We made it to Friday, DC. Everything feels fraught, messed up, on edge, and so frustrating. But for many it’s a holiday weekend, MLK Day is on Monday, and the DC music community is ready to bring you some hard-earned joy. Here are our show picks for the weekend.
Friday 1/18:
DC9 showcases the future of DC reggae tonight. Shamans of Sound is a new band featuring members of Nappy Riddem, Incwell, Dub City Renegades, Awthentik, Feel Free and Tropik Sol. They’re joined by Nkula, a DC band led by Ethiopia’s “Ras Abel” Mekonnen. Vibes will be thick and heavy, so come early as the music starts at 8.
Saturday 1/19:
“The hard-earned grit and sweat of Jonny Grave’s down-home blues stylings both reflect brightly and soak through his wildest release to date.” Who said that? We did, of course. Jonny Grave always delivers a memorable night of blues and rock, so head to Hill Country BBQ on Saturday night to see his quartet play for no cover charge.
Sunday 1/20:
DC’s jazz specialists CapitalBop resurrect their annual Jazz and Freedom Festival this Sunday at the first floor on H St. NE. The festival always benefits a worthy activist organization, and this year support goes to the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation. The DMV jazz lineup includes Sonic Duo, featuring trombonist Reginald Cyntje and pianist Allyn Johnson; Heidi Martin, performing the Abbey Lincoln songbook; rising saxophonist Rachel Winder; and Herb Scott, alto saxophonist and founder of the CHJF. A panel discussion kicks off the festival at 4:30 PM.
Hometown Sounds 
….and a free show Sunday night at Dangerous Pies! The Captivators play ska.