If We Can Sparkle

photo by Michael Ochs

Was "Starman" an autobiographical story about time travel? 


I, for one, wouldn't put it past him.


Would you?

Astrologic

Though it was a rough week here on the ground,  celestial objects calmly stayed the course. Earth bellied up to the Sun and brought back all things Spring on Sunday, and the very next day, Jupiter and its four moons joined the party, lumbering across the sky to hang out with our almost full moon.  One more lunar event - or should I say day of lunacy-will occur this Saturday night when I spy three different shows on the horizon.

Which one will you pick? Some of the conflict can be resolved if you belong to  the Virginia/ Maryland Equinox of Paranoia Society which prevents many of its members from crossing the River.  Clearly Glebe Road types will want to go for  Chess Club Romeos holding forth with a panoply of bands at IOTA. On the other side of the planet,  members for whom the word  "Pike" means Rockville, Jumpin' Jupiter, ironically a Virginia band, will be kicking out the walls at Hank Dietle's Tavern. 

And last but certainly not least on the Beltway orbit,  Martha Hull is planning a DC-PUHLOOZA to say good-bye to Jackie's Sidebar in Silver Spring. Musical history will be in abundance here including stars like the original Beatnik Flies, Bob Berberich (Grin and the Hangman) and  Bill Craig. (Razz)  Too many to list. You never know who is going to show up at a show like this, and that's the way we like it.  

Wednesday's Child

When I was in third grade, Wednesday was the worst day of the week. We spent all day in the class room with Mrs. "Battle-Axe" Jackson presiding.  No music. No gym. No art. No exit. Seven subjects:

Social Studies. The book started out great about a couple of kids named Mark and Kathy King whose family was moving to New Mexico, but "good times in the desert"  quickly deteriorated into boring facts and numbers about dams.
Science.(Wonder what that was all about)
Reading. Could have been a break, but they made us read those SLR things, and everyone knew which colors meant you were "slow."
English. (Yes, they separated that out.) "English" meant grammar.
Writing.  That meant penmanship. I got a D+ there even though my report card says I was spoken to several times about "refining" this skill. (I don't even think they teach this anymore.)
Spelling. Yup, yet another subject.
Arithmetic.  I still can't even spell it much less do it.  And at the end of the day? We had to go home and do homework. In all seven subjects.

Wednesdays are still a rough one for a lot of people. That's why The Bumper Jacksons and Miss Tess and The Talkbacks want you to come see them "after school" tomorrow night at Gypsy Sally's in Georgetown.  Two unique and very fun bands will make you forget all about homework. Early school night show- starts at 8 DST.

DC PuNkS FIghT BiG C

Sad news. Bad news. Sad bad news. Cancer is the culprit here so it is good to have a distraction from this uninvited guest. This weekend there are two events focused on helping our old friend John Stabb fight his war on rogue cells. John might be best known as the wild front man for the DC punk band Government Issue, but his disarmingly sweet personality may be the reason why so many local musicians are coming together Saturday for his benefit. 

Coinciding with Jackie's restaurant closing concert series, The Yachtsmen and Monsters from the Surf have decided to fork over their paychecks as well as any incoming tips to the Cause. Plus Jackie will be donating a portion of the night's proceeds. Bands start here at 9 p.m.

Over at Comet Ping Pong? No less than 4 bands plus long time 9:30 Club veteran DJ Tom Berard plan to kick ass deep into the night. The $12 cover charge here will also be making its way back to John's pocket, not the bands.   

Can’t make it to either throw down? Here’s one of those modern gizmos that makes life easier- the on line fundraising button. Any amount is most welcome. Or just check in. If Mister Stabb has ever given you a reason to smile, now is the time for recompense.

Go See This Band

Sorry for short notice but We Were Pirates tonight at Black Cat. One of my very favorite DC rock bands.