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Since they burst onto the scene in 2008, Fitz and The Tantrums have produced a series of high-energy hits. Regardless of whether you consider them indie or pop, chances are you’ve heard your fair share of the Los Angeles-based band’s top tracks, like “Moneygrabber,” “The Walker” and, most recently, “HandClap.”

While they were only able to play an abbreviated set at DC101’s Kerfuffle this year, they did not disappoint during their time in the spotlight. Lead singers Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs can both sing, but they are also solid performers. Their synchronized dancing and overall showmanship kept smiles on the faces of those in attendance.

To see my full gallery of photos from throughout the day at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, go here.

For three years of my life, I worked as a bartender at my father’s bar on the weekends to make some extra cash. While much of that experience was highly enjoyable, not everything was sunshine and lollipops.

For example, during that timeframe I can conservatively say that I heard roughly six million renditions of “Sweetness,” “The Middle” and countless other tracks from the Jimmy Eat World catalog. After covering their performance at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, I am relieved to report they are much more talented than the drunken karaoke duds I was subjected to for all those years.

Jimmy Eat World kicked off their set with “Bleed American,” which was a nice way to get the crowd fired up for their hourlong performance. From there, they did a masterful job of weaving through high-energy tracks and some of their softer selections. In total, they played a really-enjoyable 16-song set that included pretty much everything you could ask for.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from their set. To see my full gallery of photos from throughout the day at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, go here.

Sat It Ain’t So. Island in the Sun. Buddy Holly. Beverly Hills. Hash Pipe. Undone – The Sweater Song.

The list goes on and on.

For more than 20 years, Weezer has delivered. When I saw that they were among the performers at DC101’s Kerfuffle this year, I knew I had to be there. When I found out I was going to be credentialed to cover the show on behalf of D.C. Music Download, I was beyond ecstatic. And anyone who takes a quick peak at their setlist for that evening, will likely feel the same way. Even though they only had time to play 13 songs, they made the most of it.

Unless they have special permission from the band, photographers are only allowed to shoot during a band’s first three songs. After that, you and your camera take a walk until the next band hits the stage. Even though the first three songs flew by, I was more than happy to put the camera away and enjoy the rest of Weezer’s set. Here are my favorite images I was able to capture during those first three songs.

To see my full gallery of photos from throughout the day at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, go here.

A decade ago, a Chicago-based quartet burst onto the scene with an iconic music video featuring synchronized dancing on treadmills. That critically-acclaimed video solidified their place in the indie rock scene, earned them a Grammy and garnered more than 34 million views. Not bad for a first-time effort.

Over the next decade, while the rest of the music world gave up on music videos (Thanks MTV), OK Go continued to crank out innovative visuals to accompany their catchy tunes. What started on a set of treadmills eventually led to a music video in a Russian spaceship. Their most recent hit, titled “The One Moment” features a series of events that takes just 4.2 seconds (thankfully, they slowed it down so fans could appreciate everything that went into it). And it’s because of these two mesmerizing videos that OK Go found themselves in the nation’s capital this week.

One night after they were honored with one of Smithsonian Magazine‘s American Ingenuity Award in the Visual Arts, OK Go treated locals to an intimate acoustic performance at The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. In addition to their acoustic set, the band also participated in a Q&A session and a discussion regarding their award-winning videos.

I was lucky enough to be in attendance for this acoustic performance on behalf of D.C. Music Download. When you get a chance, please check out my photos from the show.