Red Sun King
Overview
We’re seasoned rockers with a sound that nods to legends with a presence that’s all our own. We channel the raw power of classic rock and the gritty soul of the '90s. From private parties to festivals, we deliver high-impact performances that get people moving and make memories.
We match our setlist and vibe to your crowd. 70s anthems, grunge throwbacks, or a mix of everything. We bring pro-grade sound and lighting or sync smoothly with your AV team.
We don’t just play music—we create an experience.
Reviews
3 reviews
Zee K.
November 12, 2025Great Band-versatile with amazing energy
Having attended quite a few of their gigs in various venues and at the Arlington County, VA fair they are a great crowd pleaser and fun to listen to. Love them💕
Hired as: Party Band
Jeremy S.
November 11, 2025Awesome band with great energy
I’ve seen these guys play a bunch of times now at the County Fair, a few bars, and even some house parties. And they always crush it. Every show’s a blast. They’ve got a great mix of classic rock and ‘90s stuff, and they really know how to get a crowd going. You can tell they’re having fun up there, and it makes the whole vibe even better.
If you want a band that brings the energy and actually puts on a show, not just background music, these are your people. Always a good time!
Hired as: Alternative Band, Classic Rock Band, Cover Band, Party Band, Rock Band
Justin M.
November 11, 2025Must See!
Every so often, a band comes along that doesn’t just play music; they ignite it. Red Sun Kings aren’t here to fit into a genre; they’re here to melt it down and forge something entirely new. Their sound hits like the first spark in a dark room; a blaze of rock, psychedelia, and soul that refuses to be contained.
From the first chord, you’re caught in a gravitational pull of the guitars which shimmers like heatwaves over desert sand, the bass hums like distant thunder, and the drums? Pure heartbeat. Then there’s the vocals which were equal parts velvet and wildfire that that lifts you up and transcends.
Live, they’re a revelation. One minute you’re floating in a trance, the next you’re thrown into a storm of rhythm and raw emotion. Red Sun Kings don’t just perform; they burn, and every show leaves a trail of light behind them. If you haven’t seen them yet, do it soon
Hired as: Alternative Band, Classic Rock Band, Cover Band, Party Band, Rock Band
Booking information
Price range: $400 and up. contact to discuss.
Languages: English
Gig length: 45 - 200 minutes
What to expect
When you hire Red Sun King, you’re not just booking a band—you’re securing a high-impact, professionally executed rock experience that elevates your event and leaves your audience buzzing.
Here’s what your guests will see:
A tight, four-piece rock band with a commanding stage presence and infectious energy.
A setlist that spans classic rock, blues-infused grooves, and gritty '90s throwbacks—customized to fit your crowd and vibe.
Seamless transitions, dynamic pacing, and audience engagement that keeps the energy high from the first chord to the final encore.
Professional-grade sound and lighting, either self-contained or integrated with your AV team.
Musicians who know how to read a room, adapt on the fly, and deliver a show that feels both polished and spontaneous.
Here’s what you get as the planner:
A reliable, experienced band with a proven track record performing across Northern Virginia and beyond.
Clear communication, punctual setup, and a collaborative approach to planning the performance.
Flexible set lengths—from short showcases to full-evening entertainment.
A band that’s opened for nationally recognized acts and knows how to handle stages of all sizes.
A performance that transforms your event from ordinary to unforgettable.
Red Sun King is ideal for events, festivals, and parties where the goal is to energize the crowd and create lasting memories. If your event needs more than background music—if it needs a show—this is the band to deliver it.
About
Red Sun King is an American rock band in Northern Virginia. The group—Jonathan (lead vocals, guitar), John (guitar, backing vocals), Ethan (drums, backing vocals), and Josh (bass, piano, keys)—channels the raw power of rock and roll, garnished with classic and blues rock influences. Their sound nods to legends while carving out a vibe that’s unmistakably their own.
Known for their dynamic live performances and infectious energy, Red Sun King has built a loyal following throughout Northern Virginia and the surrounding region. They maintain a steady performance schedule and have shared the stage with nationally-recognized acts, consistently delivering shows that get crowds moving and leave audiences buzzing.
Whether it’s a private party, music festival, or corporate event, Red Sun King brings more than background music—they bring a show. Their full-band sets are tailored to each event, with custom setlists that span '70s anthems, gritty '90s throwbacks, and everything in between. Backed by professional-grade sound and lighting, they create immersive experiences that turn events into unforgettable stories.
In addition to delivering high-energy covers and crowd favorites, Red Sun King writes and performs original music that blends classic rock roots with modern grit. Their original material showcases the band’s songwriting depth, dynamic range, and ability to connect with audiences beyond nostalgia.
Red Sun King is actively seeking opportunities to:
Open for touring national acts performing in and around the Washington, DC area
Join regional festival lineups that spotlight original rock and blues-inspired artists
Collaborate with venues and promoters looking for a reliable, professional opener that can energize a crowd and set the tone for a great night
With a proven track record of tight performances, professional conduct, and a sound that resonates across generations, Red Sun King is the ideal support act for headliners looking to share the stage with a band that brings both reverence for rock history and a fresh voice of their own.
Now actively seeking opportunities to expand their reach, Red Sun King is ready to bring their signature sound and stage presence to new audiences and bigger stages.
Additional booking notes
When Red Sun King provides their own equipment, they deliver a full-scale, professional-grade setup. Here’s what you’ll need to provide to ensure a smooth and successful performance:
Power & Electrical
Minimum 3 separate 15-amp circuits (standard outlets) near the performance area
Access to grounded outlets within 25 feet of the stage
No shared circuits with catering, lighting, or other high-draw equipment
Stage & Space
Minimum stage area: 16 ft wide x 12 ft deep (larger preferred for full lighting rig)
Flat, stable surface (indoor or outdoor)
Cover or tent required for outdoor events to protect equipment from weather
Sound & Lighting
Band provides: PA system, microphones, monitors, mixing board, and basic stage lighting
Optional integration: Can connect to venue’s house system
Volume control: Band can adjust levels to suit venue restrictions or audience comfort
Setup & Load-In
Load-in access: Nearby parking or loading zone for gear transport
Setup time: 90–120 minutes before performance start
Soundcheck: 30–45 minutes prior to guest arrival (quiet time may be requested)
Hospitality & Logistics
Secure green room or staging area for band members to store gear and prep
Water and light refreshments appreciated for performers
Point of contact onsite for coordination during setup and performance
If your venue has specific limitations or AV capabilities, Red Sun King can adapt their setup accordingly. They’re flexible, professional, and experienced in working with a wide range of event environments—from intimate indoor spaces to large outdoor stages.
Services offered
Past booked events
May 2026
02
Saturday
Performance
All-day event
November 2025
29
Saturday
Performance
All-day event
October 2025
18
Saturday
Performance
All-day event
Set list
30 DAYS IN THE HOLE – Humble Pie
SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE – Cream
VOODOO CHILD – Jimi Hendrix
MACHINEHEAD - Bush
ZERO - Smashing Pumpkins
CAN’T GET ENOUGH – Bad Company
WRITINGS ON THE WALL – The Tea Party
BABA O’REILLY - The Who
BANG A GONG – T.Rex
FLY AWAY – Lenny Kravitz
MY OWN WORST ENEMY – Lit
HEY JEALOUSY – Gin Blossoms
SEX TYPE THING – Stone Temple Pilots
THE WAY – Fastball
EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE– Tears For Fears
COME TOGETHER – The Beatles
SHINE – Collective Soul
OPEN UP YOUR EYES – Tonic
I'M 18 – Alice Cooper
SHE SELLS SANCTUARY – The Cult
MIDNIGHT RIDER – The Allman Brothers
ANY WAY THE WIND BLOWS – The Cold Stares
MISSISSIPPI QUEEN – Mountain
STRAWBERRY FIELDS – The Beatles
HOW’S IT GONNA TO BE – Third Eye Blind
MAGIC CARPET – Steppenwolf
THUNDER KISS ‘65 – White Zombie
TIME IS RUNNING OUT – Muse
LEARN TO FLY - Foo Fighters
MAN IN THE BOX - Alice in Chains
LOW - Cracker
PLUSH - Stone Temple Pilots
HASH PIPE - Weezer
Influences and inspiration
Red Sun King’s sound is a living tribute to the evolution of rock—rooted in the swagger of classic bands, shaped by the soul of blues rock, and energized by the grit of the '90s. Their music doesn’t just echo the past; it revives it with a fresh pulse and modern edge.
The band draws deep inspiration from the legends who laid the foundation: the thunderous riffs of Led Zeppelin, the rebellious spirit of The Rolling Stones, and the explosive live energy of The Who. The Beatles, with their genre-defying creativity and melodic genius, remain a cornerstone influence—reminding Red Sun King that great rock is as much about innovation as it is about attitude.
Blues rock adds another layer of depth, with the raw groove of ZZ Top and the improvisational fire of The Allman Brothers Band shaping the band’s rhythmic backbone. You’ll hear flashes of Cream’s psychedelic blues and the British bite of The Yardbirds in their guitar-driven sound.
From the '90s era, Red Sun King channels the emotional weight and sonic punch of bands like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Stone Temple Pilots—acts that brought introspection, melody, and muscle to the forefront of rock. Lenny Kravitz’s fusion of vintage tones and modern swagger also plays a key role, inspiring the band’s blend of classic textures with contemporary flair.
Together, these influences form a sound that’s familiar yet fiercely original—vintage in spirit, but built for today’s stage. Red Sun King doesn’t just play rock; they live it, breathe it, and bring it roaring to life every time they hit the stage.
Setup requirements
Stage area
Power and Electric
Hospitality and Logistics