Ekko Astral, one of the Best New Artists of last year, have some great things lined up for 2025 too. Along with the trans rights advocacy collective Gender Liberation Movement, the DC punks have created a new festival in their hometown called Liberation Weekend, billed as "a thrilling sampling of our nation’s most forward-thinking rock and pop acts." It's going down on May 30 and 31, and its lineup is quite promising.
Across stages at both the Black Cat and DC9, Liberation Weekend's first day will host bands like Home Is Where, Pinkshift, Combat, Perennial, and Um, Jennifer?, with a couple of additional artists TBA. The second night will feature the likes of L'Rain, Bartees Strange, Speedy Ortiz, Downtown Boys, and naturally, Ekko Astral themselves. The announcement also promises "a two-floor dance afterparty, complete with hot DJs, live bands, and a variety of stand-up comedy and performance pieces." Sounds like a good time.
All net proceeds will go to Gender Liberation Movement to help fund future events including rallies, demonstrations, and protests in the wake of a dangerous uptick in anti-trans policymaking in the US. Tickets are sold separately for the two venues, and you can buy both via the link here. See the full band lineup below.
LINEUP:
Home Is Where
Pinkshift
Combat
Pretty Bitter
2 Special Secret Artists
Perennial
Zora
Um, Jennifer?
Lecamille
Vanfleet
Pet Wife
Midnight Ecstacy
Tranza Showcase
L'Rain
Bartees Strange
Asher White
Ted Leo
Speedy Ortiz
Downtown Boys
Ekko Astral
Pure Adult
Vaelastrasz
Big Girl
Faith
Void
Locals Only Showcase
Pinky Lemon
Cherub Tree
Massie
Berra
