If you love to spend your free time immersed in music, there's no time like the present to get out and about in Washington. From a free performance by a Grammy nominated West African artist to a bar crawl for country music fiends, here are the local music events worth checking out this week.
Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.
Summer Concerts on the Lawn: Cheick Hamala Diabate
Spend this Thursday evening on the lawn at the Library Of Congress, enjoying a free performance by Cheick Hamala Diabate.
Diabate combines the traditional role of the griot — West African historians, storytellers, praise singers, poets and musicians — with the "panoply of sound" he discovered in America. His music transcends the traditional trio of griot instruments — the n’goni, kora (gourd harp) and the balafon (wooden xylophone) — to critical acclaim. For example, his 2007 collaboration with banjo player Bob Carlin, “From Mali to America,” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional World Music Album.
Stick around after the show to catch a free screening of "Back to the Future."
When: Thursday, August 2, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Library Of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE
Price: Free
Click here for more details, and to get your tickets
Country Music Bar Crawl
Country music fiends: Don't miss the Country Music Bar Crawl this Saturday afternoon. Decked out in your best flannel and boots, you'll stroll to some of U Street's rowdiest watering holes — including Ben's Next Door, Desperados and Sudhouse — for exclusive specials, like $2 beers and $4 shots.
When: Saturday, August 4, 2-10 p.m.
Where: Start at Amsterdam Lounge, 1208 U St. NW
Price: $15
Click here for more details, and to get your tickets
40 percent off dinner and live jazz at Blues Alley
Looking for a fresh date night idea? How about an intimate dinner and jazz performance at Blues Alley. World-renowned artists — including Jean Carne, Freddy Cole, Marcus Johnson and Cyrus Chestnut — take the stage as guests feast.
Even better: Groupon is currently offering tickets to upcoming shows for 40 percent off.
When: Thursday, August 2 – Sunday, August 12; shows start at 8 and 10 p.m.
Where: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Price: $34 (40 percent off regular admission price)
Click here for more details, and to take advantage of this deal.
