🎸July’s best local concerts

What's CITY Talking About?

Summer Youth Curfew

D.C. is implementing a summer youth curfew again for July and August. The curfew applies to children under 17 and will run between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week. The law follows similar curfews and youth bans at businesses throughout the DMV. [ABC7, City Cast DC 🎧]

Anacostia Still Unswimmable

The city postponed the inaugural Anacostia River Splash for the third time after water samples showed high E. coli levels. The event will now be held on July 13 🤢[City Cast DC 🎧]

Metro Center Stabbing

It’s been a violent couple of days in the District. Yesterday there was a stabbing at Metro Center. The aggressor then threw a bike onto the tracks, hitting a train and causing single tracking between Farragut North and Judiciary Square. Over the weekend, D.C. police responded to six shootings and a stabbing in a 12-hour period. [X/Washington Post]

He’s a Marylander, He’s a Trackstar

Bowie native Quincy Wilson made the U.S. 4x400 relay team for this summer’s Paris Olympics. The 16-year-old Bullis School rising junior becomes the youngest U.S. track and field athlete to make an Olympic squad. [ABC7]

Your July Local Music Guide

Welcome to another edition of our monthly music newsletter feature, where we highlight a local artist and upcoming shows from local acts. With the Fourth of July coming up, we decided to highlight a local artist who’s redefining a genre synonymous with U.S. pride — and a new song about beer, because America.

🎙️ Spotlight: Jane O’Neill

Self-Described Sound:

Quietly Confident Americana (coined by Washington City Paper about O’Neill’s music)

Get To Know the Artist:

Jane O’Neill is a storyteller. Last month, O’Neill dropped her debut self-titled EP. In each song, the Midwest-born, D.C.-based artist pulls from personal experiences to build out lyrical scenes with visceral memories and tangible imagery. With her lyricism bolstered by textured vocals, O’Neill effortlessly entrances listeners into her world.

In sharing her stories about relationships with women, O’Neill’s songs are inherently queer. While not O’Neill’s original goal of creating music, she has organically created a space for queer audiences to enjoy a style of music they don’t normally connect with and now finds motivation in her community of listeners.

Next Local Show:

July 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Big Bear Cafe

July 31 | 6 p.m. | Free | Milian Park

Follow:

@janeoneillmusic

Song to Check Out:

“WhistlePig”

🎟️ Other Upcoming Local Shows To See

1. Elyvn, John Clark, Acquahh, Upercaze (R&B, Rap, Afrobeats) | July 5 | 8 p.m. | $15| Atlas Brew Works
2. Fake Bodies (Punk)| July 7 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbyrd
3. Kevin Bull Jr., Pinkhouse, The Dead Queens (Alt. Rock) | July 7 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | The Pocket
4. Fake Radio, Apt Men, You Fool! (Alt. Rock) | July 8 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbyrd
5. grlztoy (opening for Queen of Jeans) (Indie) | July 21 | 8:30 p.m. | $15+ | Pie Shop

🎵 New Local Music Mentions

Prude: “Beers (F.O.G)”

If you're like me, you like a little grit to your summertime playlist to counterbalance all the saccharine pop. This song fits the bill with punchy lyrics and Nick Bairatchnyi’s raspy vocals pleading a case for living the carefree artist life. It’s a grunge anthem for those still yearning to stay out late.

🎧 Your Local Playlist

Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring Jane O’Neill’s songs and inspirations, plus music by the other local bands above.

What To Do

Today on City Cast

Rats Invade Dupont Homes, Office Conversions, and Swimming in the Anacostia

D.C.’s got a new office building conversion strategy, rats are overtaking Dupont homes, and the Anacostia River is still unswimmable. City Cast’s Julia Karron and Ashe Durban join the show to roundup the weekend.