O-Slice's Inner Circle 9 event celebrates rising DMV artists

On October 16, 2024, we had the privilege of attending the 9th annual show organized by The Inner Circle. This event, founded by O-Slice and HYERLearnin in 2016, has grown to become a cornerstone for showcasing rising independent artists from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Over the years, The Inner Circle has brought together the best of the DMV's creative talent, producing eight unforgettable concerts and a summer music festival—and this year’s event was no exception.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of the DMV’s vibrant and diverse artistic culture. The Inner Circle’s mission was palpable in every detail of the evening: identifying and elevating talented emerging artists, creating a high-quality experience for the audience, and fostering a space for authentic and vulnerable expression. This event didn’t just highlight the artists; it highlighted the DMV itself as a thriving hotspot for homegrown talent.

 Each act brought raw energy and passion to the stage, making the audience feel connected not only to the artists but also to each other. The vibe was reminiscent of iconic series like Tiny Desk, Unplugged, Def Poetry Jam, and Sofar Sounds—a testament to The Inner Circle’s vision of creating unique, women-led concert and art experiences.

But The Inner Circle is about more than just performances. It’s an organic creative networking event, a safe space for artists and audiences alike to express themselves, and a bridge between local businesses and the community through art. The collaborative spirit of the DMV was evident in the partnerships and support that made the event possible, reinforcing the importance of local connections in fostering artistic growth.

The Inner Circle continues to be a beacon for independent artists and a celebration of the DMV’s cultural richness. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and can’t wait to see what’s next from this incredible collective.

If you’ve never experienced The Inner Circle, mark your calendar for next year—it’s an event you don’t want to miss. Until then, let’s continue supporting the artists and organizations that make our community shine.

Check out the Inner Circle 9 Artists!

O-Slice - https://www.instagram.com/flowsnice/

Anguesomo - https://www.instagram.com/anguesomx

Al Hostile - https://www.instagram.com/hostile.al/

Matt McGhee - https://www.instagram.com/mattxmcghee/

Foots X Coles - https://www.instagram.com/footsxcoles/

ADWOA - https://www.instagram.com/officialadwoaa/

Neptune XXI - https://www.instagram.com/neptunexxi/

Sero - https://www.instagram.com/soleethegre4t/

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Blog/Media by Emory Hensley