A Window on the Weekend

We at DC ROCKS would be the first to tell you that we only cover a tiny niche of the very local scene here in Washington- trying to concentrate on local musicians in local venues. Often it is whatever blows in the window or music we stumble onto while out and about.
Please send us your imput if you see a band you think is a great deal for the money.

That said here's what came up for this weekend:

Friday the Nighthawks are playing in Wheaton from 7-9. (free)
On Saturday they'll swing over to Jammin' Java in Virginia for those of you who are Maryland challenged. ($20 cover)

Also on Saturday there's Chuck Brown's birthday with the man himself at the venerable 9:30 Club.($25)
And if downtown's too far away for some-Gigahertz will be rocking the  Outta the Way Cafe which is definitely out there somewhere, but they are well worth the trip. (No cover)

All of the above shows are at all ages venues so now is the time to impress the younger set with the Power of Live Music up close and personal brought to you by Masters of Rock.

Talent Hunt- You Don't Have to Look Far

DC is full of small town joints with big city talents- you just need to know where to find them which is part of what DC ROCKS is all about- places like JV's and the Galaxy Hut, Velvet lounge and Rock and Roll Hotel. Write us here and tell us your favorite place to see really good music for little or no cover.

In the meantime- Thrilbilly Thursday is coming up at the Sunset Grille this week.

If you have no idea what that means- check out Chip Py's article "The Thrill Is Not Gone" from last week to get the scoop.

Jeff On Jeff

Here is the scoop from local film maker Jeff Krulik on local film maker Jeff Mentges: " In the late 1980s, Jeff Mentges turned his attention from fronting infamous DC band No Trend to attending film school. Not content to graduate with a short film like the rest of his classmates, he decided to produce and direct a 16 mm narrative feature film. The result: OF FLESH AND BLOOD, a black-and-white noir retelling of porn star John Holmes' sordid descent into drugs, mayhem and murder. Shot for just $15K and featuring his former co-workers and denizens from Joe's Record Paradise, as well as beloved school janitor Al Breon in the starring role, the film had its grand premiere on August 15, 1990, at the Biograph Theater in Washington, DC. This special anniversary screening on Friday at   the AFI Silver Theater in Silver Spring is as much a celebration of low-budget 16mm independent film making before digital video took over as it is a 20-year reunion for everyone who was involved in making it happen. Plus, for those NO TREND fans out there, now's your chance to meet Jeff Mentges, in a rare local appearance. Also invited is the entire cast and crew, including Dr. Joe Sasfy, Dick Bangham, Steve Lorber, Cha Cha Lemeaux and Brian Horrorwitz of The Ubangis." Show time 9:30. Cash meet and greet before and after at the bar.

The Thrill Is Not Gone by Chip Py

A lot has been said in the last few years about the future of Annandale's old hold out honkey tonk,The Sunset Grille, but one thing is certain: the future of fun begins most Thursday nights around 9. That's when Johnny Castle and his Thrillbillys take to the tiny stage and bring a huge sound to the tiny room. This month you can catch them next week on AUGUST 26th.


Johnny Castle has been playing the Sunset Grille on Thursday nights for over 18 years and one can tell that he feels at home there. First with Bill Kirchen's Too Much Fun and for the last six years with his own band Johnny Castle and The Thrillbillys.

Very few bands in the DC Area bring as much talent to the stage as this aptly named quartet. Most folks know of Johnny from his early days with Switchblade, his many years with Bill Kirchen and currently touring the world with DC's own Nighthawks.  Wammie Award winning Singer /Song writer, David Kitchen, is on guitar and vocals. David has been playing around town for years and heads up his own band The David Kitchen Band. Tearing it up on lead guitar and standing behind not one but two lap steel guitars is Andy Rutherford. Andy has been known to play with DC's own Kathy Ponton King and Ruthie and the Wranglers. Knocking it out behind these guys at the kit is Robbie Magruder. Robbie is known for his years with legend Roy Buchanan and ten years with Mary Chapin Carpenter.

But enough about the band, one couldn't describe Thrillbilly Thursdays without mentioning the scene. Many, many regulars line the bar and call themselves Grillbillys, and just about every night local musicians stop by to play a few with the band. Just this summer I have seen Esther Haynes, Mark Noone, Dave Chapel, JP McDermot and Andrea Leblanc perform impromptu with the band.

Fortunately this scene has been captured on Bloody Fingers Music 2006 Thrillbillys Live at The Sunset Grille  album and a much anticipated studio release from the band is coming out this fall.

So if you want to jump start your weekend on a Thursday night The Sunset Grille in Annandale is a great place to do this. It should be noted that while "The Grille" has had somewhat of a rowdy roadhouse reputation David Kitchen is quick to point out that "not a single fight has ever broken out while the Thrillbillys are on stage."

WAMA Award Winners Show Case This Sunday

Party Like It's 1968

Joe Dolan of the Beatnik Flies has a new trick up his sleeve. Check out his latest band- The Vi-Kings which started out as a high school reunion  project, but turned into something  too good to abandon after just one gig. Here's the scoop from Joe:

"The VI-Kings are finally doing our debut full fledged rock show this Saturday, Aug 14th at Bangkok Blues. The VI-Kings are Stock Wilson, Bill Euler, Matt Maury, Rob Howe, Rob Fisher and myself. Bill, Stock, Matt and I go back to the Junior High teen club scenes of Pyle and Western. We play all 60s rock-what we consider the coolest songs, both hits and non hits. Lots of Stones, Yard Birds, Kinks and Dylan to name a few.

We will be one man short because Bill has fallen ill.  All  proceeds will go towards his recovery. Bill and I go back to 1965 when we both played in The Blue Diamonds, a teen club band from Pyle Junior High. Starting the VI-Kings with all these old rock friends has been like a dream come true."

A Very Small Big Show

The Very Small have been out on tour for the past two weeks, but they're coming home this FRIDAY to play at the Velvet Lounge. They've got a lot of sound for a small band, and  these guys look like they may know a thing or two about having fun.  They're playing with Social Hero from New York and local band Trif Store Magic.  Check 'em out.

Girl Rock

The boys of The Black Sparks rocked Fort Reno this week, but this weekend the girls get a chance to shine. Girls Rock!DC is a non- profit program staffed by volunteers dedicated to giving young girls a chance to play in rock bands with no apologies. Check out their site to learn more, or better yet come to their performance this Saturday at 11 AM when they take the coveted stage of the 9:30 Club.

$10 admission to support the mission- kids 12 and under free.

Fort Reno's Last Stand

Pint sized punk rockers - The Black Sparks  stole the show at Fort Reno Tuesday night with their complete devotion to energy through music. Indeed, we at DC ROCKS think they may have stolen the entire summer, but veteran DC rockers The Nighthawks have a chance to steal it back this THURSDAY.
The Hawks will be  returning to hold down the fort for the first time in something like 35 years. This is the LAST show of the season so please buy a Fort Reno t shirt while you are there to help get things rolling next year. Only $10 and you can help support a whole summer of music.

(Get there EARLY, y'all. Parking very very limited due to construction zones all around Wilson High school.)

Ft. Reno Tonight - A Truly All Ages Show

I'm going to Ft. Reno tonight to see bands that include a friend I've known the longest and a friend I've only known for 12 years because that's how old he is. That's Danny Ingram in Dot Dash and Ray Brown in The Black Sparks. The Public Good round off the line-up. Shows start at 7 and end at 9:30 and it's a great summer evening spot for everyone. You can find Ft. Reno near the Tenleytown Metro stop or via via 30's Metrobus. Feet, bikes and cars also get you there.

Haskett & Sansyou - Acoustic Mayhem Sunday by Lyn2

Check out Chris Haskett and Sansyou at the Galaxy Hut this Sunday night. Both conduct acoustic experimentation, a perfect activity for a hot summer Sunday evening. Sansyou includes 6 and 12 string guitars, cello and percussion and hail from Fairfax. Haskett hails from the Universe, but we claim him as our own. He can't help it that his compositions turn themselves into songs about cats.

Galaxy Hut can be found on Wilson Boulevard near Clarendon Metro. It's cozy, has good food and beer, a welcoming atmosphere, and the cover is always just $5.

Girls Rock DC Correction

The Girls Rock DC 9:30 concert is Saturday August 14- not this Saturday.

Thursday Is the Cool Day to Go Out. Period.

Hula Hump Day

It's August. Things slow down- people leave town, and sneaking out mid week might be a lot easier this month.

Hula Monsters- Maryland's answer to the 49th State- will swing the Columbia Lakefront this Wednesday evening 8-10. See 'em while you can as their public gigs are not so common lately. Not to mention this one, like the Aloha Spirit, is FREE.

Stay

It's a term I had never heard before, but it makes a lot of sense: the stay-cation. You take time off, but you don't take off. Or you take time off, but you don't go far.

This weekend there are a bunch of stay-cation type things to do starting with Ruthie and the Wranglers who will be out in Purcellville, Virginia recording a live concert. Click on the poster for details. Ruth has been singing her heart out for many a moon now, and the girl has it down.

Or you could go in a completely different direction to the Columbia Lakefront in Maryland to see Billy Coulter- yet another local musician who is chock full of talent.

Both bands play this Saturday which gives you plenty of time to get lost and make the downbeat.

Finally if all of the above is too far away, and you are in a Deadhead frame of mine, check out the U-Liners' Jerry Garcia tribute show at Iota. 9 p.m. $15

(Or you could take the whole staycation thing to the nth degree and hole up with a pint of Cherry Garcia, but..)

Fort Reno Hotline

for weather, information and updates : 202-355-6356

GHz Rocks the Zoo

(photo by Wayan Vota)

The National Zoo is a fun place. It's free, and it's big, and people who live in Mt. Pleasant like my mother once did, can hear the lions roaring at night. My father didn't have much time to goof off when I was a child, but I have a fond memory of playing hooky at the zoo. We were running errands around town when he said he had a surprise for me. Next thing I knew we were off the main street and pulling up next to a low building. I didn't quite know where we were until he put a delivery sign up on the dash, and I realized he had created his own parking place right near the giraffe house.

The place has changed quite a bit since I was a pup. It's vastly improved for the animals. Parking is still a trial, but now there are two Metro stops nearby. ("Creative" parking spaces are long gone.)

So here is my hint for this Thursday night's "sunset serenade" with Gigahertz- the '60s throw back band I can't seem to stop raving about. Get there early and park at the bottom, or be sure to wear really comfortable shoes for the hike back up to Connecticut Avenue. You can bring a picnic or buy food there along with beer and wine.
(How civilized.)

Showtime: 6:30-8 on Lion Hill. Free.

And if you can't make this one- the Grandsons will be there August 5. Same bat time: same bat place.

Quarry House Goes to the Beach

(poster by Stephen Blickenstaff)

If the artwork involved is any indication, the Quarry House has lots of good music going on this Friday when two oceanic themed groups hit the stage.

All bands should be lucky enough to have an artist like Stephen Blickenstaff on board, but rocking surf band Atomic Mosquitos take advantage of his unique talent with the thereminophone. (If you've never seen one played live, now is the hour.)

Chip Py, DC ROCKS' house photographer, has been out doing himself shooting live bands these days. Check out DC ROCKS new facebook page to see what he's been up to. He also captured the cheeky spirit of The Yachtsmen who will be shoving the show off the dock at 9:45 Friday night. (All you fans missing the Slickee Boys and Troubadours- please note this is now the band where Mark Noone debuts his newest songs.)

Come early- it takes a good half hour to study the beer and bourbon menu which you're gonna need to wash down those tater tots.

A Once and Future Place

The Harp and Fiddle in Bethesda is a typical American Irish bar, but it ONCE was a truly unique place called The Psyche Delly where many local legends played including Razz, the Nighthawks, Slickee Boys and Root Boy Slim. Bethesda was a pretty sleepy town then compared to now, but looking back it was cooler than I thought at the time. There was our home grown radio WHFS, the Sunshine House Surf Shop, Montgomery Donuts, Tastee Diner and Shakey's Pizza. (All gone now except the diner.)

But Gigahertz will be at the Psyche Delly, I mean, the Harp and Fiddle this Thursday and their music- both originals and covers- call up the psychedelic spirit of those days long ago when we used to drive up to the roof of a two story parking lot for the view.

(By the by their new CD "Morbid Curiosity" is killer.)

Set time- 8:30 p.m. Year- 1968.

Rock on, Bethesda.

Seven Doors- No Cover

Get Away On the Bay

My friends, Hugh and Sylvia, are always on the hunt for a good sunset- especially one that involves sky and  water, and that's how they found- Kentmorr. Kentmorr is a bar, a seafood joint and a private beach all rolled into one. An oasis just across the Bridge. You can get there by boat, car or airplane. (Yes airplane- which explains the big honking garages some of the neighbors have.) 
I can't decide what I like best about it. The food is good. Eat indoors, or on the dock or take carry-out down to the beach.  No, wait I know what I like best- you can get a beer at the bar and carry THAT  down to the beach and sit in a hammock chair. (Sylvia says they have good Bloody Marys, too, so bear that in mind) Though the place has been there since the 1950s, owners Dave Harper and his wife Tammy took over in 1993. Dave, a California boy has installed hammocks as well as a few seasonal palm trees on the beach to add to that island feel. Only about an hour from DC- it's a world away from here.

Aliens Invade Quarry House: Bring the Kiddies

Special Matinee this SUNDAY afternoon at the Quarry House! 

The Doctors Are IN.

Hey, Sports Fans- local longtime favorite Four Out of Five Doctors  will be at Jammin' Java this Saturday night. Band leader Cal Everett says this is the last show ever so better get your diagnosis while you can.

Rock Creek Park Rocks with Chopteeth

Carter Barron Amphitheater is tucked away in Rock Creek Park just off 16th Street.  I remember going to see shows there when I was younger, and I couldn't believe who would play there for free. All kinds of things are going on nowadays so keep your eye out for poetry, film and music events all summer. This Friday it's International Beat Night. Salsa kings Sin Miedo and world funk ensemble Funk Ark will open the show at 7 p.m. followed by the sprited Afrofunk rythms of Wammie award winners- Chopteeth.  Tickets are free but you need to go to Carter Barron or the Washington Post on Friday show to pick them up.
Limit four per adult.

 

Ra Ra Rasputin: Lover of the Russian Queen

I've always meant to ask Ra Ra Rasputin what their name means, but I asked Wikipedia instead. It might provoke a 1970s German disco phase. Meanwhile, check them out at Ft. Reno on Thursday, July 15. With Give and Hiding Places. Remember your instructions: shows start at 7:00 and end at 9:30 and don't bring glass containers or alcohol. It's the best night of free friendly entertainment you can find and it's always an all ages show.

Pondering Week Night Night Life

You want to go out now and then- maybe even on a week night, but you have a job, and/or kids and a goldfish. But instead of thinking things like "Woe is me, my clubbing days are numbered," try thinking along the lines of "dinner." Yes, as in you can have your entree and cake and eat it, too.

Fort Reno concerts start at 7 every Monday and Thursday, and it's the perfect spot for a picnic while catching the latest local rock scene. A DC ROCKS' favorite, 7 Door Sedan, will be playing there July 19, but this week you can catch their early show on Wednesday at Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights.

Here's the scoop from 7 Door's Glenn Kowalski:

"We go on first about 9, so you can stick around to see Her Next Friend, or you can make it home in time for your usual lights out. This a happening spot along 11th Street with cool vintage decor. It's close to the Columbia Heights Metro station on the Green line. They've got a good dinner menu including quesadillas, burgers, veggie burgers, fried pickles(!), eggplant fries and all kind of interesting things."

And don't forget- music for dessert!

Galaxy Stars Returns

Star gazers alert. Mark your calendars-the Perseid meteor showers won't be peaking until August 12 this year, but  Alice Despard, creator of one of the coolest little bars in the universe, will be playing the Galaxy Hut this SUNDAY night with Crowd Scene. Both these bands play out about as often as a full lunar eclipse (the next one in the U.S. being December 21) and both groups are stellar. I won't say more as there's not much room over there-it is a Hut after all- but this is a cosmic event.

Five bucks gets you into another galaxy.

Submit to Summer

(photos by Beth Rado)

Hot days, steamy nights. That's the program here for July.  If you are ready to become one with the heat Haydee's  has a spicy menu, cold margaritas and most importantly the New Orleans sound provided by Little Red and the Renegades this Friday night in the once upon a time get away from it all neighborhood of Mt Pleasant. NO cover charge and a band that plays all night long.

DC Weather Not Fit For Man Nor Beast

But Chia pets are a different story....

Hope you all are staying cool out there.

Hometown Fourth

The Boulevard. You might not know what that means unless you are from here, but that was what it was called back in the day. And before those days it was called "out the road." Nowadays you hear this area called the Palisades more often than not and the Palisades Parade is coming up this Sunday. What makes the parade unique is it is the O-fficial July Fourth Parade of the voteless colony known as District of Columbia (not to be confused with the more showy federal type celebrations)

It's a true hometown thing.  Anyone can be in it, and afterwards there's a picnic in the park featuring free hot dogs, a moon bounce, prize giving and often live music. To show the true nature of this spectacle DC ROCKS went into deep background to get this quote from one of the venerable parade judges, Mat Thorp: "The Awards Committee members are pushovers for family groups. A cat on a leash would be a plus. "

Parade starts at noon down near Safeway at 4865 MacArthur Boulevard and winds up in  Palisades Park. View it on "the Boulevard" or Sherier Place.

Pop Prevails on H Street

There's an interesting show coming up in a part of town that is definitely making its way back from the ravages of 1968. My father was born only a few blocks from here so whenever I go to the H Street clubs (which are in old buildings) I try and imagine what it was like back then in 1915 when this was a bustling business district and my grandfather was selling candy.

 But I digress.

Here is the scoop on this Friday's line up at the Red and The Black from Jerry H. front man for the Color School:

 
"A night when styles mix, but pop prevails.  Round About and The Walkaways lend themselves to Americana done in the DC tradition.The Walkaways have  good pop songs and the added attraction of pedal steel guitar player, Bobby Birdsong.

Color School is very simply a three piece pop band with ex-members of The High Back Chairs and Young Caucasians. No song is longer than 2:30 so you can bash from one to the next, and Bob's your uncle. 

The Red and the Black offers a great beer selection, including decent choices on tap.

Red painted tin ceilings, old DC iron work around the wood and the customary black curtains make it fit as alternate rock club."  

 Show starts at 9- and just a $5 cover in keeping with the  DC ROCKS traditon-it's  a rock bottom bargain. (emphasis on rock)

It's DC and the Music's Free by Lyn2

It's not just Ft. Reno in the summer, folks. There is free music at several spots downtown throughout the summer. One of them is at Woodrow Wilson Plaza EVERY DAY through September. That's the big courtyard in between the International Trade Center (O.K. Ronald Reagan Building) and the Ariel Rios Buildings. You can walk straight in to the courtyard off 13th and Constitution Ave. N.W., use Federal Triangle Metro stop or find out more here. Note the finale is a late afternoon performance in September - DC's own Chuck Brown, all y'all! (Apparently that is the plural for "y'all" in Texas-ese.)

This Friday, July 2, you can improve your lunch hour by catching Workingman's Dead/now Black Muddy River Band (featuring the one and only Jamie Daly)for some homage to the Grateful Dead from Noon until 1:30. There is a food court in the Trade Building, a restaurant in the Courtyard or bring your own.

You can find other free summer music events here.

Chill Out at Fort Reno This Summer

Fort Reno's first concert of the season was cancelled Monday- so you can still make "opening day" this Thursday when former Government Issue still rocking punk, post punk, John Stabb hits the stage with Sleeper Agent. Gangland Buries Its Own and the Black Sparks which bill themselves as a "not-at- all-kid-friendly DC punk band of 9 and 12 year olds with TOO much energy" fill out the line up.

Keep your eye on Fort Reno's calendar this summer- there's something for everyone- from the newest young punks to seasoned pros like the Nighthawks. The Fort Reno series features DC area bands and the coolest, highest, natural venue in the city. Bring kids and dogs, bug spray, a picnic, and a blanket, but please bear in mind-no glass or alcohol.

Concerts start at 7 and everything is cleared out by 9:30.

Prabir and the Hellmouth!!! Sunday!!!

Prabir (DC is my Second Hometown) Mehta will play a special solo set tomorrow night, Sunday July 27, at Galaxy Hut with Hoots and Hellmouth. I wonder if they got their name from Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

Prabir is know for his work with Prabir and the Substitutes, with Goldrush and with the forces of mayhem. As for Philadelphia's Hoots and Hellmouth, they play "new music for old souls"I first saw them at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth, where their unique roof-raising performance had everyone marching around the room, climbing on tables and generally whooping it up.

As for the Galaxy Hut near Clarendon Metro, it's small, cozy and has a nice menu including a remarkably sophisticated selection of microbrews at a fair price. The cover is always $5.

Sometimes You Should Go Back to Rockville

Like tomorrow night, Friday June 25, when 7 Door Sedan will play all evening at the Austin Grill in Rockville. They will play 3 sets starting at 9:30. 36 Maryland Avenue.

DC History Buffs Alert (and We Are Not talking Federal! Here)

This just in from my fellow local history chronicler and compatriot,  Jeff Krulik- Film Captain of Heavy Metal Parking Lot and beyond...

On Saturday, June 26 at 2:30PM, the Historical Society of Washington will host an encore of a popular conference panel discussion, EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY IN 1950-60s DC, a nostalgic journey using images from the HSW Emil Press Collection. As a hobby, Mr. Press shot nearly 4000 color slides of Washington DC between 1959 and 1979, and many are images of our lost buildings.We'll revisit the DC nightlife, entertainment districts, culinary meccas and watering holes that existed in an era before the internet, cable television, video games and ubiquitous chain restaurants.

Guiding us will be local writer Vance Garnett, longtime music fan Mike Baker and Washington Post On The Town columnist John Pagones (1959-65). More panelists to be announced.
Audience participation will be encouraged. 

This event is free and open to the public. Rock on.

Some of the Best Things in DC Are Free

DC natives often have a hard time remembering to take advantage of the riches of this city that are here for the taking. Recently Lyn2 deliberately carved out part of a Sunday to take herself to the National Gallery for the Allen Ginsberg show. Last week she climbed Capitol Hill for business purposes and that was still a thrill. I know what she means - it's like going home again- only we live here- we just don't necessarily go there.

DC ROCKS loves pointing out that the biggest mall in Washington (unlike Tyson's Corner) is that great long green space between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Go there late on a summer day when there are a lot fewer tourists to dodge. Plus some museums are open until 7:30.

Another good thing to do "after hours" is to check out the Sculpture Garden Concert series.(I used to love roaming the monuments really late at night, but that's another story.)
Head down there this Friday when those very cool cats that comprise Natty Beaux will do their best to jump start your evening from 5-8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic and let the coolness of music take the edge off the heat.

IOTA Rocks Tonight

Troubadours Gots Soul

The Rhodes Tavern Troubadours got together about ten years ago, and quickly became a regular fixture at the Half Moon Barbecue in Silver Spring which featured great pulled pork up front and a tiny sometimes too hot sometimes too cold but much beloved space in the back where the bands played, but when it got too hot in there- they'd open the door to the back alley, and you could see a car go by now and then behind the band.*

But Time Marches On.

Now the Half Moon is gone, and the Troubadours' days are waning as all four members have fallen into different projects. Gigs are rare which is why the IOTA show with King Soul last December sold out EARLY- by 9 p.m. So heads up my fellow music lovers- this Saturday the band will be back at IOTA with original member/guitar hero Dave Chappell on board.

And you get your money's worth with the eight piece outfit that is King Soul. Way out front man, Tom Clifford is committed to looking after each and every one of y'all's soulful needs, as are those Troubadours turned soul men- Jake Flack and Mark Noone.(At least they didn't go far.) Chris Watling, Tom Ruggieri and Vince McCool (his real name) on horns and Arif Durrani on keyboards. Hula Monster Ben Holmes keeps the beat. Get there early-have a bite to eat and relax. Show starts at 9.

*That first run on sentence was brought to you in honor of Bloomsday- June 16th- when this article was actually written whilst contemplating Rockville and whether or not it was going to rain. Please pass the Guiness.

Rockville and ROADDOGS

Rockville, Maryland was once a beautiful town. It looked more like Andy Griffith's Mayberry than the suburban sprawl we have to contend with now. From Chestnut Lodge in the west to F. Scott Fitzgerald's grave right on the Pike, it's gone through more face lifts than Joan Rivers, and each one seems worse than the last. That said I've driven all the way to a sports bar in Laurel to see the band ROADDOG. They are playing the Potomac Grill in Rockville this Friday night, and they are worth the trip.

Arif Durrani stalkers can get their fill- see that happy crazy keyboard player in ROADDOG Friday, and then stake out Iota on Saturday when he plays with King Soul.

Dot Dash-Something New for a Monday by Lyn2

Pop legends The Trashcan Sinatras from Scotland hit the Rock and Roll Hotel Monday night along with the debut of the hot new local line-up Dot Dash and The Candles from New York.

Dot Dash is a DC mix: Danny Ingram (Youth Brigade, Strange Boutique, King Mixer), Bill Crandall (Adam West, Modest Proposal) and Terry Banks and Hunter Bennett from Julie Ocean. Get there by 8:30 to see the much-anticipated first show of this  talent-laden act.

Black Cat Keeps DC Rocking

DC ROCKS would like to take a moment and salute the Black Cat for their Second Saturdays program which gives DC based bands a chance to get on stage. Also the Black Cat is one of the FEW all ages music venues in this town. Please support this club and local music which is what keeps this city alive.


This from Jess of America Hearts-

"This month's Second Saturdays features The Cheniers and America Hearts. The Cheniers debut 7" on Windian Records has three songs. One sounds like the Fall, one like Half Japanese, one sounds like the Doublehappys. Most of their songs fit nicely into one of those three categories. America Hearts songs are all about two minutes long and honest and straightforward and catchy. Think Jonathan Richman or Beat Happening.  Both bands enjoy heckling each other, and there will probably be a lot of that at this show."
June 12 @ Black Cat backstage
8 p.m., $8

Hey, Meet Me at Haydees

When the Mount Pleasant venue, Haydees first caught my attention, I admit I was skeptical. Primarily a Salvadoran restaurant, I thought it might be the kind of place that shoves the band in a corner while people are eating. Happily I was converted the first time Lyn2 and I walked in the door. The band was rocking, and a frightfully accommodating staff took our margarita orders even before we could make our way to the bar. Yes, it's primarily an eatery, but there's a welcoming corner pub vibe here which might explain the great mix of people. More points were scored when the dinner hour subsided, and the staff pulled back tables to make room for dancing. This Friday the irrepressible Little Red and The Renegades will play until everyone is happily worn out- band and patrons alike. Music starts at 9 and continues until 1 a.m. with no cover!!

Come for dinner (the food is really good) or just a drink- but be fully prepared to meet new people and have fun.

You Can Take the Guy out of DC by Lyn2

Chris Haskett lives many places now, but he's still one of ours. Catch his acoustic set at Bossa on Wednesday night. He goes on early- at 8- and you can avoid the Adams Morgan weekend madhouse. Bossa is next door to Madams Organ at 2463 18th Street NW and has two floors. Both are good spots to hang out.