Surveying the Scene on a Friday Night

Friday, June 15
2 Virginia shows

Recommended beverage: tis the season
for the Hefe (sans fruit slice)

The night began at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. The Ohio-based Beatles tribute band 1964 took the stage in black suits, mop-top wigs, and with vintage instruments. The sound that then emerged was genuine. This is by far the best Beatles cover band I've come across. They played a 90-minute set of well-loved songs, all taking turns singing lead vocals and harmonizing. They looked and sounded authentic right down to the Liverpool accents.

While the Fab Four charmingly tried to lure us back to the 1960s, they humorously drew us back to present with some newer technology such as their compact disc and asking the crowd to take out their cell phones and call someone special during "In My Life." 'Listen, do you want to know a secret?' These blokes are worth checking out!

Then, switching venue and genre, onto Iota in Arlington for the DC-based Last Train Home. This roots rock quartet added on a keyboard/accordionist, slide guitarist, and trumpet player for this show creating a rich, full sound (and quite a crowd on Iota's small stage). The place was packed and hopping, enjoying the band as it skillfully weaved in various musical influences from bluegrass to blues, all complemented by singer Eric Brace's smooth voice.

A wonderful night of music!