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The High Kings in Washington DC

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About The High Kings

The High Kings are an Irish folk supergroup formed in 2008, bringing together four accomplished musicians who've spent decades in the traditional music scene. They've built a reputation for taking classic Irish songs and giving them contemporary arrangements that somehow feel both fresh and respectful to the source material. Their strength lies in tight harmonies and genuine musicianship rather than gimmickry. They've toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia, maintaining a steady presence on the folk circuit. The group appeals to both purists who appreciate their technical skill and casual listeners drawn to the accessibility of their sound. They've released multiple albums and continue to be fixtures at folk festivals and theaters worldwide.

Their shows have the feel of a really good pub session that got way bigger. Crowds tend to be mixed generations, everyone pretty engaged. They're solid musicians who don't oversell things, and the room usually gets quiet when it matters.

Known for The Parting Glass, Rocky Road to Dublin, Whiskey in the Jar, Finnegan's Wake, The Foggy Dew

The High Kings + Washington DC

The High Kings have maintained a steady presence in the Washington DC folk circuit, with their most recent stop at The Birchmere in March 2025 serving as a solid reminder of their staying power. The Irish quartet ran through their catalog of traditional and contemporary folk numbers, leaning into the material that's made them reliable draws in rooms like this one. The setlist pulled from their broader repertoire, mixing the familiar sing-alongs with deeper cuts that showcase their tighter harmonies. By the encore, the room had settled into that comfortable space where folk fans tend to end up—feet tapping, voices joining in on the chorus. It's the kind of show that doesn't demand anything from you except patience and maybe a willingness to remember why you liked this music in the first place.

The High Kings in Washington DC News

Live Music in Washington DC

Washington DC has always had a soft spot for folk and traditional music, from the Georgetown coffeehouse days to the current crop of rooms built for exactly this kind of thing. The High Kings fit neatly into that lineage—they're not reinventing folk, just executing it with the kind of competence that appeals to people who actually listen to the genre. The Birchmere and similar venues have made space for this kind of act because the audience still shows up, still cares about harmonies and storytelling over production.

Washington DC road trip to see The High Kings?

Stay in Georgetown or Capitol Hill, both walkable neighborhoods with excellent restaurants and bars. Book a table at Kinfolk in Capitol Hill for refined New American cooking, or head to Pineapple and Pearls for something more elaborate if you want to splurge. During the day, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden offers world-class contemporary art without the crowds of the main Smithsonians. Walk the C&O Canal towpath if the weather cooperates. Hit up one of the city's serious record shops like Smash! Records before the show.

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