The year 2014 found Jeff Daniels closing down HBO’s “The Newsroom,” reteaming with Jim Carrey for the “Dumb and Dumber” sequel, and fending off buzz that he may star in the upcoming movie about Apple’s late founder Steve Jobs.
His favorite role, though, might be the continuing one fronting and collaborating with The Ben Daniels Band.
“There’s something about looking over and seeing your son near you on stage,” said Mr. Daniels. “If I never do anything else but this, I’ll be happy.”
The internationally known actor who founded the “Purple Rose of Cairo” professional theatre in Chelsea, Michigan, where he and his family reside, began writing and playing music about 30 years ago when he was a fledgling actor. He encouraged his son to play and at age 19, he was ready. Mr. Daniels and his son, now 30, decided to collaborate on this tour which mixes the music of The Ben Daniels Band and Mr. Daniels’ music including songs from his 2014 independent release ’Days Like These.”
“I remember seeing [folk singer] Christine Lavin perform. It was just her and a guitar and she held the whole room,” he said. “Now I get to try to do that with this band.”
Jeff Daniels and the Ben Daniels Band, $35, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, 703-549-7500,www.birchmere.com.
Some of the other best bets in music this week:
- Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. The 14-time Grammy Award winning bluegrass icon has sold out one of his two shows this weekend so buy tickets now. $39.50, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan 10 (Saturday show sold out), Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, 703-549-7500,www.birchmere.com
- Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of Little Feat featuring The New Orleans Suspects. Plan on the jam band gods to mix it up with a set that will likely include everything from their 1971 debut through their last album ’Rooster Rag.’ Note: Stay for the free 10:30 p.m. show by The Jamie McLean Band. $27 to $35, Friday, January 9 and Saturday, Jan 7 p.m. doors, 8:30 p.m. show, The Hamilton, 600 14th St., NW Washington. 202-787-1000; https://www.thehamiltondc.com/live
- The Life and Songs of Emmylou Harris. Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, and many other iconic country and Americana artists will gather to celebrate bluegrass legend Emmylou Harris, who made her name playing music in the Washington, D.C. area. $73 to $223, Saturday, Jan. 10, DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW, Washington, 202-397-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
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