311 Brings Unity & Nostalgia to The Anthem in Washington, DC [Photos]

311 brought their “Unity Tour” to The Anthem in Washington, DC last Friday night, and the vibe was electric from the moment doors opened. Joining them were special guests Badflower and Sitting on Saturn, setting the stage for a night filled with powerful performances, emotional moments, and that signature 311 blend of funk, rock, and good energy.

The Anthem — a visually striking, three-tiered venue along DC’s waterfront — quickly filled with a crowd as diverse as it was passionate. From longtime fans in band tees to kids on parents’ shoulders, it was clear this wasn’t just a show. It was a multi-generational celebration of a band that’s built a community. 311 fans are some of the most connected and loyal, and the turnout truly was beautiful.

As the house lights dimmed and the first notes of “Freeze Time” rang out, the crowd ignited. From there, 311 launched into a genre-blurring journey of reggae-tinged riffs, funk grooves, and nu-metal vibes.

The opening riff of “Beautiful Disaster” sent the crowd into a frenzy. A fan favourite and a personal favourite, the song blended chaos and calm with perfection. Nick Hexum’s vocals were crisp and commanding, while SA Martinez brought his energy, bouncing around the stage in his signature style. Visually, the stage exploded in colour, the lighting design reflecting the wild, kaleidoscopic tone of the track.

One of the night’s standout moments came when Hexum and bassist P-Nut locked into a groove-driven musical exchange, their instruments speaking in rhythm and sync. Hexum later traded with guitarist Tim Mahoney in another dynamic face-off, while Chad Sexton kept the backbone of the band rock-solid — his drums sharp, inventive, and exploding with energy.

From the GA pit to the upper balconies and private boxes, the entire venue was moving, singing, and feeding off the energy onstage. It wasn’t just a concert — it was a celebration of sound, soul, and unity, true to the spirit of the tour’s name.

The Openers:

The night opened with the rising indie rock trio Sitting on Saturn from San Diego, California. Featuring Hoyt Yeatman (vocals/guitar), Kyle Hart (bass/vocals), and Trevor Smith (drums), their set delivered their fresh performance with cool beats that perfectly complemented the night’s vibe.

Next up, Badflower took the stage and transformed the room. The LA-based rock band, Josh Katz (vocals/guitar), Joey Morrow (lead guitar), Alex Espiritu (bass), and Anthony Sonetti (drums), delivered a raw, emotional set that walked the line between vulnerability and power. Songs like “Ghost” and “Heroin” were both haunting and beautiful. Katz’s moody vocals bled honesty, while the band’s tight musicianship kept everything on point.

By the time 311 hit the final notes of their encore, the crowd was buzzing — not just from the music, but from the shared experience. “The Unity Tour” more than lived up to its name in DC.

311 (w/ Sitting on Saturn & Badflower) @ The Anthem (Washington, DC) on June 27th, 2025

61 photos