New Flavor in Your Ear: Sofar Sounds Comes to D.C.

[ 0 ] June 2, 2016 | Johnna

Jae Jin Performing in Sofar Sounds

I love live music so this is going to be a biased review. At least I put it out there before you continue reading. Sofar Sounds has made its way to D.C. and I am absolutely in love with every part of this concept. The concept is simple: You RSVP on their site for an upcoming date that you want to see live music, they notify you a day or two on the location (which is Uber accessible if not already Metro accessible) and you find out the artist on arrival to the location. Surprise, surprise. Since I am a glutton for surprises, I love not knowing who will be the songbird of the night.

On the evening I had an opportunity to get in on the goods, I listened to the soothing voices of AlexisVO, Jae Jin and Margot Macdonald. They were all pretty similar in style insomuch as they offered soft rock performances while playing their own instruments. The location was in someone’s townhome where DuPont, Adams Morgan and U Street meet and the event was BYOB. The negatives of not knowing where you will be headed for the evening can mean a dreadful parking situation, which is what Adams Morgan tends to offer. I would not suggest driving to one of these unless you absolutely have to. The other downside of not knowing is that you really should get to the venue earlier than later or you could end up with an awkward seat in the house. Sofar Sounds basically gives you the option to have a front row seat every time by simply getting there early.

The coins? That is perhaps the best part about Sofar Sounds operation. You pay what you feel unless there is a designated cost setup pre-hand on their site. Definitely, DO NOT be the cheapo and not contribute anything, these folks provide an amazing service for your musically inclined ears. The attire? Cas-ual. Wear what you feel comfortable in, you might have to sit on the floor or stand the whole night depending on the space.

I am looking forward to my next experience. This time, however, I will Uber, get there extra early to stake out my territory and invite more friends. They would love this experience. #funtimes

Tags: washington dc

Category: Announcements, Reviews, Style Section, Washington D.C.

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.