🎸#23b: Featured Live Music this Weekend

Weekend of Friday, September 5th, 2025 | Arlington | Falls Church

Author

Matt Fleming
September 05, 2025

Please subscribe for weekly newsletters,
forward to other local live music fans, and/or follow on Facebook.
At shows, always the more, the merrier -
better for the fans, the bands, and the venues.

Friday, the 5th

The Walkaways at Westover Beer Garden

Start the evening off outdoors at the iconic WBG checking out this prolific and talented local band, The Walkaways, which recently released their 4th studio album (check them out on Spotify).

“If you love soulful harmonies and a mix of rootsy Americana with a rock edge, you won’t want to miss The Walkaways. Known for their heartfelt originals and magnetic stage presence, this is a band that makes you feel every note. Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing them for the first time, their music will pull you in and leave you wanting more.”

Here is a video of a set at the Beer Garden. They play from 6-9pm, so when they wrap up, head on over to…

The Silent Critics at Solace Outpost

“The Silent Critics bring driving rhythms, raw emotion, and a sound that’s equal parts indie grit and anthemic rock. Their live shows are electric—full of passion, surprises, and the kind of connection you can only feel in the moment.”

Last time they played Solace (a month ago), they played their famous Power Hour, where they hit probably 20-30 songs in 60 minutes (usually just a verse and chorus per song). Check out this quick video from that show for a sample of both the song range, and how powerful the lead singer’s voice is (Liam Garland).

Saturday, the 6th

Rosslyn Jazz Fest at Gateway Park

Arlington, Virginia’s most popular free outdoor music festival returns Saturday, Sept. 7 (1pm-7pm) at Gateway Park! Join the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts at the 32nd Rosslyn Jazz Fest for an afternoon of music (4 bands!), community, food trucks, yard games, and more. Check out their press release.

Box Cartel at Westover Beer Garden

“Punchy grooves, gritty riffs, and hooks that stay with you—The Box Cartel bring a bold, no-frills rock sound that hits straight to the core. Their live performances are tight, high-energy, and impossible not to move to.”

I stumbled upon them last time they played WBG, and promptly canceled dinner plans with my wife and friends, telling them that I had to stay for the second set as I was “having a religious experience.” Perhaps it was a tad bit hyperbolic, but I love live music, and these guys do it well. So catch them if you can, as they only play about once a year around here. Here is the video of the show they played last time at WBG.

They are on from 5-9pm. Then afterwords, head on over to Falls Church to catch…

Moon Landing at Dogwood Tavern

Starting at 9:30pm, the sublime and prolific Shelly (she is in 3 bands) pairs up with guitarist Evan to belt out powerful harmonies with awesome charm and stage presence. I recently caught them late one night at a cleared-out Mussel Bar, but Dogwood tavern should have a lively crowd for this show, and this duo is worth checking out. Here is a quick clip featuring their harmonic range and infectious energy.

All Shows this Weekend:

Friday (9/5)

ARLINGTON

FALLS CHURCH

TYSONS

Saturday (9/6)

ARLINGTON

FALLS CHURCH

TYSONS

Sunday (9/7)

ARLINGTON

FALLS CHURCH

The SoundWave is for the fans, and by the fans. So if you have any ideas, requests, missing venues, bands to watch out for, etc, please email me at [email protected]. Thanks! - Matt