DC Spring & Summer Music Preview 2011

From Solid Sound 2010, ahh memories

Daylight Savings Time might've marked the beginning of spring for some of you, but for us, it kicked off a season of show announcements.  And if you're like us, unable to travel for festivals, but still seeking diversity in summer shows, there's plenty to look forward to music-wise in our area.  In addition to our regular calendar, featuring area ongoings & what we're seeing in red, here are some bright spots in the spring and summer schedules.  It's a little early, so we'll likely update as summer schedules become available.

Keep an eye on Wolf Trap
With several hipster holidays scheduled for summer--Bright Eyes/Dawes/M.Ward on June 11, the ironically idolized Hall & Oates on June 20, and Dolly Parton on July 31 (she's on the Raven's jukebox, people)--looks like the performing arts center is on top of its game in 2011.  They're also riding the NOLA wave with the Louisiana Stomp Romp featuring Trombone Shorty and New Orleans Avenue on June 5.  Way to thwart the lashing of public arts centers in our area with legitimately cool programming; tickets all on sale soon.

Sweetlife, sweet music
Besides having the best salads in the city, Sweet Green is curating a pretty great line-up for their Sweetlife Festival on May 1.  Sure it's at the ever annoying Merriweather (a total PITA to get to), but with the Strokes and Girl Talk, it'll overshadow freefest and be worth the trek.  Tickets are onsale Friday, March 18.

DC in the seventies...?
Neil Young, Paul Simon, Peter Frampton, Earth Wind & Fire, Levon Helm Band are all playing in the DC/Baltimore area in the coming months.  Can we say family STAYcation?  Good luck getting affordable tickets to the first two, however.

[insert Allman Brothers Band's band] in BFE
Cockeysville and Cumberland might not be metro accessible, but they'll be worth the haul this summer, especially with members of the Allman Brothers Band on both bills.  The Hot August Blues Festival in Cockeysville has an awesome line-up for a late summer outdoor show: Tedeschi Trucks Band, Kings Go Forth (!!), Robert Randolph, J Roddy Walston and the Business... thank you Pollstar, I'm definitely attending this party.  Tickets on sale this week.  Cumberland will also host an ABB member via Warren Haynes acoustic set, in addition to Preservation Hall Jazz Band, for Delfest.  Buy now before prices go up.

Campout East
Throwing this mention in there because it's supported by my beloved WNRN, local Charlottesville radio station.  So far it features local favorites Sons of Bill, Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven and American Aquarium, and a cool easy location in Crozet.  If you live nearby or are looking for a weekend trip to something chill, this might be right up your alley.

What are we missing?  Let us know of anything unique and exciting coming to the area in the comments!