The crowd was humming at Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, D.C. on Friday, February 28. The show sold out three weeks in advance and fans were amped and ready for the night.

First up on the roster was JP Reali. The D.C. based musician started off the evening with some bluesy classic rock ‘n’ roll. It was the perfect set to start a perfect night as the crowd started to pack in the venue.

The second band, The Seven Bends, trekked over from the Shenandoah Valley with a very large following. Their mix of classic rock, southern rock, blues, funk, and jam, played an energetic set to a room full of captivated fans.

Next up was Giles McConkey. With their roots in both D.C. and Richmond, the self-described “high octane elevator-dad-jazz-alternative-bluzfunk-samba-jamrock” band couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces as they jammed around with one another.

The final band, The Beanstalk Library ended the night. The Washington, D.C. natives played an adventurous live performance featuring their signature blend of folk, pop, and rock.

The competition was tough and Giles McConkey took home the crown. The final ROCKN’ to LOCKN’ live playoff takes place on Friday, March 6 at The Southern in Cville. Come on out and vote for your favorite band to play LOCKN’ 8!

Photos by Casandra Marie