Nunchucks Rock DC

It was a busy night a couple of weeks ago at the Velvet Lounge. As usual there were three bands playing, and as usual the crowd had thinned out by the time the third band- the Nunchucks- came on. I was under the weather, but I like the Nunchucks and wanted to stay for a song or two at least, but then their energy filled the room. I didn't leave. I couldn't bring myself to move until they were finished. I don't know when it happened, but they went from a decent band to something else. Self described as "the best band you never heard of"-it's true, and their new materiel is strong. Nunchucks will rock again with Midnight Spin, Downtown Harvest and the Blackbells this Friday night on H Street at the Rock & Roll Hotel. (See their website for band links.) $10

Sunday Is Punkday Matinee!

Sleeper Agent, XMC and Dead Mechanical-three bands for just five bucks at the Quarry House this Sunday afternoon starting at 3 p.m. See old friends - get a good dose of live music and have a beer or two to wash down those tater tots. What a great way to avoid thinking about Monday.

Live Theater Rocks

Nick Hornby's novel High Fidelity is about a bewildered, love lorn man who sees his romantic life as a series of mix tapes and Top Five lists. The book was written and set in England. The movie version, starring John Cusack, was made and set here in America, and the musical.... the musical? I, for one, am not a big fan, but a friend of mine was playing guitar in the Landless Theatre Company's production at DCAC, and tickets were cheap-just $25. So I went, not expecting much, and I was enthralled.
The cast was excellent- not a weak performance in the bunch. It was funny and dark and very well done- as clever as its title. Don't expect the familiar songs of the movie- the music is all original, and the band rocks. And it's not just me-critics and friends alike- from the curmudgeon to the consummate musician- everyone was impressed. The Landless production is back, for a very limited run, at The Warehouse- this Friday and Saturday only. Still only $25 in advance, and what a deal. Don't miss it!

Monday Can End on a Good Note with a Little Help From Your Friends

My friend, Bobby Lee Birdsong, (gotta love that name) has been from DC to Austin and back- not to mention a bunch of stops in between before settling down here. He can tune your piano, talk about any number of subjects and he plays with a bunch of bands. This MONDAY you can catch him at Iota with two of those bands- an acoustic version of the Walkaways, plus Amy Sullivan and the Whisky Darlings. Jamie Potter will open keeping it all in the family. ( He's married to Amy.)
Three bands for ten bucks in a great little club. You can't go wrong.

Friday - Friends From Near and Far by Lyn2

(Photo by Nick Ghobashi)

We at DC ROCKS promised to keep you posted on the journeys of the former members of Richmond's Prabir and the Substitutes, and this Friday night we can do even better. We can send you down to the Velvet Lounge on U Street where The Trillions will play their very first DC show opening for local rock faves- The Nunchucks, and a band we've been wanting to see more of The Blue Line . To get a better idea of what's going on with the Trillions, you better read this description.

And, believe it or not, you've got another great choice just up the road at Asylum. Sister Ex will join Redline Addiction at this 18th Street venue that it's possible you have missed. It's a great place to see a show and Sister Ex is going to be perfect for this club where you can sit at the bar, sit at a table or jump around if you want. We don't know Redline Addiction but the name makes me want to check them out.

You can do both of these shows if you've got on your walking shoes. Or pick one. But go out Friday night and support friends from near and far on what promises to be a lovely spring evening.
Lyn2 Photo courtesy of Chip Py

The Miracle That Is Spring in DC

Spring has snow backed into a corner.
Stay tuned.

Out of This World Rock Show Monday

Mark Noone - Slickee Boy, Troubadour, King Soul man, Hula Monster is coming out of the basement (and his clothes closet) with his newest incarnation the Yachtsmen this MONDAY night at Galaxy Hut- one of my favorite tiny haunts thanks to former owner and long time ethereal rocker Alice Despard who will also be playing this extraordinary double bill. It might be a Monday, but this show is a must see. Local rock history will be made before your eyes-don't miss it. Starts early -9 p.m.- so you can hit the pillow, too.

Rustbuckit and XMC to Cause Spring Fever Saturday

Saturday nights are made for bands like Rustbuckit and XMC. These are musicians you've no doubt seen or heard of and they'll be at Iota this Saturday, March 13. Rustbuckit are loud, fast and you can dance for real or in your mind. XMC are the same only different. You won't find a more talented rocking bunch of musicians to wash away the work-week blues and put you in that spring fever set of mind. That's Iota in Arlington, Virginia near the Clarendon Metro on the Orange Line.

Lyn2

Grandsons Go Wild

The Grandsons break out into Grandsons Junior mode with a kids' concert this (rainy?) Saturday at Jammin Java in beautiful but flawed suburban Vienna, VA. Their motto is "wild music for wild kids." I haven't met a kid yet that comes under the category of "tame" so this should be a fun show. Make sure you get there by the godawful (but not if you are a parent) hour of 10 AM ( in the morning.)

My Snowmometer

is looking for a new line of work.

Sometimes You Do Get A Second Chance

(pic by Beth Rado)

Mardi Gras has come and gone, but the Maritime Republic of Eastport has a fine reputation for doing things their own way which in the past has included a sock burning ceremony and celebrating Mardi Gras whenever they get the notion. This week they are throwing a hellatious party called The Ambassador’s (Other) Ball which will happen at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 6.

Little Red & The Renegades with Alan & Chris of The Grandsons will be playing the event and special guest ‘Texas Fred’ Carter, the Zydeco Cowboy, of WPFW-FM (89.3) will be there as well. The $25 admission includes a buffet serving Cajun and other food specialties, plus draft beer, soft drinks-door prizes, costume & dance judging.
( Mardi Gras or Key West attire encouraged)

Best of all - the proceeds will benefit the Annapolis Musicians Funding Musicians & the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic.

The party happens at :
Eastport Democratic Club
515 State Street
Eastport, MD

DC ROCKS TODAY

It's a good day indeed to wake up in a town that passed a gay marriage bill despite rumblings that Congress or the Supreme Court might step in to block the legalisation. All over the country gay right bills are stalled in the name of semantics on what a "marriage" should be, but D.C. got it done rather than let prejudice prevail- although the battles still aren't over.
This week Catholic Charities hastily dropped its spousal benefits and last month transferred its foster care program as a direct response to the passing of the bill. Marriage may mean different things to different people, but in the eyes of the law, better to err on the side of freedom and justice for all than argue the thing into the ground.
Let freedom ring.