Yellow Dubmarine at the State Theatre, Saturday It started with the passing of a friend.
The members of Yellow Dubmarine, the Rockville-based Beatles reggae tribute band, had jammed to some Beatles tunes, partly inspired by Easy Star All-Stars Pink Floyd dub reggae tribute “Dub Side of the Moon.”
When a close friend died, the group and other acts played a memorial show in Baltimore. Looking for a more upbeat vibe, Yellow Dubmarine premiered its dub reggae of some of the Beatles’ best.
“We wanted the night to be a celebration of her life instead of a somber evening,” said Yellow Dubmarine bassist and vocalist Aaron Glaser. “The Beatles’ songs are songs everyone loves, and they hit on things that were important that night and are always important.”
Now, four years after that first performance, things are coming together for the seven-piece band, complete with a horn section. The group recently released its first album, “Abbey Dub,” available on Amazon and iTunes, and has a series of shows lined up.
Yellow Dubmarine plays selections from the entire Beatles catalog, except for “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” which may come in the future. In many places, the horn section takes the place of vocals. The result is a grooving, enjoyable and appropriate interpretation of the Fab Four’s music.
“We think it has a lot of opportunities for us,” said Glaser, who added that the band has put original music aside for now. “We also love doing the Beatles reggae tunes.
“The Beatles music is ripe for rearrangement.”
When: 7 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show Saturday
Info: $12 in advance, $14 day of; thestatetheatre.org, yellowdubmarine.com
U.S. Royalty at Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, Friday
If the holiday season is puttin’ a hurtin’ on your wallet, a free show is the way to go. Catch D.C.’s own U.S. Royalty as they perform on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, which is always free of charge.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium
‘Election’ at AFI Silver Spring, Friday and Sunday
Alexander Payne’s first film in seven years is the recently released “The Descendants,” starring George Clooney. In celebration, AFI is screening Payne’s previous works, including “Election,” the 1999 film starring Reese Witherspoon.
When: 9 45 p.m. Friday, 8:45 p.m. Sunday
Info: $11; afi.com/silver
Thad Wilson’s Holiday Jazz at Twins Jazz Club, Friday and Saturday
Two evenings of jazz tunes from local musician Wilson, with different lineups each evening. Friday is a real treat, as New York-based pianist and vocalist Johnny O’Neal joins Wilson as a special guest.
When: 9 and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $15 (in addition to a $10 minimum purchase); twinsjazz.com
Kicks for Kids Charity Shoe Drive Concert at 9:30 Club, Sunday
This time of year, there is a number of charitable events, and that’s a good thing. On Sunday, check out this fundraiser, which helps less fortunate children in the D.C. area acquire shoes. The show features Meek Mill & Friends, Black Alley Band, Gods’Illa and more.
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10 suggested donation at the door; 930.com, sneakersuite.com
