Can’t Miss Acts at DC’s All Things Go Festival 2024
There’s a lot of things we take seriously in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Sure, politics are one thing, but nothing gets Washingtonians as riled up as hosting the traditionally queer and women-centered music festival that is All Things Go.
From some of this year’s standout artists to timeless acts, the lineup for festival’s 10th anniversary is bringing the heat to Merriweather Post Pavilion this weekend. With two days of performances spanning two stages, here are the acts I would make the trek to the Maryland suburbs for.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Starting the day off strong at the Chrysalis Stage, indie rocker Annie DiRusso is slated to perform at 12:30 pm after sets by Olivia Malcolm and Infinity Song. DiRusso released her newest single, “Legs,” last month, a track sure to fit perfectly into her usual high-energy, booming set. The Nashville-based musician certainly knows how to get a crowd moving, making her performance the perfect way to welcome an afternoon of lively music.
Indigo De Souza at Webster Hall last year. Photo by Ben Robinson.
If you feel like getting your steps in early, I would head to the Pavilion Stage for Indigo De Souza’s set at 1:40 pm, followed by Sammy Rae & The Friends’ at 2:30 pm. Since releasing her 2018 debut album I Love My Mom, De Souza has been one of indie rock’s It Girls. With the release of her EP, WHOLESOME EVIL FANTASY, just last week, De Souza is sure to ride the momentum into a fabulous All Things Go performance. Similarly, Sammy Rae & The Friends’ latest record, Something For Everybody, dropped Sept. 20 and her horn-driven, jazzy sound will be a breath of fresh air.
The choice between Ethel Cain’s 4:20 pm set at the Chysalis Stage and Julien Baker’s 5 pm set at the Pavilion Stage is a matter of logistics. Both artists are known for their intimate performances of absolutely gut-wrenching songs, so if you’re someone who likes to use live music as therapy, I would recommend wearing your comfiest shoes and getting ready to run between the stages to catch some of each. You could also make the choice to see either Cain or Baker based on your preferred post-emotional recovery act. For powerhouse vocals and infectiously fun energy, I wouldn't miss Remi Wolf’s 5:45 pm set at the Chrysalis Stage.
Whether you watch Bleachers from the Pavilion Stage or Janelle Monáe at the Chrysalis Stage, end the night with Laufey under Merriweather’s iconic pavilion as she graces the stage with The Kennedy Center’s Opera House Orchestra. There is no better way to close out a day of fantastic music than with the calming sounds of a full, live orchestra and Laufey’s angelic vocals.
Sunday, Sept. 29
Day two of All Things Go is an especially big day for queer women. Towa Bird takes the Pavilion Stage at 12 pm and after a summer of marinating in the success of her debut album, American Hero, the gifted guitarist is expected to rock the pavilion.
Reneé Rapp in Toronto last year. Photo by Javi Zamorano
Between 12:50 pm and 5 pm, we are forced to make some tough choices. Medium Build, who spoke with Off The Record in July, is a folk rock gem set to perform at the Chrysalis Stage at 1:20 pm, while the Nashville-raised indie rocker Soccer Mommy performs at the Pavilion Stage at 1:40 pm.
Regardless of which act you choose to prioritize, I would recommend heading to the Pavilion Stage early to grab a spot for Chappell Roan’s 5 pm set. The Midwest Princess has taken the world by storm this year and her stop at All Things Go is sure to draw massive crowds like at her previous festival performances. Joining Roan in doing her ubiquitous “HOT TO GO!” dance is sure to be a highlight of the day.
If your vocal cords aren’t yet fried, I would stay parked at the Pavilion Stage for the rest of the night to expel your remaining energy. Everyone’s favorite Mean Girl Reneé Rapp is the penultimate act under the pavilion. The insanely strong vocalist is sure to make jaws drop with her effortless vocal talent and fans laugh with her unapologetic energy.
Hozier closes out the festival at the Pavilion Stage at 9:20 pm. The soul rock star has spent the year releasing bonus tracks from his 2023 record Unreal Unearth and I have no doubt that he’ll have the crowd belting along to the songs that have sound tracked the last decade, from “Take Me To Church” to “Too Sweet.”
The All Things Go 2024 lineup.