Photo: Monumental Network
Not only do the Washington Capitals have a talented team on the ice, they also sport a number of gifted people off of it. I mean, heck, PA Announcer Wes Johnson has been in a Julia Louis-Dreyfus sitcom, a John Waters movie, and a national TV commercial with Ray Lewis.
On Saturday, Caps anthem singer Bob McDonald will spread his wings in concert at AMP by Strathmore in Bethesda (doors 6:30, show 8pm). Tickets are still available as of right this moment, but you should get on it now, because I’m told they’re going fast.
The Master Sergeant has been singing at Capitals games since the 1992-93 season. As an active duty soldier, McDonald also sings in the U.S. Army Chorus. On New Year’s Day, he sung during the Winter Classic in the NHL’s best outdoor pre-game ceremony yet.
A few weeks ago, I asked Bob what Caps fans should expect if they come to his concert.
“Basically, it is me singing lots of Broadway show tunes mixed in with some other songs of the great crooners,” McDonald said. “It is supposed to be a really cool venue. It just opened last month.
“Plus, I would love to have the Caps family hear me sing something other than Star–Spangled Banner and O Canada!”
McDonald will be performing with a special guest.
“John Touchton is one of the best collaborative pianists in the country,” he said. “He is head of the Arts department at Sidwell Friends School as well. I consider him a longtime friend.”
Let’s address the elephant in the room. On Saturday night, the Caps play the Senators in Ottawa. Puck drop is 30 minutes after the doors open for his own concert. McDonald has a solution.
“I promise to give Caps updates during the show,” McDonald said laughing. “But the audience needs to keep their phones off during the show!”
This has been one of McDonald’s most successful years of his career, a fact not lost on the Brouwer Rangers.
“After his breakout performance at #PARTYZORD last year, it’s no surprise other venues are clamoring to schedule Bob,” Ranger Nathan said, exclusively, to RMNB. “We’re so proud of him. While he’ll probably never give a better performance in a more prestigious venue in front of a classier audience than he did at #PARTYZORD, we’re sure this upcoming show will be fantastic too.”
AMP by Strathmore holds 240 people. Let’s sell it out for Bob.
It’s the least we can do.
Thanks to my Caps family for this great honor @CapsGameEnt @kheadman @TedLeonsis @SergeyKocharov #20seasonsofAnthems pic.twitter.com/tdSMROj5dO
— Bob McDonald (@bobinarlington) May 3, 2013
