Antidote Books - New Release
A HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
This new book represents a lot of “firsts”. The first book published by Antidote, the first by author Ken Avis, and the first book written about the music history of Northern Virginia, and it’s the first in the series of Music City DC books.
Packed with rare, striking photographs, The History of Popular Music in Northern Virginia brings a century of forgotten sounds back into the spotlight, and uncovers the vibrant, forgotten stories of local innovators, and legends who played their way out of NoVA and into music history.
From the smoke-filled roadhouses where bluegrass icons revolutionized traditional sounds, to the hidden basement venues that birthed the explosive DC punk movement. While the world was busy analysing the political metropolis of DC, a rich tapestry of jazz, country, rock, and soul was quietly being woven right across the Potomac.
Through a collection of historical snapshots, you will meet the artists who defined genres, and the iconic stages that put NoVA on the map. Step into a rich cultural heritage hidden in plain sight.
Every suburban street corner has a rhythm. Every venue tells a story…,,,it’s time to listen to the suburbs.
Pre-release copies available directly from Antidote Books for $19.99 plus postage. Contact us directly using the “contact” link on the website.
You can also find the book at local bookstores including Font’s Books (Mclean VA), Trade Roots (Arlington, VA), at the Ken’s Music City talks, and live performances by VERONNEAU (www.VeronneauMusic.com).
Music City DC Talks
Superstars, Guitars & Roadhouse Bars
“New Insights and hidden connections, all delivered with the great warmth and humor of a true fan” Josh Stoltzfus, Arlington Arts
“Musician Ken Avis turns detective, unearthing nuggets of Northern Virginia’s popular-music history, some of them long buried. It’s a lively affectionate tour, full of “Who knew?” moments.” John Edward Hasse, author, Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington, and curator emeritus, Smithsonian Institution.
“A right, frisky read!” Dave Kline, virtuoso musician and man about town.
Exploring and celebrating the incredible history of Popular Music in the Washington DC area with talks and walks. DC’s musicians have contributed significantly to every genre of popular music. The city has been a major center for Black music and arts throughout the 20th Century, but did you know it was also the Capital of Country Music during the 1950’s, and hosted some of the biggest names in pop, rock and punk from the 1960’s on.
Musician and historian Ken Avis has presented his series of fascinating and entertaining multi-media talks events at the Smithsonian and for groups at George Mason University, American University, DC History Conference and at multiple private and community events, either as a multi-topic series, or tailored to focus on topics such as DC Women in Music, Music History of Northern Virginia, or DC The Country Music Capital.
2026 Upcoming Music City Talks
10/20 - Ollie Learning, George Mason University, VA - noon
11/05 - Rust Library, Leesburg, VA “Guitar Town DC!” - 7pm
11/16 - Encore Learning, Arlington Central Library, VA - 3pm
12/02 - Fonts Books, McLean, VA - 6pm
12/03 - Rust Library, Leesburg, VA - 7pm
12/09 - DC Arts Club, Washington DC - 6pm, talk and reception
2027
01/07 - Rust Library, Leesburg, VA
01/09, 02/13, 03.20 - Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel, MD
In addition to the Music City Talks. Ken presents two 90 minute walking tours. his celebrated Music City Black HistoryWalk, a 90 minute guided walk through the U Street “Black Broadway” is available for private groups on request.
The “Music City Georgetown Walk” focusses on the post 1960’s history of Popular Music in the bohemian heart of DC, which was home to country, pop, rock, and jazz through the final half of the 20th Century.
For more info and bookings: avisken@gmail.com.
