R5 bassist Riker Lynch says fans should expect the unexpected

When music is a family affair, it’s crucial that the individuals stick together as a collective. R5, comprising the Lynch siblings and family friend Ellington Ratliff, have continued to do that.

R5 returns to the District Tuesday, bringing their token rock/pop sound to the Lincoln Theatre. Ryland and Parade of Lights will open for the band.

“The show is never what you expect. I’ve never had someone come up to me after seeing us live and say, ’Oh, you were exactly how I thought you’d be,” said bassist and vocalist Riker Lynch, who says the set will feature originals and covers alike. 

“It’s just whatever happens, happens. I think people fully understand what we’re all about once they see the live show. We want people to come and sort of forget about the rest of the world for a little bit and just be engulfed in the moment and have a great memory of the night that they will keep with them for the rest of their lives.”

Indeed it is the communality of making music that Mr. Riker said keeps he and his siblings going.

“I think just being able to make people feel something inspires me. It’s that feeling when I listen to a great song or see an amazing concert that just feels so awesome,” he said.

But while the band has a gig to perform, they’re all about taking in all that the nation’s capital has to offer. On a previous trip to the District, they even performed an acoustic set at the White House Easter Egg Roll. 

“We’re big hockey fans, and I’ve never seen the Capitals play in person before, so definitely gonna try to catch a game,” Mr. Riker said.