Deborah Bond’s ‘Echoes of the ’80s’ at Blues Alley
Deborah Bond has been part of D.C.’s R&B and neo-soul scene for two decades, and her combination of smoky, jazz-influenced vocals and expressive phrasing has made her a favorite across genres. This show at Blues Alley is billed as “Deborah Bond performing her favorite ’80s songs,” which is an intriguing concept. Will we hear the Jets’ “You Got It All,” as teased on her social media? Something originally by Sade, whom Bond cites as a major influence? No matter the source material, expect the songs to be handled with panache and soul. 7 and 9 p.m. $35.
It’s been almost 25 years since Finnish DJ and producer Darude unleashed “Sandstorm” on an unsuspecting world — a song that’s become a fixture at sporting events and late-night clubs, and even soundtracked Finland’s celebration of 100 years of independence. And while Darude remains best known for that one track, ensuing years have seen dozens of remixes as well as four albums, including “Together,” a collection of 12 progressive house and trance tracks bristling with rolling synth chords, bubbling piano, soaring vocals, and clearly telegraphed breaks and drops — the kind of music made to be heard thundering out of club speakers and onto a darkened dance floor. Put your headphones away and head for Soundcheck, the subterranean K Street club, for the real Darude experience. 10 p.m. $30.
Live at Lost Gen at Lost Generation
Eckington’s Lost Generation Brewing has been a welcome addition to the D.C. beer scene, thanks to its outstanding lagers — the dark, roasty Grave Shift belongs in a “Best of D.C.” six-pack — and airy, welcoming taproom, which has played host to doggy costume contests, retro movie nights and packed trivia games. Here’s the next step: Starting this week, Lost Generation offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday is given over to Emma G, a singer-songwriter known for her positive, empowering tunes with pop-rock vibes. (She won the 2022 Wammie Award for best pop artist.) Saturday brings Abe Mamet, one of the rare French horn players on D.C.’s jazz scene, and his trio. Sets run from 8 to 11 p.m. both nights, and there’s no cover charge, which leaves more to spend on another pint. Friday and Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. Free.
National Symphony Orchestra on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
The National Symphony Orchestra has a busy month ahead, including concerts featuring violinists Gil Shaham and Hilary Hahn, pianist Seong-Jin Cho, and Broadway star Audra McDonald before it heads off on a nine-city European tour. But first, you can hear a trio of musicians from the orchestra play chamber music for free. The program on the Millennium Stage on Friday evening, with Joel Fuller on violin, Mahoko Eguchi on viola and Paul DeNola on bass, includes works by Haydn and Glière and a pair of works by the Argentine composer Andrés Martín: “Three Tangos” for viola and bass and “Marcas de Pasión” for violin, viola and bass. The limited number of advance tickets for the concert have been claimed, but more will be available at the Hall of States box office at 4:30 p.m., and additional seating and standing room is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 6 p.m. Free.
Bombs Away comedy show at the Saloon
The U Street nonprofit bar, whose proceeds go to building schools around the world, is hosting a comedy show with a twist: Comedians perform their set, but are kicked off the stage when a joke doesn’t land. The audience decides who stays on the stage and who leaves partway through. 8 p.m. $5.
