I have seen close to 200 bands perform on the stage of 930 Club. I have spent hours listening to music in the photo pit, from the rail, leaning on the stage, in the balcony, and at the bar. I have attended shows here with old friends, new friends, lovers, partners, fellow photographers, by myself, and with my kids. I went to shows without my camera and went to shows where I worked so hard that the music was just in the background. I’ve even celebrated several birthdays at this club.
The bottom line is, I can not imagine my live music experiences without the 930 Club!
Although I grew up in Baltimore, it seemed that I was always making my way to D.C. to see my favorite bands and 930 Club has always been my “go-to” club. To be honest, I saw several shows there in the late 90’s but for the life of me, I can only recall these three: February 1997 – James, August 1997 – Fishbone, and August 1999 – The Cranberries. I’m quite certain there were more but these three really stand out in my memory. Then, between 2000-2005, I had two young children and had just started teaching, and although I was still going to shows, they were minimal.
In 2007, my concert-going-days kicked into high gear because I met someone who was just as insane about going to concerts as I was. In fact, I met Shawn online, specifically looking for a friend who had similar musical interests. Within our first conversation, he invited me to the 930 Club to see The Editors. I had only just met him. We met for dinner and went to the show together. The next night, we went to see The National, and then a few weeks later, Kings of Leon.
September 2007 would mark the beginning of my concert photography journey and the start of some amazing experiences over the next decade plus!
I like to think that it all started at the 930 Club!
Happy Birthday 930 Club and I hope everyone enjoys my walk down memory lane! (I did not include a picture for every opening band, but included some videos and links should you want to see more.)
Mike Doughty – April 5, 2008
Opening performance: The Panderers and Bearded Men
This was my first official “photo pass” show. I didn’t have a publication to photograph for, but Mike Doughty was nice enough to get me a pass regardless!
May 30, 2008: She Wants Revenge
With The Switches, The Virgins, and Be Your Own Pet
Be Your Own Pet – this was the highlight for me for the evening! I had not seen She Wants Revenge since they opened for Depeche Mode’s Playing the Angel tour. They played a good variety of classics as well as new material. Photographed for Brightest Young Things. Check out all photos, here.
July 28, 2008 – MGMT
with Violens
Being the very prepared, overly obsessive person that I am – I know this is a sold out, general admission show that is going to draw a younger crowd – so I arrive over an hour before doors just to ensure my pick of spots up front. All is well, and a few minutes before doors I go to pick up my ticket and photo pass – only to find that MY EDITORS name is listed not mine! UGH!
Anyway – after many emails and phone calls, MGMT’s PR, AND their tour manager personally sorting it out – they FINALLY let me in to the venue…. at 8:30 pm! I got there at 6 pm. Doors where at 7 and fortunately some nice girls that we’ve run into a few times at other shows saved a spot for me. Shawn would usually do that – but, he caught Extra Golden at The Black Cat instead. You can check out the review here.
August 16, 2008 – The Faint
with Jaguar Love and Shy Child
The Faint was the most challenging show to shoot! Sure – there was a lot of awesome cool lights! But, they came in the form of flashing strobes! Check out the show review here.
September 17, 2008 – Mogwai
with Fuck Buttons
Being as it was my birthday, what better way to spend the day then seeing Mogwai! I was very excited for this show because I had not seen them since they played Curiosa with The Cure. Since they are Shawn’s favorite band, we were very excited to see that they were playing at the 9:30 Club!
Fuck Buttons opened and, I must say, really surprised me! I hadn’t heard too much of their music but what I had I thought was just okay. Well, their live performance was fantastic! They were extremely energetic, the music was LOUD, the lights were awesome… everything about their performance impressed me! Mogwai didn’t disappoint either. It was the perfect way to spend my birthday! See the full set here!
September 18, 2008 – James
with Unkle Bob
I love, Love, LOVE the band James! After nearly 12 years, I am so glad to have been able to see them again tonight. I was even more grateful to get a photo pass to photograph them…. if only I had been able to shoot more than 3 songs – because WHAT A SHOW! See the full set here.
November 28, 2008 – They Might Be Giants
20th Anniversary of Flood
They Might Be Giants play a special show – Flood in it’s entirety and a second set of mixed songs! Nearly 3 hours of music! Thanks to their management and PR for allowing me to photograph then entire night! For prefix.com: www.prefixmag.com/photos/they-might-be-giants-930/
December 1, 2008 – Vampire Weekend
with The Teenagers
This was a great show and the first of several Vampire Weekend shows I would attend! www.welovedc.com/2008/12/03/concert-vampire-weekend/#more…
February 19, 2009 – Fujiya & Miyagi
with School of Seven Bells
This was a fun show. School of Seven Bells was my favorite but I did love Fujiya & Miyagi’s backdrop! (I even caught Shawn in the front of the stage!)
See the full set here.
April 4, 2009 – Mates of State
with Sunbears and The Black Kids
Unfortunately this show sold out quicker than I expected… which is a good thing for the bands – but, not for me! I was able to get a ticket through the bands, but had to go it alone, as Shawn couldn’t get a ticket.
The first opener, Sunbears, was a two piece which featured GREAT drumming and a cool visual display during their set. The highlight for me (obviously not knowing any of their songs) was their cover of Bowie’s “Under Pressure”. It was great and the crowd seemed to love it too! I must say, if I hear they are playing again in DC, I will definitely make it a point to get out to see them.
Black Kids were up next. I was actually a bit excited to see them and have missed them during their previous trips to DC. I mean, they are a fun catchy tune band and I assumed that their live performance would match that sound. At first, I must admit, I was a bit bored… however, as their set continued the crowd pumped up a bit as did they. I was impressed that a good part of the crowd was moving during their set and in DC… that’s always surprising! So, at least the audience appeared to be having a good time and that’s all that matter
Now, for Mates of State – I must admit, I was very excited to see them again. I had recently seen them at the Ottobar in Baltimore and it was just the two of them. Very simple and intimate. But, tonight at the 9:30 Club, it was MUCH different. First, I noticed the cool lanterns that were being set up all over the stage, and being a photographer, I LOVE creative lighting, so that got me excited.
Next, I noticed that they were touring with backing musicians: just two – but, enough to add a more lush live sound. I was highly impressed with how different this show was from my Ottobar experience. Not better than that show, just different… which reinforces even more my opinion that this is a great band!
Photographed for Brightest Young Things. Check out the full set here.
May 11, 2009 – Animal Collective
with Grouper
This was my first of many shows with NPR! When photographing for NPR, speed was crucial. Since they were broadcasting live, it was important for me to get photos up as quickly as possible. This was my first experience with immediate posting. Fortunately for me, I learned photography on film, so I rarely needed to edit my photos – but it was still stressful. I remember for this first show, the house lights were on and I was still uploading photos! Bob Boilen was so nice to me – he said something like, “your work is great. We just have to work on your speed!” I did get faster and ended working with them for the next three years!
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103811402
May 17, 2009 Dan Deacon
with Future Islands and Teeth Mountain
Now, this show had been something that Shawn and I wanted to catch. Dan Deacon has played Baltimore several times recently and for one reason or another, we never made it out to see him. Shawn said something about 2 months ago that we should catch this show at the 9:30 Club, but then I had a chance to shoot this show and we were both really excited!
This show was insane!
I really couldn’t completely enjoy it because I was busy working – mostly trying to get photos up quickly for those listening to the live recording at home – but, the sound was fantastic!
Shawn texted me half way through the hour and half set and said, “remember a long time ago when I told you about him and that we should see him??? Well, I’m glad we waited! This is like a culmination of all my expectations!”
That about sums up this show!
I left EXHAUSTED around 12:45 am, still a bit high from the excitement! I shot this show for NPR. You can catch the live recording and more pics here: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104056205
May 24, 2009 – The National
with Colin Stetson
This was the first of THREE sold out shows at the 9:30 Club… thanks to club manager and the National’s tour manager… I was able to get these photos tonight! Mix up with the guest list left me without a pass but I was able to get everything sorted.
This show was wonderful. I do love this band and think they put on the best live show. I wish I were closer to DC because I would’ve stayed for the SECOND show of the night – following this one at 11:30 pm!
See the full set here!
June 18, 2009 – Metric
with Smile Smile and Sebastian Grainger
I really love Metric and this show was full of energy! This was photographed for NPR. Check out the live recording here.
July 7, 2009 – Sonic Youth
with The Entrance Band
Shot for NPR’s All Song’s Considered.
See the ENTIRE set of photos and listen live here:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106222765
July 14, 2009 – The Dead Weather
with Screaming Females
The Dead Weather performed their second sold out show in a VERY dark 930 club! These photos were shot for NPR’s All Songs Considered. You can listen to the live recorded show here: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106385053
July 29, 2009 – Fleet Foxes
with Espers
Well, Fleet Foxes return after awhile to the United States starting in DC playing TWO sold out shows at the 930 Club. Shawn and I missed the first show, as it sold out very quickly… so we bought tickets to the SECOND show (with doors at 10:30!!!).
Now, I was excited to see these guys again. Shawn and I saw them for the first time last summer when visiting in San Francisco. We had heard that they were a pretty good band and they happened to be starting off their tour in San Francisco the week we were there…so we went to see them. I fell in love. I mean – watching these guys play was like being in church. It was so sincere and intimate that I almost felt guilty taking a photo here and there. My photos from that show were so emotional and Shawn were very impressed with their performance.
As soon as I got home, I immediately picked tickets up for the show at the Black Cat with the intentions of shooting them again. I did… and again – very intimate show and very emotional pictures.
Now, last night… I’m seeing them at a club about 3 times the size of both the Black Cat and Bottom of the Hill. And not only one show but TWO shows sell out. Line is formed an hour before doors and I hear so many comments from fans that lead me to my greatest fear: Fleet Foxes had become popular. Its nice to be close (in your own life) with a band that few people know…. but, these guys rose into stardom quite quickly picking up very obsessive fans. I heard comments like “oh… I just shook the drummer’s hand – I’m never washing this hand again…” to “oh… there he is… I see him… there’s the lead singer…” It was sad, really.
The show was good – they are good musicians…. but, it was not as intimate or as fresh as the times I saw them early in their tours last summer. Check out the full set here.
July 30, 2009 – M Ward
with Chain and the Gang
M. Ward has one of the most restricted photo policies that I have seen for a club show. Absolutely NO cameras were aloud in the venue. I was the only photographer and I am sure I was only aloud to shoot because I was with NPR. I was only given the first three like usual… but, I had to shoot them from the back of the venue.
For the first song, he played completely in darkness – so, I didn’t bother shooting it at all. The second song had a “little” more light because he actually sang – so there was a little spot on him… For the third song, his backing band joined him on stage and that was pretty much it. See it on NPR here:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112685377#c…
September 17, 2009 – Yo La Tengo
with Endless Boogie
Another birthday show! This is one of Shawn’s favorite bands! Check out all of the photos and live recording on NPR here: https://www.npr.org/2009/09/17/112824244/yo-la-tengo-in-concert
September 30, 2009 – Sunny Day Real Estate
with Jealous Sounds
Photos for NPR for All Song’s Considered. Check them out here as well as a live recording of the show:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113214405
October 7, 2009 – The Gossip
with Apache Beat and Men
Gossip is ALWAYS a lot of fun! Beth Ditto is an excellent performer!
Catch full set of photos and live recording on NPR here:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113518554
October 8, 2009 – Dinosaur Jr
with Lou Barlow
Photographed for NPR
Catch full photo gallery and live recording here: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113550890
October 27, 2009 – Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar
Photographed for NPR
See entire set and listen to the show here: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114010246
November 28, 2009 – They Might Be Giants
I am a big They Might be Giants fan. I will see them every opportunity I get! They have a devoted fan base as well! See the full set here!
April 24, 2010 – Hot Chip
with the XX
Photographed for NPR
See more photos and hear the show at NPR Music:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126140989
May 2, 2010 – Shout Out Louds
with Freelance Whales
I really love this band and was a little disappointed that I was working this one because it was that kind of show that you just want to hang back and enjoy. Check out all the photos and live recording on NPR here: https://www.npr.org/2010/05/02/126310192/shout-out-louds-in-concert
May 12, 2010 – Public Image Ltd
Iconic band. I was fortunate to be able to photograph this one! Check out the recording on NPR here: https://www.npr.org/2010/05/12/126561683/public-image-ltd-returns-for-a-thrilling-live-concert
June 23, 2010 – The New Pornographers
with The Dutchess and the Duke
I fell in love with Neko Case through The New Pornographers. Photographed for NPR. Hear the recording from this show here: https://www.npr.org/2010/06/23/127937024/the-new-pornographers-in-concert
September 14, 2010 – Of Montreal
with Janelle Monae
This was definitely one of my most favorite shows of all time! Between Of Montreal’s visual display and Janelle Monae’s amazing vocals – this show just blew me away! Photographed for NPR. You can hear the live recording on NPR here:
https://www.npr.org/2010/09/14/129777199/of-montreal-in-concert
September 18, 2010 – Superchunk
with Spider Bags
Not quite my birthday but close, one day later! This was a rather dark show and a little challenging to photograph but they are such a fun band! Listen on NPR here:
https://www-s1.npr.org/2010/09/17/129889886/superchunk-in-concert
September 27, 2010 – James
One of my most favorite bands and live performers! I love them for playing “Hymn From a Village”! I had VIP for this show! This is another artist that I will get out to see live every chance I get! Check out the full set here!
September 28, 2010 – Stars
with Wild Nothing
Wild Nothing is a dream-pop band very reminiscent of early Cure and Stars delivers a beautiful performance every time! This was one of my favorite shows of all time! Check out the Stars set here and the Wild Nothing set here.
October 3, 2010 – Tallest Man on Earth
with S. Carey
Photographed for NPR. Listen to the performance on NPR here: https://www.npr.org/2011/04/04/130217980/the-tallest-man-on-earth-in-concert
October 12, 2010 – Deerhunter
with Casino Versus Japan
Photographed for NPR. See more photos and listen to the performance here: https://www.npr.org/2010/10/12/130386900/deerhunter-in-concert
October 27, 2010 – Die Antwoord
with Rye Rye
This is a performance that I will never forget! See the full set here!
November 9, 2010 – Jonsi
with Mountain Men
This was the most beautiful show. Photographed for NPR. Listen to the live recording here:
www.npr.org/2010/11/12/131269558/jonsi-in-concert
January 31, 2011 – Best Coast
with Wavves
For NPR. Listen to both Best Coast and Wavves’ live recording here: www.npr.org/2011/02/01/133309067/monday-best-coast-wavves…
March 26, 2012 – The Joy Formidable
with A Place to Bury Strangers
This is another show that ranks up there in my top 10. I love The Joy Formidable as well as A Place to Bury Strangers. This show rocked! Photographed for TVD – maybe my first show with them! (can’t quite remember!) http://www.thevinyldistrict.com/dc/2012/03/tvd-live-the-joy-formidable-with-a-place-to-bury-strangers-at-the-930-club-326/
August 17, 2012 – Wye Oak
Photographed for NPR. Check out the video recording from this show on NPR here: https://www.npr.org/2012/08/17/159053023/wye-oak-in-concert
August 17, 2012 – Dirty Projectors
Photographed for NPR. Watch the video recording from this show on NPR here: https://www.npr.org/2012/08/17/158829158/dirty-projectors-in-concert
September 9, 2012 – Jesus and Mary Chain
with the Psychic Paramount
Photographed for The Vinyl District. This is definitely one of my favorite bands! http://www.thevinyldistrict.com/dc/2012/09/tvd-live-the-jesus-and-mary-chain-at-the-930-club-99/
April 22, 2013 – The Joy Formidable
with Blood Red Shoes
Never disappointed by a live performance by this band! Photographed for The Vinyl District! http://www.thevinyldistrict.com/dc/2013/04/tvd-live-shots-the-joy-formidable-at-the-930-club-421/
January 21, 2016 – Grace Potter
Nate Payne and I teamed up to cover this show. It was just before a blizzard! Grace was to perform three nights at the 930 club but only got the first one in before the storm hit! The second two shows were rescheduled for June! Check out Nate’s review and a mix of mine and his photos on The Vinyl District here:
April 13, 2016 – The Joy Formidable
with Everything Everything
This would be a special show because, after 8 years of photographing shows, my daughter – who was just about to turn 16 – would get her first photo pass and would share the photo pit with me at the 930 Club. I mean… how amazing is that? It was truly an honor to photograph one of my favorite bands with my daughter who shares my love for this band! Check my set out here and definitely check Ariel’s set out by clicking here. They are amazing!
June 23, 2016 – Grace Potter
with Con Brio
I attended this show, but didn’t photograph it. I sat this one out and Nate Payne covered it. Just prior to this show, I photographed Grace Potter over at Som Records which was an awesome experience! Check out Nate’s review and photos here and see the Som Records interview and my photos here.
The Anthem opened in the fall of 2017, and I started to spend more time there but still caught several great shows at 930 club:
May 9, 2018 – Alvvays
with Frankie Rose
Photographed for On Tap Magazine, now District Fray
Alvvays was fantastic and opener Frankie Rose covered on of my favorite songs by The Cure! You can check out the video below.
See the full set of photos here.
May 12, 2018 – Trampled by Turtles
with Hiss Golden Messenger
Photographed for On Tap Magazine now District Fray
This was a great show! I was able to go with friends and had a great time! Check out the full set here.
May 15, 2018 – Shakey Graves
with And the Kids
Photographed for DC Music Review! Check out the awesome review by Graham Robertson as well as more of my photos! https://www.dcmusicreview.com/shakey-graves-930-club-may-15-2018/
June 29, 2018 – The Old 97’s
with Brian Dunne
I have seen the Old 97’s perform so many times and they are always so much fun! See the full review and more photos on Parklife DC here: https://parklifedc.com/2018/07/03/snapshots-old-97s-930-club-6-29-18/
July 27, 2018 – The XX
with Kelsey Lu
Three sold out nights at 930 club and this was the first night! Photographed for On Tap Magazine, now District Fray. See the full set of photos here.
November 29, 2018 – Sister Sparrow
with The Rad Trads
This girl can sing! I loved this show! Check out the full set of photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdesired/sets/72157700920529442/
January 5, 2019 – BENT
This was photographed for I.M.P. and definitely one of my top 10 shows ever at the 930 Club! I had so much fun dancing and taking photos all night! This was the first of many LGBTQ Dance Parties hosted by DC-based DJ, Steve Lemmerman. See all of the amazing photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/faithdesired/sets/72157703974881201/
January 17 and 18, 2019 – Wood Brothers
with Priscilla Renea
I attended both Wood Brothers shows at the 930 Club. They are always great to see live! Priscilla opened both evenings and she blew me away! She was outstanding! Check out a great review by Karin McLaughlin on DC Music Review, as well as, photos by me and Jason Herman! https://www.dcmusicreview.com/the-wood-brothers-dazzle-fans-over-two-nights-at-930-club/
January 20, 2019 – Cracker
with Camper Van Beethoven
Photographed this one for I.M.P.
Cracker takes me back to my teenage years! You can check out this great review by Shawn Breen as well as my photos here.
February 24, 2019 – You Me at Six
with Dreamers and Machine Heart
While You Me at Six was headlining, I was really excited to see DREAMERS. I had been listening to them for a bit and missed their first show in DC last year. I ended up seeing them three times in 2019! Check out the review and photos on Parklife DC here: https://parklifedc.com/2019/02/27/live-review-you-me-at-six-930-club-2-24-19/
March 16, 2019 – Teenage Fanclub
with The Love Language
This is another band from my early teen years! Great to finally see them live! I photographed this for These Subtle Sounds and check out the review here.
April 18, 2019 – FOALS
with Omni and Preoccupations
Incredible show! Photographed for the These Subtle Sounds! Check out the review and photos here: https://thesesubtlesounds.com/foals-make-it-all-about-the-fans-night-2-at-930-club-dc/
May 6, 2019 – The Dandy Warhols
with Vacant Lots and Cosmonauts
Photographed for These Subtle Sounds. Check out the full review and more photos here: https://thesesubtlesounds.com/dandy-warhols-celebrate-25-years-of-music/
May 31, 2019 – The Distillers
with Starcrawler
Between The Distillers high energy music and Starcrawler’s incredible performance, this was one great night at the 930 Club. See full set of photos for The Distillers here and Starcrawler, here.
October 4, 2019 – Built to Spill
with Love is Laughter and Prism Bitch
All three bands were fantastic. Photographed for These Subtle Sounds. See full review and photos here: https://thesesubtlesounds.com/built-to-spill-performs-keep-it-like-a-secret-at-930-club/
October 5, 2019 – Luna
with Olden Yolk
Photographed for These Subtle Sounds. See full review and photos here: https://thesesubtlesounds.com/luna-delights-fans-at-930-club-by-performing-their-album-penthouse/
November 13, 2019 – Ra Ra Riot
with Bayonne
The first time I saw Ra Ra Riot, it was in 2007 at the 930 Club and I was so happy to see them again! Photographed and reviewed for These Subtle Sounds! Check it out here: https://thesesubtlesounds.com/ra-ra-riot-return-to-930-club-on-the-superbloom-tour/
December 29, 2019 – The Pietasters
with The Creachies, Oison, and The Fuss
This would be my last show at the 930 Club as a result of Covid-19 shutdowns. It was also my last show of 2019! What a great show to end on!
I photographed this one for I.M.P.
The following are just a few of some of my favorite 930 Club memories! I’m looking forward to getting back into the club and enjoying some LIVE MUSIC!
The front of the 930 Club in 2010
The back of the 930 Club at the end of 2019
