Image courtesy of the author
Capital Acts was just published and explores the music scene of the Washington area, including Alexandria.
“California dreamin’….on such a winter’s day….”
If you were watching the Grammys recently. you may have heard Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga sing "California Dreamin,'" the song that ushered in “the California sound” in the 1960s and paid tribute to the people of Los Angeles after the recent devastating fires there.
The song was written by John Phillips, who grew up in Alexandria, living near the Torpedo Factory after graduating from then-George Washington High School (now a middle school). Phillips and his wife Michelle wrote the song together while living in New York. They went on to form the Mamas & the Papas, earning a Grammy themselves in 1967 for their song “Monday, Monday."
Phillips is just one of the many musicians covered in a new book about the history of entertainment in the nations’ capital area, including Alexandria, in “Capital Acts: Washington, D.C. Performing Arts” by Stephen Moore.
It’s the seventh book for Moore, who also wrote “All Roads Lead to The Birchmere,” which he co-wrote with Birchmere founder Gary Oelze, who passed away in 2023. Moore is pictured here with Oelze's widow, Susan Oelze.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Moore
Susan Oelze holds up a copy of "Capital Acts" with author Stephen Moore.
In addition to John Phillips, other Northern Virginians who are also in the book who made huge contributions to the music scene both locally and nationally, include Roberta Flack, Sophocles Papas, Phillip Wallach Blondheim III (better known as Scott McKenzie), Jim Morrison, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Eva Cassidy.
The book is already receiving rave reviews. Kirkus Reviews notes that “Capital Acts” is a “lively and richly detailed story of Washington, D.C. artistic history.”
Moore’s new 500-plus page book is the perfect gift for all local music lovers who especially enjoy behind-the-scenes stories. They’ll read about their favorite performers from around the DC areas’ vibrant music scene in its music halls, radio stations and record labels.
The book showcases the prominent and influential performing artists (many of them in the first days of their careers) and media figures from the DC area from 1792 (yes, 1792) to today.
Moore was helped on the book by co-authors Stephen Lorenz, Johnny Holliday and Charles David Young.
Visit with the author at a reception Feb. 27, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Arts Club of Washington. Find all the details here. Join the event for a presentation and discussion with Moore and Johnny Holliday about the book. Following the reading meet the artists at the reception, with hors d'oeuvres, and open full bar. The book will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the presentation.
You can also find a copy of Moore’s latest book here on Amazon.
