Perspective

A new opera captures the contradictions and national ambivalence about monuments and memorials

The Kennedy Center commissioned four short operas about monuments. But “Written in Stone” could learn a lot from the failures of its own subject matter.

By Philip KennicottMarch 15, 2022

More ‘Bidi Bidi Bom Bom’ to come: Selena’s father announces new album nearly 27 years after the singer’s death

Selena’s new album will feature a medley of ballads and cumbias and a never-before-heard song, the singer’s father said.

By María Luisa PaúlMarch 15, 2022
Review

Animal Collective, back onstage, offering new ways to bend time and space

Animal Collective played tracks from their new album "Time Skiffs" and showed how not to get stuck in the past.

By Hau ChuMarch 14, 2022
Review

Washington National Opera’s ‘Così fan tutte’ is skillfully out of sync with the times

A fuss-free approach and a stellar cast save Mozart’s rom-com from itself.

By Michael Andor BrodeurMarch 13, 2022

Kennedy Center’s ‘Cartography Project’ aims to map the future of classical music

Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s multiyear initiative will generate works from dozens of composers and artists of color, each representing grieving American communities.

By Michael Andor BrodeurMarch 12, 2022
Review

At Pink Siifu’s scattered Songbyrd show, the opening acts seemed like they’d never end

The multi-hyphenate artist’s recent album was expansive and multilayered, but his live show felt overstuffed.

By Teta AlimMarch 11, 2022
Review

A half-century after his first stop at Blues Alley, Monty Alexander still triumphs

Featuring tender ballads and classic swing, the jazz pianist’s trio set was an impeccable performance full of beauty and joy.

By Michael J. WestMarch 11, 2022

Six days at sea with 1,200 Outlaw Country fans, two years into a pandemic

Stars, coronavirus tests and an endless buffet do their part as the cruise and music industries make a return.

By Geoff EdgersMarch 11, 2022
Perspective

The precipitous rise and fall of ‘Pushin P’

Gunna, Future and Young Thug made the first great song of 2022. Then it went bad.

By Chris RichardsMarch 11, 2022

The Khan is using his deepest voice to reach higher heights

D.C.-raised rapper the Khan continues to push the aesthetic envelope. He performs at Union Stage on March 13.

By Chris RichardsMarch 9, 2022

4 concerts to catch in the D.C. area over the next several days

Wale, Animal Collective, Eric Bellinger and Ryley Walker perform.

By Stephanie WilliamsMarch 9, 2022
Review

Tyler, the Creator keeps reinventing himself in concert

The rapper-singer-producer exceeded expectations for a euphoric D.C. crowd at Capital One Arena

By Chris KellyMarch 8, 2022

For Michael Tilson Thomas, the grandeur of music answers a grim diagnosis

As he battles brain cancer, the conductor will lead the NSO in a pair of programs after stepping down from his own New World Symphony.

By Michael Andor BrodeurMarch 6, 2022
Review

Son Volt’s Jay Farrar still has woes to share. At the Birchmere, his misery found company.

With soulful songs about economic disparity and global warming, the veteran alt-country group offered noisy guitars and a balm for hard times.

By Dave McKennaMarch 4, 2022

Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax and Leonidas Kavakos are out to give Beethoven the power-trio treatment

The all-star musicians are coming to the Kennedy Center on March 7 behind their new recording, “Beethoven for Three.”

By Michael Andor BrodeurMarch 4, 2022
Perspective

Nightlife in the DMV may never get back to normal, but we’re getting closer. Here are highlights of the spring season.

Olivia Rodrigo, Sons of Kemet, Koffee and Ohio Players are among the concert standouts.

By Chris RichardsMarch 3, 2022

Spring Silver is minting a new kind of guitar music — and coining the words to go with it

The genre-torquing Maryland band, led by K Nkanza, celebrates a new album at Pie Shop Saturday.

By Chris RichardsMarch 2, 2022

A spring awakening for classical concerts in the D.C. area

A Far Cry's "Then and Now," Simone Dinnerstein at FSO and three world premieres at Cathedral Choral Society.

By Michael Andor BrodeurMarch 2, 2022

4 concerts to catch in D.C. over the next several days

Deafheaven; Tyler, the Creator; Pink Siifu; and the Microphones perform.

By Chris KellyMarch 2, 2022