Modular on the Mall
Official FREE modular synth concert series for the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia communities
We are thrilled to give our local and visiting artists a place to play modular synths live and in front of an audience right here in America's most visited national park, where the past, present, and future come together.
The event occurs at The DC War Memorial on weekends during the warmer months of the year. Follow us on Threads, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook for the latest updates. Check out the fabulous performances on YouTube, too!
This concert series is inspired by the organizer Patrick O'Brien's performance at Catharsis on the Mall in 2018. After performing his modular synthesizer live on the National Mall, he wanted to provide a space for other performers to have a similar experience.
2024 Schedule of Events
June 16, 7:00 PM
Industrial Grade Acid
Jamie Kowalski
STUKES
eMBee
Sequenox
September 28, 7:30 PM
Ridged Chippies
The Wake Up
Ri Caragol
Hypnotized Chickens
Frae-Frae
October 19, 7:00 PM
Synthador
Copacaballa
POB
Heather Stebbins
Matthew Cha
Artist Alumni
We've had 77 performances with 57 artists so far
Thank you to these top-notch performers for sharing your musical stories with us since we started in July 2021.
2024:
Industrial Grade Acid, Jamie Kowalski, Stukes, eMBee, Sequenox, Ridged Chippies, The Wake Up, Ri Caragol, Hypnotized Chickens, Frae-Frae
2023:
B_X_R_N_X_R_D, Chaka Benson, Atograph, Blakmoth, Trovarsi, shredderghost, Copacaballa, The Pseudoscientists, June Lopez, Noah Totten, WetSoul, Matt Ling, Graham Watson, Deathguard-Oliver, Tangent Universes, Energy Runner, TALsounds, Gabe Churray & POB
2022:
Unspooled, Jess Makler, Jamie Kowalski, 17Cortland, Atograph, Copacaballa, Chuck W., WetSoul, Huron, DJ Cherishtheluv, Ri Caragol, Chaka Benson, Evan Angello, Don Nothing, Oxalis, Energy Runner, Tyler Charles, Truck, Medenine, Heather Stebbins, Matt Ling, Tangent Universes, Jerry Kaba, Synthador, Blakmoth, Null Phi Infinity, Resonant Space, POB, Marie Ann Hedonia
2021:
Synthador, Marie Ann Hedonia, Ali The Architect, POB, Johno Wells, Copacaballa, Medenine, Tyler Charles, Chaka Benson, Resonant Space, SCIF, Null Phi Infinity, Patch Node, DJ Cherishtheluv, Blakmoth, Minimal Oscillations, Ri Caragol, Heather Stebbins, Audible Void, Energy Runner
The Location
Events will be held at the DC War Memorial on the National Mall
This circular, open-air, Doric structure, was built with the purpose of being both a memorial and a bandstand. DC native John Phillip Sousa attended the memorial's dedication ceremony back in 1931, leading the US Marine Band in a 20-minute performance. Now, 90 years later, we’ve brought the bandstand back, this time with 20-minute performances from our modular community.
Performers and attendees meet on the bandstand to listen to the unique sounds reverberating from the dome. There's also room to spread out on the lawn, surrounded by many shade trees. Bring a blanket, food, and lots of your friends for an afternoon of awesome modular music. You can even bring your pup! (with a leash)
Restrooms are located between the DC War Memorial and the World War II Memorial. (link) There's also a refreshment stand near the Lincoln Memorial that offers lunches, snacks, and drinks. (link)