​FLASHBAND organizes epic themed showcases of one-time bands.
Meet at a jam session and play a show 1 month later!

Musicians -- meet other hobbyists & play a show

Registration for the 80s Flashband Showcase
​at Union Stage is now open!

You asked for it, and we listened. That's right, Flashband is finally bringing you THE EIGHTIES. Dance, new wave, glam, hair bands, metal, and synths galore.

All going down for a Saturday night show at a top-of-the-line venue at the Wharf during the peak of summer. Does it get much better?

FAQQ: 80s, eh? So could my band do music that came out in 1979 or 1990?
A: You know how numbers work, right?
Q: Yeah, but what if the song came out on like, December 31st, 1979 at exactly 11:59pm and 59 seconds?
A: I don't even know how you would know that, but no. That's a seventies song.
Q: Can my band play an original 80's-inspired song I/we wrote?
A: Absolutely! Creativity and originals always encouraged.
Q: This graphic you got here is pretty new wavey. What's that mean for metal? 
A: Metal is for sure on the table. Whatever came out in the 80s is fair game. 
Q: Can I register even if I won't be at the Meet & Greet Jam? 
A: No. If you won't be able to make it to the jam, please refrain from registering until post-jam when your registration will automatically route you onto the waitlist.
If you do register and can't attend the Meet & Greet Jam, you'll be manually bumped to the waitlist to make room for someone who can. Post-jam when the bands are formed, bands will then have the option to pull you off the waitlist to join them as an additional member. If no band adds you, you'll get a refund. 
Q: Why the rules? Wouldn't it be better just to let us play whatever we want?
A: Ever been to a theme party, and some people just showed up in plain clothes? What a bummer! Themes fuel creativity and are a big part of what make Flashband a good time for the participants and exciting and marketable to audiences. Give it a shot and be creative, and we know you'll dig working within the theme.
Q: What's Flashband and how does it work?
A: Flashband connects musicians to form a one-time band and play a showcase of short high-energy sets one month later.
Here's how it works: You'll form a one-time band at a meet & greet jam, rehearse with your band, then play the show! Typically 40-45 hobbyist musicians participate, and have 4 weeks to prepare a 15-minute set for a Saturday night show. Here's why 2000+ DC area musicians love Flashband:

• Meet & jam with local hobbyists like you (no sketchy craigslist)
• Play a Saturday night gig at a sweet venue just by showing up
• Skip worrying about show logistics, backline, and promo
• Get professional photos of you rocking out on stage
• Make new friends in the music scene
• Enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience among your peers

Music fans -- experience a Flashband showcase!

The next showcase is the 80s Showcase at Union Staage

Ticket link coming soon

Here's why 2000+ of people in the DC area love Flashband:

• Meet and jam with new local hobbyists like you (no sketchy craigslist - we'll find the participants)
• Play a Saturday night gig at a sweet venue just by showing up
• Have all show logistics, backline, and promo graphics taken care of for you
• Get professional photos of you performing with your instrument
• New BFFs from your one-time band! (you might even stick together?)
• A unique and unforgettable experience of camaraderie and support of fellow hobbyists​!

Check out the Flashband website for lots more info.

Need questions answered now? Email Graham at graham@flashband.org.

Flashband has had a huge impact on the music scene in DC, especially for the 7DC community! After its birth in 2012, Flashband has hosted over 50 showcases! 

​In May 2017, 7DrumCity acquired Flashband. We're psyched to be carrying the torch and continuing the Flashband tradition!

---