For our readers outside the DC area: the U.S. capitol was hit by an extremely hard and unexpected storm on June 29th. Trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, and serious flooding occurred. Even on the following Monday, many were living without power and government employees were given the option to work remotely due to federal buildings being without electricity. This may sound unfeeling, but I will go ahead and admit: Friday, June 29th was one of the best in recent music-memory for me. Jukebox the Ghost was playing the 9:30 Club. I was safe, dry, rocking out, and singing along. Just happy to be there.
The DC-born band was back for its second time headlining at the 9:30 Club – and it was the biggest headliner show the group has played yet. The trio is obviously a home-town favorite, and the energy in the Club was astounding. People dancing, singing, fist-pumping, and even crying at points (OK, so real talk real time: I was crying. I LOVE this band).
Jukebox got on a half hour before its scheduled set-time and played almost a two-hour set. They covered their old favorites (Empire, Hold it In, etc) newer songs (Say When) and the newest off their forthcoming album (my favorites were Don’t Let me Fall Behind and Adulthood off the new album Safe Travels). They also regaled the crowd with their trademark cover: Whitney’s I Want to Dance with Somebody.
The show was a typical Jukebox extravaganza: full of good energy, pleasant chatter from front men Ben Thornewill and Tommy Siegel, and top quality drumming from Jesse Kristin. Every time I see them, I am re-affirmed in my belief that they are THE hardest working hipsters out there (they even joked, at the end of their two-hour performance, that they had just hit intermission and everyone should plan on taking the morning Metro home). I wouldn’t have been that surprised if they’d made good on their promise – and I know I’ll be in the crowd for the next marathon jam-session they put on when they return to their adoring hometown.
Also – please check out their gumbler (all credit to Celeste for finding this): http://jukeboxgum.tumblr.com/