shows i've been to

Opener(s): NNAMDÏ

There is nobody quite like Geordie Greep. What a name, what a phenomenal guitarist, what a delightfully off-putting bearing. He is a truly special talent and his touring band is outstandingly tight. My socks were knocked off.

Opener(s): Hammer No More The Fingers

Really, really fun show. Ovlov sounded great. But, why was everyone in the pit literally 6'5"? There were like 4 of the biggest dudes I've ever seen all slamming into each other. Added to the atmosphere though.

Opener(s): None

They're great performers and super funny. They actually played one of their songs backwards and reversed the clip so it was forwards. That was pretty crazy. Very nice to hear "Birdhouse In Your Soul" live and "Dr. Worm" !!!

Opener(s): Suzanne Vallie

Adrianne Lenker is truly a master of her craft- an all-time great in the making. Really moving performance. Liked hearing "symbol" live, "Incomprehensible" and "Free Treasure" were emotionally devastating. She is a really special talent.

Opener(s): Militarie Gun, DRAIN, The Garden

INSANE!!!!! Militarie Gun was ok. DRAIN WAS CRAZY!!!! They had such good energy and stage presence. I absolutely love them and can't wait to check them out next time they're in town (that was their first time in DC!). The Garden... it was good to hear those songs live. And they had a giant jester wandering around the stage. It was just 2 dudes and a lot of backing tracks. I was a little underwhelmed but still enjoyed their set. AND KNOCKED LOOSE!! MAN THEY ARE CRAZY!!! I did have a really scary experience in the mosh pit (got crushed) but stayed safe and had a good time. Many flailing limbs and bodily fluids

Opener(s): Aunt Katrina

Really nice. "Never Meant" live was pretty special. This show made me think about how lucky I am to exist at the same time as all this good music. What are the chances that I live in the same miniscule time window as these artists? 40 concerts? Artists I love? I have it good. Yup, I have it really good. But, my back really hurt during this show. I really need to start taking better care of myself. My back shouldn't hurt like that at 23.

Opener(s): Tré Burt

Pretty good! I liked how half his set was stand-up comedy. I'd totally see him live again. It was fun outing with excellent company and my roommate broke her ankle right after concert. Eventful night.

The Garage is a unique and special venue. Where else can you see local hardcore bands right by some goats? In a shack the middle of a field? Would love to come back here for more shows.

Opener(s): Dirty Art Club

I almost didn't go to this (because I just did band camp and I thought it was going to be boring) and I'm so, so glad I did. I was actually blown away. I did some huge critical listening. I was locked in. Set was the perfect length. It was like eating a nice meal. "Chocolate and Mint" was a major, major highlight. I ascended during Chocolate and Mint.

Opener(s): Will Paquin, Mini Trees

A friend brought me to this show and I had a good time. Nice laid-back indie rock. Very long show, however.

Opener(s): Flaming Lips, Dinosaur Jr.

That was fun. Dinosaur Jr. pleasantly surprised me. Also THE PINKERTON ASTEROID BELT! SO GOOD! AND THE BLUE ALBUM!! What a COLLECTION OF BANGERS! But, oh, it was not my best concert experience. I couldn't see well. I think I'll think twice before going to a show that big again, and I definitely am less likely to spend that much money on a show in the future. I've been to $30 shows I've enjoyed more (Squid, my beloved..) Overall I had fun though and don't regret going. You live and learn. Highlights: "Why Bother", "Undone"

Opener(s): Light Beams

I'M SO SPOILED! But also going through a tough time. But, look how much GOOD LIVE MUSIC I get to see! I AM SO FORTUNATE! They were really incredible. All of them were locked in and at the top of their game. It was really special. I was so close to Travis during "Ice of Boston" when he went into the crowd and I high-fived him! Wish I had gotten to rush the stage at the 9:30 Club though. Come on, if there's anyone who should get an exception to that rule, by God, it should be The Dismemberment Plan.

Opener(s): They Are Gutting a Body of Water, God Forgive This Dog

Tagabow was so silly the lead singer had his back to the audeince (since they are a circle band) and in between songs he did like a mini drum n bass/IDM DJ set while tuning??? And the rest of the band was just standing perfectly still waiting for him to finish. So funny. They sounded good though. Feeble little horse was awesome and there is a new addition to "Down" that I really enjoyed.

Opener(s): Sierra Ferrell

Good show. Mitski is a very mature performer and I fear some of the audience was not matching her energy. There was more of a performance art aspect to the whole thing than I had expected. I thought the way she moved was very inspiring and I think she is a creative genius. Different tone than many other concerts I've been to

Opener(s): Geese

Very special birthday show from a very special band. They knocked my socks off. I knew they would. Good lord. And I knew just about everything on the setlist!! I went from big grinning to complete awe. Super fun mosh pit too. Truly, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard are my One Direction. I think this is the worst "post-concert depression" I've ever felt. At the time of writing this I have to stress I am SO obsessed with them. Really friendly crowd too. Also, Geese rules.

Opener(s): Deathcat, Personal Injury

The Rhizome is SO COOL!!!! What a great show!! Personal Injury was REALLY good. Flowers for the Dead is ALWAYS really good.

Opener(s): Smashing Pumpkins

Saviors tour, they played Dookie and American Idiot both front to back. It was EVERYTHING little Amy could have wanted. Hearing "Holiday" in the Surf's Up intro at age 6 is a core memory of mine. It's the first time I remember hearing something that I really wanted to listen to again. I DID cry several times.. this was the first show I cried at, I think. That album was very formative for me, ok. Bonus detail: my feet were sopping wet because it rained on the way to the metro and I had to "aerate" my feet by taking my shoes off during Smashing Pumpkins' set. Also, yes, this picture was taken through binoculars.

Opener(s): Horse Jumper of Love, Dutch Interior

DIIV is one of the best live acts I've ever seen. WOW! Those tracks are made to be heard live. Albums, good. Live show, world-class. They are so loud that you can feel the music in your body. They also had these hilarious and bizarre interludes with people making the following claims among others: DIIV set will cause you to transcend and become a whole new person afterwards; All of your problems will be solved if you buy DIIV merch; DIIV will endorse any political candidate, DIIV is partnered with "exxón mobíl". But, yeah, the control they have over their live sound is absolutely crazy. Horse Jumper of Love sounded good but for some reason the lead singer faced to the left instead of towards the crowd.

Opener(s): Pearl, Music Mouse, Pyrex

SO MUCH FUN!! Glad I did not wear my glasses because of the pit. I got so sweaty. Guitarist at one point broke FOUR of his strings and had to borrow the opener's guitar for the rest of the set. PUNK ROCK!! "Running" with the mosh-quito is such a treat and I love all their paper-mache props. And also I almost died on the way home. BUT I DID NOT!! Also Ottobar is so cool.

Opener(s): Lenny Zen

Most unserious show ever. However, maybe the best crowd energy I've ever seen. People were really just there to have a good time. Surprisingly SERIOUS mosh pit. Also I LOVE DEV LEMONS!!!!!!!

Opener(s): Birthday Girl DC

LOTS to say about this show. 1) I didn't think I was going until day of. I bought tickets from a random guy off Reddit at face value. 2) BOB POLLARD HAS STILL GOT IT. Everyone talking about Taylor Swift 3 hour show. Nobody talking about Bob Pollard (age 66) two hour show. Show was LONG. He's like a genetically engineered frontman. And he had like 5 beers. 3) This was the worst crowd I had ever seen until people finally started moving for "Game of Pricks". It seemed like people either weren't moving at all or they were actively trying to get Bob's attention and have a their own special moment with him. Lots of older dudes in their work clothes. But it was super fun after "Game of Pricks". It had started to get a little tedious before that due to the length. Game of Pricks went crazy though. Definitely a highlight, moshing with those old dudes. 4) Bob passed a bottle of Jose Cuervo into the crowd and I was the 3rd person to drink from it. So I got to share Bob's germs! It was just like church. Overall a very, very memorable show.

Opener(s): Milliseconds, Hubble

Flowers for the Dead, man. They're awesome and I can't wait to see what they do next. I feel like I have a little secret. That guitarist especially is a star but I can tell they all need each other to work well.

Opener(s): Yungatita

Yungatita was pretty good. Cheekface was even more fun than I expected, they are so dorky in the most delightful way. They played a song called Noodles 3 times.

Opener(s): Flowers for the Dead

1pm matinee show for some reason. Flowers for the dead KILLED it. One of the more impressive unfamiliar openers I’ve ever seen. Maybe I will check out their single release show. Killer guitarist in particular. Feeble little horse were awesome <3. They played well and had great stage banter. Seemed happy to be there, unpretentious. I was impressed with their musicianship and they seem like good people too. Left with a big smile on my face. Highlights: pocket, tin man

Opener(s): Light Beams

Zero crowd interaction until they brought on their original female vocalist (!) Then the vibes got a little better. No stage presence but they sounded great.

Opener(s): Olivia O, Mannequin Fight

Bought shirt and record from Philip at the merch table, lead singer and bassist. The dude is a smooth talker. I wasn't planning to buy the record but I didn’t want to tell him no. I didn’t even have a record player at this point. Also, Frankie Broyles, man. He's good. I was like, starstruck. He's one of my all-time favorite guitarists.

Opener(s): Water From Your Eyes

Religious experience. Squid rocks. Random man talked to me. He was nice.

Opener(s): TOPS

TOPS was awesome. They had a cool flute solo. Men I Trust guitarist was absolutely insane. Cool show even though I didn’t know much of the music.

Opener(s): Winter

I think Geese are going to be big. Love the extended jams. Cameron Winter is a real star, can't wait to hear more from this group.

Acts(s): Lana Del Rey, MUNA, boygenius, Alex G, Alvvays, Vundabar, Juliana Madrid

Whole experience was awesome. I was really impressed by Lana Del Rey's set and I’m so glad I got to see Alex G!

Opener(s): Good Morning

First time going to a show alone. Super young crowd. I had a great time! And discovered Good Morning. They were great. Frankie Cosmos played Leonie, which was a very welcome surprise. I seemed to be the only one who knew it, but it’s my favorite song from them!

Opener(s): Machine Girl, Fever Ray

Fun but I wish we had stood in the front. Machine Girl was AWESOME. Fever Ray SUCKED and cut into Gecs set time. They took FOREVER and they were so boring. Gecs were super fun!!!

Opener(s): None

Hilarious, bizarre experience. Highly exclusive show, people were begging and pleading for tickets. Lots of calls to have it moved to XFinity. It was billed as an acoustic set, but after three songs they were like “Do you mind if we turn it up in here??” Surprisingly impressive choreography. The boys have still got it. NO IDEA how SEE booked this show, but it felt a little like I was witnessing their careers die in real time.

Opener(s): Sidney Gish, Ky Voss

I got CORONAVIRUS at this show. Beach Bunny was really loud. They orchestrated a wall of death, which was fun. Sidney Gish was amazing!! What an excellent songwriter and performer <3

Opener(s): Peach Kelli Pop, oso oso

Fun show, wished PKP set was longer. My last before the pandemic!!

Opener(s): None

Chairs bolted to the floor in venue. This is the same place we held our UBand concerts. Snail Mail was really good despite strange venue. Fun and silly experience.

Opener(s): Snail Mail

I recall a crowdsurfing panda. Very nice people here, they helped me when I lost my glasses in the pit. Nice extended jams. I remember they extended the last bit of One Man No City and I was really appreciating and connecting with that.

Opener(s): Naked Giants

I was the very first person in the venue!! Seth, bass player, sold me my shirt. Naked Giants and CSH both killed it- this was a special experience to me. Glad I caught them before Will started putting on that furry mask.

Opener(s): Jen Cloher

I just wanted to see Courtney Barnett. Did not especially connect with this performance.

Opener(s): The Gloomies

My first small show, and one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, to date. Super fun energy, truly a formative experience. Stage invading at the end, I will never forget it. RIP The Irenic!! Also, I (at age 15) am in this picture. Need a red circle?

Opener(s): Atlas Genius

I barely have any memory of this show. I remember I was more excited for Panic! At The Disco when I bought the tickets and by the time the show came around I was more excited for Weezer.

Opener(s): PVRIS, AWOLNATION}

AWOLNATION was awesome. Good experience but I remember wanting to hear more from their early catalogue

Opener(s): Phantogram

Nice shot, 14-year-old Amy. First real concert. Great show- they played "Plug In Baby"! I wish I had a better appreciation for live music at this point but I was a really big Muse fan.

Opener(s): None

This one might not count. I was at the Del Mar fair and didn’t have tickets to the show. I witnessed some of the concert from behind the stage? I remember being able to see them, but yeah I wasn’t actually at the show. I was 9, I didn’t have a real music taste yet anyway.