Andrea von Kampen

When Andrea von Kampen set out on her West Coast tour in early 2020, she saw the signs of coronavirus play out on actual road signs. “As we were driving out west, all the interstate signs said their normal things … the number of DUIs, buckle up,” explains von Kampen. “Then, as we started driving back, every sign shifted to ‘COVID Shelter in Place.’ The world changed before our eyes while we did this West Coast run. It was surreal.” The Nebraska-based folk singer-songwriter utilized her pandemic-imposed downtime by being as productive as possible, writing and recording her latest album, That Spell, released in early August via Fantasy Records. Having also spent the latter part of 2019 in Taormina, Sicily, acting in the independent film Molto Bella (for which she also wrote the music,) the musician is itching to hit the road again, especially when it comes to visiting the DMV. “I always love playing D.C.,” gushes von Kampen, who plays DC9 on Sept. 1 with Richmond’s Luray opening. “I think the first time I toured there I sort of assumed ‘Oh, I don’t know if anyone will come out. It’s such a professional city.’ But I could not have been more wrong. Every time I come back there’s more people.” Andrea von Kampen performs Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. at DC9 Nightclub, 1940 9th St. NW. dc9.club. $12–$14.