Progressive rock can be both challenging and accessible, much like a James Joyce pop-up book or a mathematical proof written in barbecue sauce. Calculate the thrills of the incalculably catchy with today’s Groupon: for $16, you get a ticket to see Styx at Taste of DC on October 9 (a $32 value).
Having helped shape the rock landscape, the members of Styx continue to flex their honed and toned musical muscles as they headline the second evening of Taste of DC’s sipping and savoring experience. Responsible for tunes such as “Come Sail Away” and named for the most popular water park in ancient Greece, the rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse invites listeners to hitch their ears to its litany of hits, many of which have been re-recorded for the band’s Regeneration series. The classic concert opens with the tunes of Virginia rock veterans Crown Vic, and the twang of Georgia country quartet Connor Christian & Southern Gothic to bring a side of raucous guitar and soaring vocals to festival-goers’ tempting gourmet morsels.
The Taste of DC once again sets Pennsylvania Avenue abuzz with the festive hubbub of more than 60 local restaurants and vendors offering tastes of signature dishes, including Ping Pong Dim Sum, Medium Rare, BGR, Sushi Rock, Lincoln, Cafe Bonaparte, Luke’s Lobster, and Amsterdam Falafelshop. Attendees can purchases booklets of tickets ($15 for 10 tickets, not included in this Groupon) to sample Co. Co. Sala’s four-cheese bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, striped with chocolate-covered bacon (two tickets), or the chocolate-onyx parfait’s stratified layers of dark-chocolate mousse, vanilla crème brûlée, salted caramel, and crumbly dark-chocolate brownies (two tickets). Sips from more than 60 wineries and craft breweries pour the perfect complement to every entree, dessert, and attempt to joust an equestrian statue.
Taste of DC has many more Groupon-featured acts scheduled this weekend, including Rusted Root, Big & Rich, and the World Chili Eating Championship.