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Ekko Astral Announces Hiatus, Farewell Shows, Raffles for Trans Health

7/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ekko Astral announced a hiatus and will hold farewell shows in New York City on Aug. 22 and in Washington, D.C. at DC9 on Aug. 27.
Topshelf Records dropped the band after frontwoman-bassist Jae Holzman filed a peace-order petition against former drummer Miri Tyler.
At the Aug. 27 DC9 show the band will raffle the Pink Balloons cover painting, with proceeds supporting trans health services at Whitman-Walker Health.

History

Historical Context

Whitman-Walker Health, chartered in 1978, grew into Washington’s first gay-focused AIDS clinic during the 1980s epidemic. By 1993 it adopted oral HIV testing and expanded services, establishing a fundraising tradition that later funded the annual AIDS Walk. The 2024 Ekko Astral farewell shows echo that legacy, directing proceeds to a clinic that now serves over 30,000 patients from its 42,000-sq-ft 2015 medical home.

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Story summary

Ekko Astral announced a hiatus and will hold farewell shows in New York City on Aug. 22 and in Washington, D.C. at DC9 on Aug. 27.
Topshelf Records dropped the band after frontwoman-bassist Jae Holzman filed a peace-order petition against former drummer Miri Tyler.
At the Aug. 27 DC9 show the band will raffle the Pink Balloons cover painting, with proceeds supporting trans health services at Whitman-Walker Health.

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