emmet swimming

Saturday, June 23rd at the 9:30 Club

emmet swimming and Modern Yesterday (reunion!)

We are very excited to announce that we will be playing a very special show on Saturday, June 23rd at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC to celebrate emmet swimming’s 30th Anniversary. Yes, like you are now thinking, we feel old. It’s been thirty (30!) years since Todd wrote the song “emmet swimming”, started to jam with friends in Fairfax and ultimately named the band after that song.  It’s been a great journey: over a thousand shows played, three records released on Epic Records (Sony), the HORDE tour, over a dozen Washington Area Music Awards, 29 shows at the 9:30 Club and one show in a small town in Tennessee where we were chased out of the venue by an angry mob.

This will be our thirtieth show at the legendary club. Todd received the 9:30 Club coffee table book as a Fathers Day gift from his kids. He was pleasantly surprised to see emmet swimming listed in the top ten of number of times a band has played the club. After this show we will pass The Roots and move into 9th place.

To make the night even more special our old friends Modern Yesterday will reunite to open the show. Amazing vocals, amazing musicians, and great friends.  There will be a number of special guests and surprises.

This is an early show! Doors will open at 6pm, and the show will be over at 9:30pm.

In order for our true fans to get tickets, a special pre-sale will commence at 10am on Monday, February 26th with the password FAIRFAX … if for some reason you do not get tickets during the pre-sale the password will be removed and the general sale will begin on Wednesday, February 28th. All of these sales will happen before the show is officially announced by the 9:30 Club in March. We (and Modern Yesterday) want to make sure the fans that follow us on Facebook, are on our email list, etc, get tickets before the word gets out. We also wanted to get you the details months in advance so you can book the babysitter, make travel plans and brush up on our catalogue :). Post your song requests on our Facebook page.

Get Tickets Here!

Can’t wait to see you there.  Ask our manager Alan to buy you a beer – he just might!

Todd, Erik, Tamer, Scotty…oh, and Alan
emmet swimming

January 28th at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, VA

Dear Friends,

It’s been a while since our last show, and we are looking forward to playing and seeing many of you again at our sold out show this Saturday, January 28, 2017. Sadly, we will also be mourning the recent loss of two good friends and fans of ours from way back, Mike Smith and Scott Dayton. Please read a little more about each of these special men below. The majority of the proceeds we receive from this show will be divided between the two families below.

Mike was probably at the first show Tamer ever played with the band at TT Reynolds back in the early 90’s. Not only was he a loyal fan he was a friend to all of us. He was the coolest, funniest, most awesome dude. Born in Slidell, Louisiana in 1971 Mike soon moved states to Chesapeake, VA where he spent his childhood. It was here that he honed his skills at skateboarding, BMX and mowing the lawn. While being the best big brother to his two sisters, Mike excelled at school, being elected to student council, winning awards in forensics and trying his hand at pole vaulting, football and high school band. Setting his sights on success in the work force, Mike chose George Mason University and majored in Government Politics. He joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity where he made life-long friends. After graduation Mike entered a career in sales. From cell phones to the finest homes in Virginia, he outsold everyone. He had a competitive spirit and enjoyed friendly rivalries with teammates that earned him the love and respect of many more people in his life. Through his work he met his best friend and loving wife, Morgen Smith, and the two made a life together in the heart of Old Town Manassas, complete with Lucy the dog, Tuesday the cat and Leroy the bigger cat. Michael’s selfless, silly spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him, loved him, sought his council or hugs especially his eight nieces and nephews with whom he had a special, lasting relationship. His family, droves of friends and all the animals at the ASPCA who have benefitted from his charitable donations will miss him terribly. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Morgen Smith, his parents Don and Sharon Newsome, his sister and brother-in-law Erin and Andy Moltz, his sister and brother-in-law Chandler and Michael Price, his eight nieces and nephews: Ian, John, Sara, Mary, Addison, Matthew, Zoe and Dora and many more family and friends who were special to him.

Donations in Mike’s memory can be made at GoFundMe.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Cooper Dayton, 42, a native of Woodbridge, VA and resident of Virginia Beach, was killed in action on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016 while assigned to Special Operation Forces in Northern Syria, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in the US led mission against ISIS. Scott was a 23-year veteran of the United States Navy where he served as a member of an elite Navy Special Operations community as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. He was a true patriot and highly regarded by his peers in the EOD community, deploying multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Scott’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and 10 Joint Service/Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals.

While Scott will forever be immortalized as a fearless warrior and true American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, to his close family and friends he will also be remembered for so much more. As a true professional dedicated to his career, he found happiness and enjoyment in many activities, while maintaining the status of a loving father, husband and friend. At any opportunity you could find Scott surfing in the early morning hours, turning wrenches on his jeep, fishing with his friends and family on their boat, spending much deserved quiet time in a deer stand in the country, cheering on his son and daughter at soccer games, riding his Harley, and enjoying the occasional (sometimes one too many) beers with the boys. All of these activities were done while enjoying music. Scott had a love for a variety of music, ranging anywhere from bluegrass to reggae. His taste for music was diverse and he loved to share his favorites with others, both welcomed and unwelcomed, many times creating new fans from the most unsuspecting of friends. Music and his enjoyment of it, whether blasting on the stereo while driving, listening while alone, or causing havoc while attending live concerts, shaped him into the person he was.

Scott was a dedicated fan of emmet swimming since their start. He first discovered the band while visiting friends at GMU in ’92 and frequented their shows at Planet NOVA and TT Reynolds with high school buddies. He was always drawn to the small, intimate venues where he could make his way easily to the front of the crowd to sing aloud their songs and sometimes chat with band members between sets. Scott joined the Navy in February of ’93 and moved to California but remained a loyal fan – so stoked when emmets album, Wake, was released in ’94. He introduced his future wife, Kristin, to the band in ’95 at The Bait Shack. This concert was especially memorable because it was the first time Kristin saw Scott dance… almost a dealbreaker! Although Scott and Kristin’s last live concert was in Newport News around 2008, Scott remained no stranger to emmet’s music. Since ’92, his love of Emmet Swimming was contagious, helping develop lasting fans with all those he shared their music with.

Undoubtedly, the band and their lyrics made a lasting impression on Scott. They came into his life after losing his father and soon after, his mother. An only child, Scott was forced to face one of the hardest and saddest times in anyone’s life. Music provided him refuge and meaning when he needed it most. emmet swimming’s music and the memories they created was an integral part of helping Scott push forward and become the hero he became. The memories of Scott and his favorite music he left behind are already providing his friends and family the same comfort.

To quote another one of Scott’s favorite artist: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. –Bob Marley. Scott is survived by his loving wife Kristin, daughter Hailey, and son Cole. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him but the memories he created with so many will never be forgotten.

Donations in Scott’s memory can be made to All In, All The Time, (indicate the Scott Dayton Family as the recipient), or the EOD Warrior Foundation.

Filed under: leesburg, tally ho

July 18th at The Hamilton in DC

We hope you are making it through this brutal winter. We’re certainly ready for it to be over.

What a better way to dream about the summer then to announce a very special show at The Hamilton in Washington DC? The Hamilton is a beautiful venue offering a uniquely eclectic experience located just steps from the White House. It’s comfortable, yet intimate and a great listening room. We have a bunch of surprises planned so don’t miss our only show this summer.

Filed under: hamilton, washington

January 24th at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, VA

Just announced! emmet swimming at the Tally Ho in Leesburg, VA

Please join us for an all ages show at this beautifully renovated theater in Leesburg, VA. We had a blast the last time we played here and we look forward to playing there in early 2015.

Filed under: leesburg, tally ho

October 4th at the State Theater in Falls Church, VA

Join us for our next show with our friends Smartbomb!

Click here for tickets!

Filed under: falls church, state theater

July 19th at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA

Our next local show will be at the Birchmere on Saturday July 19th, 2014. We played there last summer and really enjoyed it. It’s a venue where you can bring your kids, enjoy a bite to eat, relax without getting slammed by someone who has had a few too many and there is plenty of parking. We plan on putting together a very special set list for the evening. (We have some time to rehearse!) Our old friend Shane Hines will perform a solo set before we go on!

Tickets go one sale Friday, February 7th and we recommend buying your tickets in advance as the last show sold out in advance. Please help us by spreading the news about this show to others you know who may want to attend and/or posting on your Facebook pages. We appreciate it!

Click here for tickets!

Filed under: alexandria, birchmere

January 25th at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, VA

Please join us at this beautiful renovated theater in Leesburg, VA. We had a blast the last time we played here and we return in January.

Filed under: leesburg, tally ho

New Year's Eve at the Tortoise & Hare in Arlington

If you’re like us you have no interest in heading downtown, putting on a tux and fighting the masses.

Our solution: we’ve decided to play a small, intimate New Year’s Eve show at our friend Erik’s stellar bar in Arlington. There will be top quality sound (thanks Phil!) and we’ll be playing all night.

We’ve restricted the number of tickets that will be sold to ensure comfort and there will be a smorgasbord of delicious food, a champagne toast and best of all an open bar (drink tickets).

All of this is only $99 if you buy early — click here to buy tickets.

We hope you’ll join us at this truly unique event!

Filed under: arlington, new years eve, tortoise and hare

Paradise Ocean Club in Hampton, VA on September 21st

Our Hampton/Norfolk/Virginia Beach CD Release Party! emmet plays at 7:00, so this is an early show at an amazing venue on the water. Come out to help us celebrate our new CD this kid walks into a bar…

Filed under: hampton, paradise ocean club, virginia beach

The State Theater in Falls Church on October 5th

Come out and join us at this great venue in Falls Church. Westmain opens up at 8:30 and emmet takes the stage at 9:30.

Order Tickets »

Filed under: falls church, state theater

New Show! Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, VA

Please join us at this beautiful renovated theater in Leesburg, VA. It’s an all ages show with The Plunge opening!

Filed under: leesburg, tally ho

Very Special Show at the Birchmere in Alexandria on June 15th

Greetings!

We have been recording some new songs that we’ve been playing out over the last couple years and wanted to book a special show to celebrate their release. So we are very excited to announce that we are playing a show at the legendary Birchmere in Alexandria, VA on Saturday, June 15th.

The Birchmere is one of our area’s truly unique venues with an exceptional line-up that we are honored to be a part of. It will be a “seated” show (tables) and it’s all ages (and not too late) so a perfect show to bring the family to. We’ll be releasing a CD of new material that will also include some rare bonus tracks from sessions with Producers Don Dixon, Peter Collins, Marco Delmar, etc. For those of you who live out of town, it’s a perfect show to come for a visit.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 1st. We recommend buying your tickets in advance for this show as soon as you can. Please help us by spreading the news about this show to others you know who may want to attend and/or posting on your Facebook pages.

We are really excited about this show and hope to see you there. It promises to be a special night!

Filed under: alexandria, birchmere

IOTA Club & Cafe in Arlington on September 29th

NEW SONGS, A TON OF CLASSICS and some surprises. It’s been a while!

Filed under: arlington, iota

U Street Music Hall on March 31st

Finally announcing a show. We haven’t played the U Street Music Hall before. We are looking forward to seeing some of you there. It’s an early show.

Set list to be determined, but we’ve worked on some of our new songs and a smattering of tunes that we haven’t played in a long time. Some of them for well over a decade. Hope to see you out. —Todd

Tickets are $15 and are available at TicketFly.

Filed under: early show, u street music hall, washington

Del Ray Music Festival on June 25th

The 5th Annual Del Ray Music Festival runs all day (from 10am to 10pm) on Saturday, June 25th on the fields at Mt. Vernon Recreation Center at 2701 Commonwealth Ave. in Alexandria.

(more…)

Filed under: alexandria, del ray, del ray music festival, festival

Ladysmith Day at Ladysmith Village on May 21st

Ladysmith Day runs from 10am to 5pm and includes:

• Live bands all day, from country to alternative rock
• Entertainment and activities for all ages
• Over 50 vendors, including food and crafts
• Pony rides and a petting zoo for kids
• The Ladysmith Village Art & Wine Fest, featuring Virginia artists, wineries and model home tours

Ladysmith Village is located 1 mile north of Ladysmith Road (Route 639) on Route 1.  Take the Ladysmith exit (exit 110) west off of I-95 to 17276 Camellia Drive, Ruther Glen, VA 22546. Free admission and free parking available.

Filed under: festival, ladysmith day, ladysmith village

IOTA Club & Cafe in Arlington on March 12th

NEW SONGS, CLASSICS and some surprises. It’s been a while!

Filed under: arlington, iota

Paxton Music Festival on May 21st

Come out and see emmet swimming, plus other great jazz, folk, country and contemporary music performed by local groups while relaxing on the beautiful grounds of the Paxton Campus in historic Leesburg, Virginia.

Wine Tasting and Gourmet Food Sampling

Come taste the best of Virginia’s wines! Local wineries will offer tastings of their best selling wines, and purchases by the glass or by the bottle will be available. Accompany your favorite glass of wine with an appetizer-sized portion of a signature recipe prepared by chefs from the area’s most popular restaurants at one of the many gourmet food booths.

Artisan Vendor Exhibits

Browse the booths of many of the most exciting local vendors, who will display unique products including gourmet sauces, fancy foods, beverages, wine accessories and crafts.

Other Activities

• Antique Car Show
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Wine Seminars
• Much more…

Buy Tickets Here!

Filed under: charity, leesburg, paxton music festival

IOTA Club & Cafe in Arlington on October 29th

Come out to IOTA on October 29th!  Tickets are $15 and available at the door.  Join us as we welcome the reunion of our old friends BioHio!

Filed under: arlington, iota

Streetfest: Queensway on July 31st in Downtown Hampton, VA

We’re coming to Hampton, VA!

We’re playing at Streetfest: Queensway on July 31st in downtown Hampton. emmet swimming plays a full set starting at 8pm, and the show is free for all ages.

Filed under: hampton, outside, streetfest queensway

Village at Leesburg Summer Block Party on July 17th

Come out and see us (and American Idol’s Elliot Yamin) play on July 17th at the Village at Leesburg Summer Block Party. The party goes from 5pm to 9pm and emmet swimming plays a full set at 6pm!

The show is free for all ages, and proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Loudoun County.

Filed under: charity, leesburg, outside, summer block party, village at leesburg

"Rock the Lot" on June 5th in Arlington!

We return to “Rock the Lot” at the Tortoise & Hare Bar and Grill! Music outside all day with emmet at 6pm. Tickets are $15 with proceeds going to Operation Homefront.

Filed under: arlington, charity, outside, rock the lot, tortoise & hare

IOTA Club & Cafe on May 8th

A very special evening featuring two performances at IOTA Club and Cafe, including our first ever “family show”!

Show #1
Doors 5pm. Show 6pm. sharp. Our first ever family show. ALL AGES. Kids under 18 are only $5. Adults: $15. This will be a great opportunity to introduce your entire family to the band. We will play as a full band (electric) but the volume will be slightly reduced. We will play a FULL set.

Show #2
Doors at 9pm. Show starts at 10pm. 21+. $15. Full electric set which will be a different set than the early performance.

Tickets for both shows available at the door.

Filed under: arlington, family show, iota

Alley Katz in Richmond, VA

We continue our winter mini-tour after the new year in Richmond with The Sharp Comfort opening, and are looking forward to seeing all our friends in RVA!

Filed under: alley katz, richmond

Amos' Southend in Charlotte, NC

We’re coming to Charlotte, and playing with some good friends! Looking forward to our first road trip in a long time and hope to see you all there. Athenaeum and Colourslide fill out the bill.

Filed under: amos southend, charlotte

Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh, NC

Yes, that’s right. We’re climbing in the van for a “southern swing” with dates in North Carolina and Richmond! You asked for it, and we’re coming to Raleigh! Our friends Colourslide will join us, and doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the day of the show.

Filed under: berkeley cafe, raleigh

New Year's Eve!

Come out to IOTA Club and Cafe in Arlington, VA for a New Year’s Eve party with emmet swimming and a special guest to be announced!

IOTA opens at 5:00pm, and your $35 show ticket includes decorations, party favors, midnight champagne toast and Hoppin’ John for good luck!

Special Pasta Buffet:
$15 per person plus sales tax. Two sauces, sausages, meatballs, savory vegetables, salad, and bread; separate menu available for sandwiches and desserts. Cafe seating available while dining only – no reservations.

Tickets are on sale at IOTA after 5pm daily, starting on 12/1. Tickets for the show and buffet are sold separately. Tickets are not on sale online or by phone, and only cash or personal checks are accepted. You must be 21 years or older and present valid I.D. at the door (no exceptions).

Filed under: arlington, iota, new years eve

Charity Benefit for The Duffy House

Come join us for a night of music with our good friends Jukebox Serenade. The Duffy House mission is to provide a compassionate safe haven that encourages security, personal growth, happiness and independence for women and their children who are survivors of assault and domestic abuse. All proceeds from the show will go towards the purchase of the property where The Duffy House will be built. Special thanks to Christine Eads from XM Radio’s Broadminded for inviting us to be a part of this great benefit!

We’ll promoting the benefit on XM Radio live in the studio as guests on Broadminded. Details on our appearance to be announced. Keep checking back for the date and time!

Filed under: arlington, broadminded, charity, duffy house, iota, jukebox serenade, xm radio

"Bathing in the New Economy" Re-Release Party at the 9:30 Club!

Release party for the new version of “Bathing in the New Economy” which will include bonus tracks and will be available for the first time internationally on July 21st on all major digital service providers (iTunes, Amazon.com etc) via a new deal with Redeye Distribution.

Special Early All Ages Show with Special Guests The Dreamscapes Project. Tickets are just $15.

Look for other releases including new material soon!

Filed under: 9:30 club, all ages, early show, release party, washington

A Special Night with emmet swimming Performing a Long Set in an Intimate Venue

Come out and see emmet swimming on Friday, May 15th at IOTA Club & Cafe, 2½ blocks east of the Clarendon Metro on the Orange Line. Tickets are just $15!

Filed under: arlington, iota, long set