The Brass-A-Holics: A New Orleans Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Chuck Brown at the Hamilton, Friday
Chuck Brown was supposed to perform Friday night.
As part of the D.C. Jazz Festival, Brown was scheduled to play with the New Orleans based band Brass-A-Holics at the Hamilton.
On May 16, Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go, passed away.
“I was without words,” said Winston Turner, founder and trombonist of the Brass-A-Holics, on when he heard of Brown’s passing. “It was so sad.”
On Friday, instead of performing with Brown, the Brass-A-Holics will play a tribute to the legendary musician.
“It was just awful,” Turner added, saying he heard of the news while driving. “I had to pull over and get myself together.”
That the Brass-A-Holics are in the position to honor Brown is fitting when considering the band’s music. The group has definite go-go influences, combined with a brass section and New Orleans’ own bounce music. The result is a high-energy, upbeat, funky, powerful sound the Godfather surely would appreciate.
“Once we start, it doesn’t stop,” Turner said, adding that Brown could “keep it going all night.”
The Brass-A-Holics performed at the D.C. Jazz Festival last year, and Turner said he really enjoys the event.
While Turner never had the opportunity to meet Brown, he wants to make sure his band pays tribute to him the best way they know how. Part of Friday night’s show will be a New Orleans-type jazz funeral.
“We were so excited,” Turner said. “We were actually going to meet him.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $27.50 to $38; thehamiltondc.com
Beach Bash and Wine Fest at Tallula EatBar, Saturday
Like wine? Check out 20 different wines perfect for the summertime. Pair the vino with some good eats such as fish tacos and crab sliders, and good music, and you have yourself a nice, chill Saturday afternoon.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; tallularestaurant.com
Drink Local at Meridian Pint, Saturday
Can’t make the Savor craft beer event this year? Head to Meridian Pint for a Drink Local party. Enjoy 24 drafts and 12 casks, all from area breweries, including DC Brau, Lost Rhino, Port City and more.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: Casks are $5 a glass; meridianpint.com
“The Breakfast Club” at Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse, Saturday
The Raspberry Brothers give their comedy treatment to this Brat Pack starring ’80s classic.
When: 7:15 p.m. Saturday
Info: $12; arlingtondrafthouse.com
Write On: A Benefit for 826DC at the Dunes, Saturday
A series of DJs spin on Saturday at this Columbia Heights venue. The event is a fundraiser for 826DC, a nonprofit which helps school-age children with their creative and writing skills.
When: Doors at 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $15; thedunesdc.com
