Marcus King Band at The Anthem

Go To This Because We Asked So Nicely – A Concert Preview

By Maryann Weber

Photo Credit: Rota 66 / Héctor García Barnés

They tell me the blues ain’t as popular as they used to be. That just confuses me. Perhaps I could understand it if there wasn’t anyone good, anyone alive to carry the genre forward.  But here is Marcus King carrying the banner. Rock, southern hillbilly, funk, soul, blues, whatever we call it today, it works for me. His voice is raspy and speaks of truth.

It is not only his personal talent, which is exceptional, but the band as well. The keyboard, the sax, the bass, the drums. Not every rock band packs a honkin’ sax. My dad played sax and I have an affinity for the instrument.

Do you know Stevie Ray Vaughan? Do you know the Marshall Tucker Band? This is the next generation, and it is just as good.

Raised in South Carolina with a father who also played blues guitar, the authenticity is undeniable. His current tour is coming from Florida, and headed to New England after D.C. He is playing in casinos and festivals. And the tickets at The Anthem are not expensive.

Penelope Road, the opening band, can easily be described as modern soft rock. It has a smooth and silky sound, not whiny, somewhat ethereal.

The 5 W’s (And a few H’s)

Who: Marcus King Band with Penelope Road

What: Jazz, funk, rock, blues, soft rock

Where: The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington D.C.

When: Wednesday, June 3, doors at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Why: Because live, low-down and dirty blues should be appreciated by everyone.

How you might know them: The band was nominated for a Grammy, the Best Americana Album, for El Dorado in 2021.

How to go: General admission tickets are for sale on Ticketmaster starting at $58.