Doin Da Bump

August is when a good many Washingtonians bounce out of here in favor of the shore. When I go to the beach, I like to watch life play out at the bumper car pavilion. It's basic punk rock. Everyone is reduced to equal standing in a barely controllable vehicle built for getting stuck in awkward positions until bumped out of gridlock. Wouldn't it be fun if the Beltway worked like that?

This year I saw a blasé young woman casually texting and driving with one hand- somehow staying out of the fray and totally missing the point. I wonder was she killing time? Or just marking the End of Civilization?  Meanwhile classic stories spun out around her: a brother gleefully snuck up on his sister, parents aimed to startle offspring, and a boy overshot the girl of his dreams and bounced off a biker dude.  Unlike life, no one gets hurt in the Land of Bump.

Meanwhile, back here in DC, enjoy the slight dip in real traffic and get out to the plentitude of live shows coming up this month. Fort Reno's last hurrah happens tonight, and Saturday is especially packed with choices depending on your predilection or perhaps geography as you bomb around the Beltway. Rare Essence has a free show at Fort Dupont. Mark Segraves is hosting an "After Dark" fundraiser which benefits musicians at Villain and Saint with The Yachtsmen and Rock-A-Sonics.  Vintage #18 plays Takoma's VFW while on the other side of town punk rockers XMC will thrash the Falls Church VFW ( I sense a theme) The NRIs are among the many bands playing the Crescendo party also in Falls Church.  And 7 Door Sedan will be at El Golfo back over Silver Spring way. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg, but here are more suggestions:

AUGUST

1

Last Fort Reno Concert with Don Zientara, and  Ian, Amy, and Joe

Lunch with Bob @ JV's

2

Rodney "Pie MAn" / Ned Hill @ Slash Run

80s UK Soul Tribute @ City Winery

3

Vintage #18 @ Takoma VFW

The Yachtsmen/ Rock-A-Sonics @ Villain and Saint

XMC @ Falls Church VFW

7 Door Sedan @ El Golfo

NRIs @ Crescendo Studios

8

Monsters from the Surf/ Taildraggers @ Takoma VFW

9

Split Seconds @ Pie Shop

10

Duskwhales CD release show @ Jammin Java

Valentine Slim/ Col Josh @ Takoma VFW

11

Last Train Home @ Mason District

Big Al Tribute @ 9:30 Club

17

Goin Goin Gone (@4) @ JV

Insect Surfers Reunion @ JV

18

Hula Monsters @ Palisades Park

21

The Cynics/ Jake Starr @ Slash Run

22

King Soul @ Glen Echo (free)

Dave Chappel Band @ JV

23

Parthenon Huxley @ Jammin Java

25

Snot Fest @ Pie Shop

29

Rock-A-Sonics @ JV