AGES: All Ages 
DOORS: 5 p.m.
SHOW: 6 p.m.
TICKETS: Free Show! No tickets required. 

Band with funky, poppy rock vibes known for their contagious joy and live shows

Nonprofit Beneficiary - Blue River Watershed Group

Washington DC’s Oh He Dead brings their funky, poppy rock vibes wherever they go. Led by CJ Bowlin’ Johnson and her golden pipes, the five-piece group includes lead guitarist Alex Salser, Colin Sidley on bass, Adam Ashforth on drums, and Piano Whitman on keys. The close-knit crew is known for their contagious joy, and for putting on a hell of a live show as Johnson “maneuvers her powerful voice — a combination of Stevie Nicks and Tracy Chapman” (Kojo Nnamdi) in rhythm with the band’s “sublime instrumentation” (NPR) and “infectious and soulful sound” (Washington Post). Their fourth studio album, Vertigo, is out this fall. Stay tuned for their first single off of the album, Butterfly, out April 9.

Oh He Dead is a study in contradictions. The D.C. band sounds as smooth and lux as leather, but there’s also a levity there, like a feather in flight. They’re not afraid to crack each other up with a crude joke or an impression, and their shows are described as one big hug. Dark and light, pain and joy, the band is best summed up by the origin of their name, which was coined by frontwoman CJ “Bowlin’” Johnson. When asked what happened to a cheating boy who was shot by his lover in a song of hers, she responded bluntly: “Oh, he dead.” And that’s how a legend is born.

Rooted in Washington, D.C.’s rich tradition of soul, funk, and rock and built around Johnson’s commanding voice, the band has a shared love of groove-forward songwriting. Their sound balances polish with personality — tight musicianship paired with humor, heart, and a willingness to leave rough edges intact.

That chemistry shines brightest onstage. Voted by Niva in 2023 as one of the best live acts in the US, years of touring have shaped Oh He Dead into putting on a formidable live show, earning them a deeply loyal following and opportunities to share stages with artists like Allen Stone, The Dip, Devon Gilfillian, Sir Woman, and Brandi Carlile. Their performances are joyful, spontaneous, and rooted in serious musicianship.

Across three studio albums, Oh He Dead has built a catalog that embraces contrast without compromise, moving seamlessly between polished soul-pop and raw, emotionally unfiltered songwriting. Each release reveals a different facet of the band’s identity, united by Johnson’s fearless vocal presence and the group’s undeniable chemistry. heir fourth studio album, Vertigo, is out this fall.

About Ghanay Moreau & The Keepers 

Ghanay Moreau & The Keepers create groove-driven, soul-rooted music blending indie/ neo-soul, blues, rock & global influences —warm, expressive vocals carried by an organic, dynamic live feel.