Forget about big arena concerts this spring. Yes you can see Lady Gaga at the Verizon center, but you’re going to have a lot of trouble getting a good view of her unless you spend a fortune on a modestly close up seat. The best way to see and hear live music acts is up close and personal, and shouldn’t leave you robbed of last month’s paycheck. So without further ado, here are the 5 best small music clubs and concert venues in NOVA and the D.C. metro area.
1. The 9:30 Club
This place has been around since the Stone Age, aka when my dad was still going to concerts. The club feels like a grungy music scene pulled straight from a film with its all black walls and hulking security guards at the less than showy front doors. Don’t let the sketchy neighborhood and absence of décor scare you away though, because this place offers some of the best gigs in the area. Come to think of it, they even hosted two Lady Gaga shows back in 2008 during her rise to fame. Both sold out in several minutes, which tends to be the case with most of the big acts that come to 9:30, so make sure to keep an eye on their schedule if you want tickets to see your favorite rock band.
Address: 815 V St, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 265-0930.
Upcoming Show to See: John Newman on Thursday, March 27th at 7:00 pm, $20
2. Jammin’ Java
Run by a musical duo of brothers, this place has been the home of the local music scene in NOVA for years. The brothers’ skill sets complement each other nicely and provide for an amazing club with a strong sense of community and a large fan base. Jammin Java found its unique identity as well. Pollstar Magazine recognizes the club as one of the Top 100 Venues in the world according to ticket sales, and Paste Magazine halted the club and café as one of the “Top 40 Music Venues” in the country. But never mind the statistics, this place was where I had my sweet sixteen and have met countless adorable alternative boy bands who’s musical adventures I have been able to follow throughout my journey to adulthood.
Address: 227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180
Upcoming Show to See: MELODIME + Courrier on Saturday, March 1st at 10:00 pm, $15/$18
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3. The Fillmore
Having been around for more than 40 years, The Fillmore has seen its share of popular acts and has posters pinned up all around the venue to prove it. Located in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring, the Fillmore will join the American Film Institute and Discovery Communications as cornerstones of the neighborhood’s exciting, up-and-coming arts and entertainment district. As if it weren’t exciting enough as it is! I will always have wonderful memories of rocking out to Never Shout Never and Panic! At the Disco thanks to this place.
Address: 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Upcoming Show to See: The Wanted on Wednesday, April 9th at 8:00 pm, $35
4. Black Cat
This place has a true underground rock club atmosphere and features national independent touring acts, local bands suitable for a larger club atmosphere, and monthly DJ dance events. They’ve hosted bands like Radiohead and Kings of Leon and have events on both their Mainstage and backstage. Join them for their regular fun events like Dr. Who Happy Hour on Fridays or their Valentine’s Day Rock & Roll Dance Party on February 14th.
Address: 1811 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009.
Upcoming Show to See: Dum Dum Girls on Saturday, March 22nd at 9:00 pm, $15/$18
5. Rams Head Live
Located in the heart of Baltimore and just blocks away from the aquarium, this place may be slightly off the beaten track for some of us, but is totally accessible and worth the commute. Back in the day I saw Aly and AJ in their prime at this place, and have continued to make the trip back to the venue. With a huge light-up sign declaring its prominence, this place is hard to miss, and you really shouldn’t want to miss it.
Address: 20 Market Place, Baltimore Maryland 21202 within Power Plant Live. (410) 244-1131.
Upcoming Show See: The Neighbourhod on Wednesday, March 19th at 7:00 pm, $25/$27