Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam: The Joint Tour
Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam reunite for a rare live performance built around their acclaimed collaboration, *I Had a Dream That You Were Mine*. Leithauser, formerly the lead singer of The Walkmen, and Rostam, known as a co-songwriter and producer for Vampire Weekend, developed the project from their friendship and mutual admiration into a distinctive creative partnership. Their album combines doo-wop, country-rock, baroque pop, folk, and torch-song drama, pairing Rostam’s expansive production with Leithauser’s famously wide-ranging vocals.
The bill also features Madra Salach and Philadelphia brother-and-sister duo Sam and Louise Sullivan. Madra Salach brings a contemporary folk sound rooted in Irish tradition, while Sam and Louise combine old-time folk influences, close harmonies, and pop songwriting.
When: Thursday, November 5.
Showtimes: Doors open at 7 PM. Set times and opening-act times may change.
Description: The performance celebrates *I Had a Dream That You Were Mine*, an immersive album created by Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam. Their limited previous live appearances were known for their theatrical, emotionally rich presentation, and this reunion marks another unusual opportunity to see the two musicians perform together.
Lineup: Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam headline, with Madra Salach and Sam and Louise Sullivan performing as support.
Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam: Leithauser’s background as the frontman of The Walkmen and Rostam’s work with Vampire Weekend shaped the musical identities they brought to their collaboration. Their album moves between highly arranged pop, folk, country-rock, doo-wop, and dramatic torch songs rather than following either artist’s earlier formula.
Madra Salach: The Dublin six-piece formed through informal pub sessions in 2023, initially performing traditional Irish songs before developing original music that combines Irish folk traditions with experimental textures and poetic storytelling. Their arrangements use harmonium, mandolin, tin whistle, percussion, guitar, electronics, and powerful vocals. After gaining attention through Irish festivals in 2025, the band expanded to headline tours and festival appearances across the UK and Europe. Their debut EP, *It’s a Hell of an Age*, reached No. 3 on the Irish Albums Chart and the UK Independent Albums Top 10, received BBC 6 Music support, and was followed by a Maida Vale session. The band is signed to Island Records and is also scheduled to appear on *The Songs of Shane MacGowan*.
Sam and Louise Sullivan: The Philadelphia-based siblings grew up in Oregon singing American and British folk songs, later immersing themselves in traditional music in New York before moving to Philadelphia. Sam plays mandolin and guitar and writes the songs, while Louise sings and plays fiddle. Their first EP, *Sam and Louise*, was recorded during the pandemic with a USB microphone. They later made the full-length *Papier Mache* with Kevin Basko, and their subsequent work includes *Sweet Enough* and *Love & Devotion*. Their music aims for bright pop songwriting while retaining folk-ballad influences, traditional harmonies, and a deliberately handmade quality.
Tickets: Price not available.
Ticket policy: Tickets cannot be transferred until 72 hours before showtime. Tickets believed to have been bought primarily for resale may be cancelled, and purchasers may be refused future ticket purchases for I.M.P. shows.
Run time: Not specified.
Ages: Not specified.
Accessibility: No event-specific accessibility information is provided.
Venue: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Note: Opening acts, door times, and set times are subject to change.