift has become known for, the album also finds the band exploring a wider depth of lyrical content. Pitchfork praises the band, noting that “In cutting away their baggage and hang-ups, Chairlift have opened themselves up to writing truly great pop.”
The Wombats, Mon 4/23
The Wombats are an indie rock band formed in Liverpool. The band has released two studio albums, with 2010’s The Wombats Proudly Present: This Modern Glitch yielding their most successful single to date, “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves).”
The three-piece band is frequently compared to the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs and fellow UK exports Franz Ferdinand and is well known for its energetic live shows. Make sure you catch the Wombats when they bring their upbeat, pop-tinged sound to the 9:30 Club stage on April 23rd.
Lucero, Sat 4/25
Lucero’s Southern roots have no doubt influenced their country-tinged punk rock sound. The band, hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, will be heading to the 9:30 Club on the 25th in support of its ninth studio album, Women & Work. Lucero forays into new territory on their newest album, with Paste saying they band has “restrained its punk traditions on this 2012 album” by using a variety of instrumentation, as well as the occasional backing female vocals.
The veteran band, which has been recording music since 1998, is no doubt well-versed on both subject matters, especially the latter, as the six members of Lucero are known for touring and playing shows more days than not.
Sweetlife Festival, Sat 4/28 at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Sweetgreen’s third annual Sweetlife Festival, a celebration of music, food, and eco-consciousness, will be taking place at Merriweather Post Pavilion on the 28th. Among the artists set to perform on the festival’s two stages are the Shins, fun., Kid Cudi, Avicii, Fitz and the Tantrums, A$AP Rocky, Explosions in the Sky, and Delta Spirit.
In addition to taking in great music, concertgoers will also have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of healthy and delicious organic foods provided by local eco-friendly eateries and restaurants.
Keep an eye out for more information about how to win free tickets to these shows, courtesy of the 9:30 and… us!
