Michelle Raymond (left) with Frank Mitchel Jr of Thievery Corporation
After almost eight years of gracing various stages in the D.C. metropolitan area, the Michelle Raymond Band will host their farewell show Saturday, December 19 at Star & Shamrock. Feeling like she needed to “shake things up”, Raymond has decided to pursue a graduate degree at the IE Business School in Madrid, Spain.
Raymond describes her music as a mix between the Dave Matthews Band and Melissa Etheridge. And, thanks to her sound and talented band members, the Michelle Raymond Band has claimed a #1 spot on the D.C. Folk Music Charts over the past five years. Just within the past year, Raymond herself won HRC’s karaoke competition and was named one of D.C.’s Most Eligible Singles by The Washington Blade.
When settling into the city eight years ago, she quickly got her first gig at Nellie’s Sports Bar, singing alongside Tom Goss and The Pushovers on Thursdays nights. As the community started to notice the rising talent, Raymond started performing at Acre 121, Black Cat, Dangerously Delicious Pies, Phase 1, as well as Ladies Tea at Hank’s Oyster Bar and the Capital Pride Festival.
When she wasn’t performing, she was a guest bartender and trivia host at Biergarten Haus on H Street. She also enjoys regular brunches, potluck dinners, and football games with her friends.
“D.C. can be such a transient town with people coming and going, but there are a handful of people that have stuck it out with me since the beginning,” says Raymond. “Back in 2008, I planted my roots on H Street NE. I have performed and bartended at many H Street establishments and this neighborhood truly feels like home to me.”
Like Star & Shamrock, Phase 1 has too become a second home to Raymond, especially their monthly open mics and the annual Phasefest weekend. It’s only fitting that Raymond has her last two D.C. shows at both venues.
Thursday, December 17, Raymond will be the feature headliner for the Phase 1 Open Mic located at 525, 8th St. SE, Washington, D.C. Guests can expect to an intimate experience with a one-of-a-kind set list. Saturday, December 19 is your last chance to catch Raymond at the official farewell concert. The band promises there will be acoustic rap and pop songs, as well as special musical guests. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. at 1341 H St. NE, Washington, D.C.
Raymond is looking forward to her new adventures in Spain. She even jokes about becoming the “Spanish Adele”, making sure to bring her trusty guitar along for the ride. After her 12-month International MBA program, she plans to stay overseas to explore the world.
“Washington D.C. has been so good to me. It’s hard to believe that 450 concerts later my time here is coming to an end,” says Raymond. “It’s hard to say goodbye to best friends and a place I have called home for the past eight years, but I’m looking forward to opening a new chapter and seeing where this crazy life leads me.”
