I was planning on catching These United States at Ft. Reno this coming Monday (today!)… but, then after reading an interview with them in Brightetstyoungthings, and knowing I had the evening free, I decided to go to IOTA in Arlington, Va to see their first of two shows at the club this weekend.

This was my first time seeing a show at IOTA and I must say it instantly became a favorite venue. And it wasn’t just the beautifully lit backdrop of a stage. It was how intimate and informal this venue was. No “waiting in line for an hour in the heat for doors to open!” Just come on in, make yourself at home: have a drink… grab dinner…. watch the sound check… relax!

The Cotton Jones Basket Ride was the first to open. Yes, interesting name - but, the band was quite good. They have a bit of a country rock sound and where enjoyable to listen to while waiting for These United States.

These United States took the stage just after 10pm with lead singer, Jesse Elliott (celebrating his birthday!) putting on an excellent performance! This band really impressed me - not only with their musical style and talent, but they were so much fun to watch and shoot as well. Instruments such as the lap steel and pedal steel combined with drums, bass, and guitars made for a very lush musical set. The audience were clearly enjoying themselves because when Jesse ended the last song with, “Ok - we’ll play one more….”, the crowd cheered loudly only for him to continue “…tomorrow night!” Everyone laughed but, I’m sure they were secretly disappointed!

The Apparitions were the headlining act for the night. The cool thing about this band is that it features 3 members from These United States! (hence the meta interview with them on Thursday) These two bands share members, but truly differ in style.

All three bands made for an excellent evening and the atmosphere provided by IOTA made it all complete for me!
Catch These United States with another awesome DC band, Jukebox the Ghost (a personal favorite) tonight at Ft. Reno!

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