Leisure

Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

Features

The Beat That Goes and Goes: The Sound of D.C.

At most go-go shows, when the music starts, it doesn’t stop for hours. The ten musicians onstage have instruments ranging from keyboards to cowbells, conga drums, and roto toms. A... Read more

By November 17, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Sam Smith, The Thrill of it All

It’s been three years since Sam Smith entered our collective psyche with his first album In the Lonely Hour. Even if you haven’t heard the entire album, you’re most likely... Read more

By November 15, 2017

Leisure

Last Flag Flying: A Study of Grief and Patriotism

Fans of director Richard Linklater will no doubt find his latest project to be very satisfying — and very much in line with his previous work. Last Flag Flying is... Read more

By November 15, 2017

Leisure

Karen Cohen: Turning Fantasy into Photograph

Arranged on a single wall in a corner of Gallery Underground, six 15 by 20 inch photographs make up Cohen’s collection. At first glance, it is hard to see what... Read more

By November 15, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Taylor Swift, reputation

Long gone is the sweet country girl who played acoustics about finding a place in this world while crying teardrops on her guitar. In her place is a confident woman... Read more

By November 15, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Metro Boomin, Without Warning

The first time Metro Boomin’s tag mumbles across his new album, Without Warning, it’s slower than normal. The syrupy “Metro Boomin want some more” indicates a mood, something eerie. In... Read more

By November 13, 2017

Leisure

Miles Teller on Honoring Veterans and Portraying PTSD in Thank You For Your Service

In Miles Teller’s new biopic, Thank You For Your Service, Teller portrays real-life serviceman Adam Schumann as he comes home from the Iraq War only to face more hardships at... Read more

By November 13, 2017

Leisure

Caesar Blends the Classic Story with Modern Technology

Many students only know Shakespeare’s political drama Julius Caesar from their high school English class, and only remember Marc Antony’s infamous opening line to one of the greatest speeches in... Read more

By November 7, 2017

Leisure

In Conversation: “Awareness, Action, and Dissent”

In light of its current exhibition, “Ai Wei Wei: Trace at Hirshhorn,” which showcases Lego portraits of individuals whom the artists consider to be political activists, the Hirshhorn has collaborated with... Read more

By November 6, 2017

Leisure

Biting Into Black Theater Ensemble’s “The Hand That Feeds You”

As the old precautionary adage goes: “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” In other words, demonstrate loyalty to those who have sustained and contributed to the attainment of your... Read more

By November 4, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Snoop Dogg, Make America Crip Again

No matter how long it’s been since his last project, every so often hip hop fans seem to find themselves hearing the familiar, yet always surprising news: Snoop is back.... Read more

By November 4, 2017

Leisure

Concert Review: Bad Suns, Oct. 29, 9:30 Club

As Bad Suns took to the stage at the 9:30 Club on Oct. 29, lead vocalist Christo Bowman proclaimed his pride of finally headlining at the venue. The band has... Read more

By November 4, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Ty Dolla $ign, Beach House 3

It’s easy to forget that Ty Dolla $ign turned 30 in 2015, especially so considering he’s nearly impossible to overlook in 2017, seemingly singing the hook to every other top... Read more

By November 3, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: Ariel Pink, November 5, 9:30 Club

Following the release of his most recent album, Dedicated to Bobby Jameson, American songwriter Ariel Pink is touring North America and will be playing at the 9:30 Club in Washington,... Read more

By November 3, 2017

Leisure

Suburbicon is a Paradigm of Directorial Disaster

When you cross a Coen Brother screenplay with a race-relations subplot set in the 1950s, things are bound to get a little interesting. However, in the case of Suburbicon, this... Read more

By October 31, 2017

Leisure

Concert Review: Louis the Child, Oct. 25, 9:30 Club

Chicago-based DJ duo Louis the Child have come a long way since their first hit “It’s Strange” was recommended personally by Taylor Swift on Instagram. After numerous shows at intimate... Read more

By October 30, 2017

Leisure

Oaxaca meets Wisconsin Ave: Luis Pablo at The Phoenix

Boutiques parade up Wisconsin Avenue. Slick acrylic furniture and uninteresting floor-lamps grow up into the windows with looming price tags—reminders of empty wallets. In the window of the Phoenix, one... Read more

By October 30, 2017

Leisure

“The Utopian Projects” Combines Fantasy and Post-Stalinist Russia

“The Utopian Projects,” an exhibition which will be on display at the Hirshhorn Museum from Sept. 7 to March 4, is a culmination of works by two of the most... Read more

By October 29, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: Flying Lotus in 3D, Nov. 5, Echostage

Since releasing his debut album, 1983, eleven years ago, Flying Lotus (born Steven Ellison) has rocketed to the elite of a very distinct and unorthodox community of musicians, directors, and... Read more

By October 29, 2017

Leisure

Murder at the Renwick: An Exploration of Forensics Pioneer Frances Glessner Lee

A doll hanging from a noose is exactly the sort of image that sends a shiver down the spine — after all “dolls and death” are a pretty unsettling duo... Read more

By October 27, 2017