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Public recordCompiled from 8 credited sources · Updated Oct 8, 2026

Capitol Steps

Band from DC · formed 1981

  • political
  • satire
Visit the band websiteFollow shows on Songkick
Capitol Steps photo
Photo from the public record
Shows on record
60+
Rooms played
22
Cities
21
Releases
25
Last show
Apr 5, 2020Crest Theatre

About

Capitol Steps is a band from DC, formed in 1981, tagged political, satire by its sources. Shows on record run from 2016 to 2020, across 22 rooms in 21 cities.

The summary is assembled from the record fields and shows on this page; each fact listed names its source. See Sources & corrections for what each source supplied.

Shows

60+ on record · Songkick
No upcoming shows on record.Know of one? Tell us

Shows per year

  1. 201633 shows
  2. 20175 shows
  3. 201812 shows
  4. 20198 shows
  5. 20202 shows
Show history
DateVenue
Apr 5, 2020Crest Theatre · SacramentoHeadliner
Jan 11, 2020Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center · Long BeachHeadliner
Dec 15, 2019Tally Ho Theater · LeesburgHeadliner
Oct 18, 2019The Academy of Music Theatre · NorthamptonHeadliner
Sep 20, 2019State Theatre of Ithaca · IthacaSupportwith Capital Steps
Aug 11, 2019Tally Ho Theater · LeesburgHeadliner
Jun 14, 2019Ann Arbor Summer Festival and Top of the Park 2019 · Ann ArborHeadliner
May 17, 2019Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadliner
Mar 24, 2019Tally Ho Theater · LeesburgHeadliner
Mar 16, 2019Crest Theatre · SacramentoHeadliner
Nov 6, 2018Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall · PortlandHeadliner
Oct 28, 2018Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadliner
Oct 23, 2018Commonwealth Room · South Salt LakeHeadliner
Jul 29, 2018Tally Ho Theater · LeesburgHeadliner
Jul 1, 2018City Winery - Chicago · ChicagoHeadliner
May 26, 2018Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadliner
Apr 20, 2018The Academy of Music Theatre · NorthamptonHeadlinerwith Capital Steps
Apr 7, 2018Crest Theatre · SacramentoHeadliner
Mar 24, 2018Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadlinerwith Blue Miracle, The Teskey Brothers, Dave Phenicie
Mar 18, 2018Revolution Hall · PortlandHeadliner
Feb 23, 2018Tally Ho Theater · LeesburgHeadliner
Feb 9, 2018Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadliner
Dec 23, 2017Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadliner
Oct 21, 2017Sellersville Theater 1894 · SellersvilleHeadliner
Aug 6, 2017Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadlinerwith Seldom Scene
Jul 31, 2017Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater · ChautauquaHeadliner
Jun 9, 2017Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadliner
Dec 17, 2016Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadliner
Nov 7, 2016Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater, Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter · SyracuseHeadliner
Nov 1, 2016The Capitol Room · HarrisburgHeadliner
Oct 21, 2016Count Basie Center for the Arts · Red BankHeadliner
Oct 9, 2016Joan C. Bedinger Auditorium, W. T. Woodson High School · FairfaxHeadliner
Aug 31, 2016Ridgefield Playhouse · RidgefieldHeadliner
Jul 31, 2016Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts · Fort LauderdaleHeadliner
Jul 30, 2016Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts · Fort LauderdaleHeadliner
Jul 29, 2016Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts · Fort LauderdaleHeadliner
Jul 28, 2016Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts · Fort LauderdaleHeadliner
Jul 23, 2016Rams Head On Stage · AnnapolisHeadlinerwith Levi Stephens
Jun 25, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Jun 24, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Jun 18, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Jun 17, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Jun 11, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Jun 10, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Jun 4, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Jun 3, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 28, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 27, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 21, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 20, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 14, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 13, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 7, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
May 6, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Apr 30, 2016Carriage House Theater, Montalvo Arts Center · SaratogaHeadliner
Apr 29, 2016The Freight · BerkeleyHeadliner
Apr 23, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Apr 22, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Apr 16, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner
Apr 15, 2016Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center · WashingtonHeadliner

Showing the latest 60 shows; the record holds more.

Where they play

22 rooms in 21 cities

Rooms played most

Cities played

  • Washington20 shows
  • Annapolis10 shows
  • Leesburg5 shows
  • Fort Lauderdale4 shows
  • Sacramento3 shows

and 16 other cities

Live history

392 shows on record
Shows counted
392
First on record
Dec 2012
Latest on record
Apr 2020

Shows per year

  1. 201210
  2. 201358
  3. 2014113
  4. 2015115
  5. 201669
  6. 20175
  7. 201812
  8. 20198
  9. 20202

Top rooms

  • Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington · 290
  • Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis · 15
  • Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg · 5
  • Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale · 4
  • North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie · 4

Top cities

  • Washington, DC · 290
  • Annapolis, MD · 15
  • Leesburg · 5
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL · 4
  • Aventura, FL · 4

Often on the bill with: Dawes, The Teskey Brothers

Counted from the shows BandSlate holds; missing shows are not counted.

Releases

25 releases, 1985–2004

  • Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad

    2004 · Album

  • Between Iraq and a Hard Place

    2003 · Album

  • When Bush Comes to Shove

    2002 · Album

  • I Want It Dad's Way

    2001 · Album

  • One Bush, Two Bush, Old Bush, New Bush

    2001 · Album

  • It's Not Over 'til the First Lady Sings

    2000 · Album

  • First Lady and the Tramp

    1999 · Album

  • Unzippin' My Doo-Dah

    1998 · Album

  • Sixteen Scandals

    1997 · Album

  • Return to Center

    1996 · Album

  • A Whole Newt World

    1995 · Album

  • Lord of the Fries

    1994 · Album

  • All I Want for Christmas Is a Tax Increase

    1993 · Album

  • The Joy of Sax

    1993 · Album

  • Fools on the Hill

    1992 · Album

  • 76 Bad Loans

    1991 · Album

  • Georgie on My Mind

    1990 · Album

  • Sheik, Rattle & Roll

    1990 · Album

  • Danny's First Noel

    1989 · Album

  • Stand By Your Dan

    1989 · Album

  • Shamlet: A Political Comedy of Errors

    1988 · Album

  • Workin' 9 to 10

    1987 · Album

  • Thank God I'm a Contra Boy

    1986 · Album

  • We Arm the World

    1985 · Album

  • 2005-12-31 - 'Politics Takes a Holiday!'

Discography

47 releases, 1984–2019
  • 2019The Lyin' KingsAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1039

  • 2018Make America Grin AgainAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1038

  • 2017Orange Is the New BarackAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CDCD-1037

  • 2016What to Expect When You're ElectingAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1036

  • 2015Mock the VoteAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1035

  • 2014How to Succeed in Congress Without Really LyingAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1034

  • 2013Fiscal Shades of GrayAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1033

  • 2012Take the Money and Run for PresidentAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1032

  • 2011Desperate Housemembers: Sometimes the Opposite of Progress is CongressAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1031

  • 2010Liberal Shop of HorrorsAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1030

  • 2009Barackin' Around the Christmas TreeAlbum

    Capitol Steps

  • 2009Obama Mia!Album

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1029

Show 35 more releases
  • 2008Campaign and SufferingAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1028

  • 2007Springtime for LiberalsAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1027

  • 2006I'm So IndictedAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1026

  • 2006O Christmas BushAlbum

    Capitol Steps

  • 2005Four More Years in the Bush LeaguesAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1025

  • 2004Papa's Got a Brand New BaghdadAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1024

  • 2003Between Iraq and a Hard PlaceAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1023

  • 2002Sixteen Scandals: Twenty Years of Sex, Lies and Other Habits of Our Great LeadersCompilation

    Sourcebooks MediaFusion · 1570718903

  • 2002When Bush Comes to ShoveAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1022

  • 2001I Want It Dad's WayAlbum
  • 2001One Bush, Two Bush, Old Bush, New BushAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1021

  • 2000It's Not Over 'til the First Lady SingsAlbum
  • 1999First Lady and the TrampAlbum

    Strauss & Newport · CSCD-1019

  • 1998Unzippin' My Doo-DahAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1018

  • 1997Sixteen ScandalsAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD 1017

  • 1996Return to CenterAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1016 · Engineer: Andrew Campbell; Engineer: Jim Smith; Producer, Lyrics By: Elaina Newport

  • 1995A Whole Newt WorldAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSC1015

  • 1994Lord of the FriesAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1014 · Engineer: Dave Goodermuth; Engineer: Jim Smith; Producer, Lyrics By: Elaina Newport

  • 1993All I Want for Christmas Is a Tax IncreaseAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1013

  • 1993The Joy of SaxAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD 1012

  • 1992Fools on the HillAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1011 · Producer, Lyrics By: Elaina Newport; Recorded By: Chris Murphy; Recorded By: Jim Smith

  • 199176 Bad LoansAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1010

  • 1990Georgie on My MindAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1008

  • 1990Sheik, Rattle & RollAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1009 · Producer, Lyrics By: Elaina Newport; Recorded By: Brian Smith; Recorded By: Chris Murphy; Recorded By: Jim Smith

  • 1990Suburban DroneSingle

    Capitol Steps · 9006X68

  • 1989Danny's First NoelAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1005

  • 1989Stand By Your DanAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1007

  • 1988ShamletAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSC 1006

  • 1988Shamlet: A Political Comedy of ErrorsAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1006

  • 1987Workin' 9 to 10Album

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1004

  • 1986Thank God I'm a Contra BoyAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1003

  • 1985We Arm the WorldAlbum

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1002

  • 1984Live! At the ShorehamLive

    Capitol Steps · CSCD-1001 · Engineer: Remy David; Producer, Creative Director, Piano: Elaina Newport; Recorded By: Reelpeople

  • n.d.2005-12-31 - 'Politics Takes a Holiday!'Live
  • n.d.Washington Is a TrippRelease

Compiled from MusicBrainz and Discogs. Releases not listed there are not shown.

Lineup

  • Lenny Williams
  • Bill Strauss
  • Ann Johnson

Airplay

No airplay on record.

Lineup history

3 members on record
  • Ann Johnsontenure unknown
  • Bill Strausstenure unknown
  • Lenny Williamstenure unknown

Years come from public music databases. Where none says a member left, the end is shown as unknown; it does not mean they are still in the band.

Photos, art and posters

Capitol Steps — Photo · live_stage
Photo · live_stage — TheAudioDB
Capitol Steps — Logo
Logo — TheAudioDB
Capitol Steps — Photo · live_stage
Photo · live_stage — Wikidata
Capitol Steps — Photo · live_stage
Photo · live_stage — Wikidata

Sources & corrections

Report a correctionRequest removal
What each source supplied
SourceUsed for
MusicBrainzArtist facts
Capitol Steps on Last.fmArtist facts
Capitol Steps on GeniusArtist facts
WikidataArtist facts, Photos
SongkickShow history
TheAudioDBPhotos, Logo
GeniusCredited on the record; no item on this page cites it
Last.fmCredited on the record; no item on this page cites it

This is a partial record of publicly documented activity. Missing shows, releases or members do not mean there are none. It does not confirm availability for booking.