Forget hello; they had me at Nation of Language. Brooklyn’s ’80s-influenced synth-pop rockers have been a steady presence in my music rotation since 2021, when they released their second full-length album, A Way Forward. The band have since played several D.C. area venues, including Songbyrd and Union Stage. Now the trio are one of 10 acts coming to the Atlantis for the new club’s second slate of shows. 

The intimate venue, owned and operated by I.M.P., opens its doors May 30 with an initial run of 44 shows, starting with the Foo Fighters, and featuring some of music’s biggest names. But once those nearly four dozen concerts wrap on Sept. 29 with Maggie Rogers (who’s headlining I.M.P.’s sold-out All Things Go fest the following night at Merriweather Post Pavilion), the venue has promised to focus on smaller, up-and-coming acts who could headline major stages in the future.

On Monday, April 24, the Atlantis made good on that promise when it announced its second run of shows. Alongside Nation of Language, Saint Levant, Vagabon, and Couch are among the acts coming to the venue this fall. But first, the Fleshtones, apparently the first band I.M.P. ever booked at the original 9:30 Club, according to the press release, will play their 44th I.M.P. show at the Atlantis on Sept. 30 (yes, that’s 9/30). To celebrate, tickets are just $5, an ode to the prices of the original concert. 

Holding true to the “Where Music Begins” mission statement, Seth Hurwitz, I.M.P. chairman, says in the release: “This can be the most exciting step in an artist’s career. This will be where we help introduce new artists to the world, and their story needs to be told right.” The goal? For fans to be able to later say, “Yeah, but I saw ’em at the Atlantis.” 

Tickets for eight of these shows go on sale Friday, April 28, at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Bob Mould tickets go on sale tomorrow, April 25, at 10 a.m. and Couch tickets go on sale April 28 at noon. theatlantis.com.

Sept. 30      The Fleshtones

Oct. 1          All Good Presents: Andy Frasco & The U.N.

Oct. 6          Bob Mould (solo electric)

Oct. 11        Cian Ducrot

Oct. 14        Generationals

Oct. 23        Saint Levant

Oct. 29        Vagabon

Nov. 11        Nation of Language

Nov. 16        JP Cooper

Nov. 18        All Good Presents: Couch