By intern Sakura Buker
Photo credit: Courtesy of SP & SB
Dupont Underground, formerly an underground streetcar station, transformed into a celebration of art, music and DC culture for the DMV Alliance Music Festival. Suspicious Package, Running Late and Durty Neil headlined the festival with accompanying projections and displays of art by local creatives and filmmakers. Guests had the pleasure of entering the Underground at its iconic red R Street passageway and, following the music, enjoyed their way through the various exhibitions leading up to the concert.
Christina Sevilla and Tim Burger of Suspicious Package
Backlit by a warm pink glow, images of artists’ digital art, photography and paintings were projected onto the tunnel’s blank inner walls, evoking the feeling of an art gallery of which DC has many–though this one owing to its unique content and location was a welcome change to the galleries above ground. On the walls opposite the projections were framed portraits of the artists themselves.
Photo credit: Sakura Buker
Running Late played a particularly passionate rendition of Radiohead’s Creep, their interpretation echoing through the cavernous space and drawing applause from the crowd. The band’s blend of indie rock and experimental soundscapes felt perfectly suited to the Underground’s industrial atmosphere, with reverberations bouncing off concrete walls in ways that would be impossible in a traditional venue.
Photo credit: Sakura Buker
Between sets, festival-goers explored interactive art installations tucked into alcoves along the tunnel walls. In one piece projected on the tunnel wall, a larger-than-life pigeon loomed over the Capitol Building rotunda. In another, four metro cars sporting wings hovered atop a pink background. The Underground’s unique acoustics and architecture became part of the art itself, with every conversation and footstep contributing to the evening’s ambient soundtrack. Later in the night, Suspicious Package and Durty Neil played energy-filled sets that got the crowd moving and enjoying the music.
The festival’s community focus was evident throughout the night, with volunteers mingling with attendees and sharing information about upcoming events and resources. A merchandise booth featuring work from local artists and musicians saw steady traffic, with proceeds supporting the festival’s mission.
Tim Burger Josh Meyer Christina Sevilla Bob Hagemann and Bryan Greene of Suspicious Package
All proceeds of the night went to community non-profits that benefit the arts: DMV Music Alliance and Dupont Underground. DMV Music Alliance provides free resources to musicians and music professionals in the DMV, and Dupont Underground is host to art exhibitions, concerts, and more–all DMV based. The festival’s success highlights the power of grassroots arts organizing and the hunger for authentic cultural experiences in the nation’s capital, proving that sometimes the best art happens below the surface.
