Ski Queen: Born and Raised in the DMV
Alexandria natives Ena Sullivan and Julianne Lane founded their bubble grunge band Ski Queen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their music takes listeners on an honest emotional journey, but doesn’t take itself too seriously, either.
Lead singer and guitarist Julianne Lane started in music by taking piano lessons at the age of just four. Around 13, she started guitar, which led her to songwriting. Lane soon got involved at a local music school, Rock of Ages Music, where she met Ena Sullivan.
Drummer and backup vocalist Ena Sullivan started learning violin at eight years old. She began lessons in traditional hand drumming at an after-school program when she was 10, which sparked her love for percussion. She began kit drumming a few years later.
The pair was involved in a number of different bands over their high school years, but decided to start their own project during COVID, and thus, Ski Queen was born. The group began as a cover band, but as they found their own sound, they began to write their own songs as well.
Sullivan and Lane appreciate the musical history of the DMV.
“Being so close to DC, which was the birthplace to so many punk and go-go bands, has been a catalyst for my own love of music.”
Crusin’ for Some Bluesin’: California’s Tommy Castro Set to Return to Annapolis—and the High Seas—with You!
Tommy Castro believes that what is considered “blues” music has shifted over the decades. Thus, what you might hear played on B.B. King’s Bluesville on SiriusXM falls under a rather broad catchall of various influences. Tommy Castro & the Painkillers will bring their swinging’ West Coast sound to the Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis April 2. It’ll be a rocking and rolling return for the ensemble that is not to be missed. Learn more with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including details on a special offer available to fans who purchase a ticket to the show.
David Libert Speaks Candidly about His Rock-and-Roll Life in New Memoir
David Libert has seen—and done—it all. From humble beginnings, Libert has become a music industry expert, shepherding the careers of artists such as Alice Cooper and George Clinton, and working with everyone from Prince to Guns N’ Roses. Join contributing writer Eric Althoff, as he sits down with David Libert to discuss the star’s immensely entertaining memoir of his life, “Rock and Roll Warrior,” in which he recounts the lessons he picked up from his parents as a young man, running with so many angels and devils in the music biz, and, of course, his ongoing friendship with Cooper.
Bringing ‘60s Heat to the 21st Century: de la Parra Continues Legacy of His Woodstock Band
Fito de la Parra is likely one of the few people on earth who can say he helped hijack a helicopter—without getting arrested. The Canned Heat drummer fondly recalls how he and his bandmates were desperately trying to make it to Woodstock for their set in the summer of ‘69, but all roads to the upstate New York hamlet were impossibly jammed. In the years that followed, Canned Heat has since become an acclaimed international act. Learn more about the band’s exciting journey, as contributing writer Eric Althoff sits down with de la Parra in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, including details on their upcoming Annapolis show.
National Vinyl Day Unites Past with Present
On August 12, the U.S. celebrated National Vinyl Day, recognizing the lasting impact of vinyl records. Phonograph or gramophone records have been a popular music storage medium since the 1800’s, though they picked up the name ‘vinyl’ in the 1940’s when the use of polyvinyl chloride (rather than the previous medium, shellac) became common. Throughout the 20th century, they were the primary method of listening to music. Join contributing writer Jaci Jedrych as she explores the resurgence of vinyl records alongside Jon Lottman, owner of D.C.-based Spin Time Records, and Johnson Lee, owner of Silver Spring-based Joe’s Record Paradise.
Mames Babagenush Returns to the U.S. for the First Time since 2019
Jewish music from Denmark? Coming to D.C.? See it to believe it on July 27 at Bossa Bistro & Lounge when Mames Babagenush, returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2019. Denmark has an extremely small Jewish population of under 10,000—in a country just shy of 6 million in total. Thanks to Mames Babagenush, the traditional, uptempo “klezmer” music of Eastern Europe’s Ashkenazi Jews is finding a more worldwide audience—even if all but one of the members of the group are Gentiles. Join contributing writer Eric Althoff, as he discusses the band’s upcoming show, the history of their musical tradition, and more.
Kevin Whelan Reflects on the Past and Future: ‘Do Not Let Fear Win or Waste Your Time’
Born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey and growing up in Ocean City, Kevin Whelan has always had music in the forefront of his life. His biggest most formal gig came in the form of one of the catchiest and most thoughtful indie rock groups of the ’90s, The Wrens. Last year, Whelan released the debut album from his new project, Aeon Station. Learn more about Kevin Whelan’s journey with contributing writer Jaci Jedrych, including his most indispensable artist tool, best advice for aspiring musicians, and his special message in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.
Singer-Songwriter Tom Rush, after a Frightening Run-in with COVID-19, Returns to the Birchmere
Credited with ushering in the era of the singer-songwriter, acclaimed artist Tom Rush continues to have a profound impact on the American music scene. Throughout his successful career, he has championed a number of emerging musicians, including well-known female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Nancy Griffith, and Shawn Colvin. Learn more about Rush’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including his reflections on the evolution of music in the 21st century and details on his upcoming show at the Birchmere.
Letting Up Despite Great Faults Uses Ice Skating Metaphor in New Single ‘She Spins’
Recent Articles By Margaret Adams https://youtu.be/nYP4nHgiXWoThis reading of Alchemical Records content provides a multimedia experience for our audience while increasing the accessibility of our content to persons with hearing loss, low vision, dyslexia, physical or motor disabilities, or are on the autism spectrum. Indie-pop band Letting Up Despite Great Faults released their new single “She […]
