Review: The Anthem

Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like?

The Anthem is a state-of-the art concert venue in the heart of The Wharf, the city’s newest waterfront development. Run by the team behind the beloved 9:30 Club, and designed by David Rockwell's Rockwell Group, everything from the concert hall to the lobby is soaring and modern. It's 57,000 square feet in total, and the design evokes the industrial origins of the surrounding neighborhood—currently D.C.'s most rapidly changing. If the crowds are any indicator, this is the city's best new place to catch a show.

What kinds of events can we see here?

With a capacity of anywhere from 2,500 to 6,000 and a stage that adapts to the size and feel of the event, The Anthem hosts everything from intimate performances to major headliners like Janelle Monae. It opened with a sold out Foo Fighters show, and hasn't slowed down a bit. Notable music acts make up the majority of the calendar, but the programming does range.

How are the seats?

Though The Anthem has plenty of seating and standing room available on a first-come, first-served basis for general admission shows, you can always reserve a seat in the Super Excellent Seating area. Taking up the first few rows of the balcony, these seats are a little pricey, but, as their name suggests, they're also the best in the house.

Anything in particular that makes this place special?

Much like its sister venue the 9:30 Club, The Anthem attracts some of the hottest indie and rock artists in the world. It’s also a unique stop for anyone passing through town, given its prime location on the District Wharf, a new waterfront development with bars and restaurants from some of the city’s hottest names in hospitality.

If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for?

An unparalleled experience, The Anthem is a venue for the truly music-obsessed.