The Capitol Steps Return to Mason District Park

The Washington-based troupe of Congressional staffers turned songwriters will perform their latest material at the amphitheater on Sunday night as part of the Spotlight by Starlight summer concert series.

The Capitol Steps have been entertaining local audiences with music and political satire since 1981. The group has recorded over 30 albums and they've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS. They can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio specials.

Learn more about the troupe’s upcoming performance in this Q&A with Steps performer and writer Mark Eaton.

What can local concertgoers expect from your performance tomorrow night?      

We will present the lighter side of politics, and a very fast paced look at politicians and social issues of the day. During a 90-minute show there might be 30 different song parodies or skits. Most are song parodies so think of Weird Al meets Capitol Hill.

How did you choose your material for this performance? Is there a political issue that is of particular interest at present?   

We keep the show current and choose material that has been in the headlines. And we like to be equal opportunity offenders. So if you think we are being too hard on Republicans, just wait a few seconds because we will be going after the Democrats next. All issues are interesting if we can make it funny.

Can you give us a sneak peak of who you may be roasting?    

I am pretty sure there will be appearances by President [Barack] Obama, [Vice President] Joe Biden, [House Speaker] John Boehner, [Senate Majority Leader] Harry Reid (D-Nev.), [House Democratic leader] Nancy Pelosi, Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann (R-MN) just to name a few. And we might even have a few international leaders/guests as well.

Have the Steps performed at Spotlight by Starlight before? What makes your outdoor performances unique?  

This will be our fifth year at Spotlight by Starlight. Outdoor performances are unique because of the weather, and this year looks like it will be a hot one. We are spoiled and normally perform indoors with air conditioning. Maybe [former Vice President] Al Gore should just come on stage and say “I told you so.” Oh, and there’s a greater chance of bugs flying into our mouths during a song. That is always good comedy.

What is your roll in the Steps?  What do you love most about performing with them?   

I am one of the performers, I book the shows and I am one of the writers. The greatest thing about performing with the Capitol Steps is just making people laugh at what can be very serious issues. Let’s face it, if you don’t laugh at some of this stuff, it will probably drive you crazy! 

For last minute performance cancellations due to inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Click here for more information on the Capitol Steps.

Sunday, July 24, 7:30 p.m.; Free
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA; (703) 324-SHOW