Washington, DC – The historic 9:30 Club welcomed Finneas for two back-to-back shows in November 2021. The sold-out late show started out full throttle, with Finneas stepping out in front of a hyped crowd and launching right into “A Concert Six Months From Now.” His strong stage presence had the crowd’s rapt attention right out of the gate. The stage setup was simple but commanding, featuring only Finneas’ signature white piano, as well as his drummer and guitarist.
The Optimist Tour features a solid 19 song setlist, including favorites such as “The Kids Are All Dying,” and “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,” as well as many songs from Finneas’ recently released debut album, Optimist. Rounding out the last few songs was “Till Forever Falls Apart,” Finneas’ 2021 single released with upcoming singer/songwriter Ashe. The night was an impressive showing for his first headlining tour.
While this may be Finneas’ debut album and tour, he is already firmly established in the music field. He is most known for his production and songwriting work with his sister, Billie Eilish. Finneas’ production background includes a phenomenal eight Grammy wins and even a James Bond Theme. Eilish’s debut EP don’t smile at me, which Finneas co-wrote and produced, peaked at 97 on the US Billboard 200. Finneas has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, including Bad Teacher, Life Inside Out, Glee, and Modern Family.
The 9:30 Club is a longtime DC favorite, which opened its doors on May 31, 1980. The nightclub is located in a once rough area in DC, where the 1968 riots that took place. Jon Bowers, a real estate agent with music production dreams, purchased the property along with his wife Dodi Disanto. When the club opened, the neighborhood was still recovering from the riots, with widespread drugs and violence. The original 9:30 Club was eventually purchased by I.M.P. in 1986, which remained open until December 31, 1995.
On January 5-6, 1996 the 9:30 Club had moved to its new location on V Street, NW. It re-opened with a bang with Smashing Pumpkins playing two sold-out shows. On April 25, 2013, Rolling Stone Magazine named the 9:30 Club the “Best Big Room in America.” It has also been named the #1 night club by Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Pollstar. It is the most attended club of its size in the world. The club continues to be an integral part of the DC live music scene, hosting shows almost every evening.
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