Rocking the Lids

Some people, like those funny chaps in the Yachtsmen, can carry off a captain's hat.
And some people just can't. My mother positively recoiled from anything that might wreck her last visit to the beauty parlor.  Here she is positively levitating the head gear:

Hats aside, the Yachtsmen's mission is to make you believe in their sea salt masquerade, but fear not dear readers, underneath those navy blue blazers beats the heart of rock and roll. Pair that with another DC ROCKS' favorite 7 Door Sedan,  and this Sunday at the Galaxy Hut you have the show you've been waiting all winter for. Outstanding beer selection, intimate club and crazy good ROCK. All for $5.

Etch This

My first foray into the world of "mechanical" drawing was probably the Magic Slate- those "mystical writing pads" that could be scrawled on, and then the "ink" would disappear with just a flick of the top sheet. Free do- over. Wow. I was sold. I remember getting one around the age of five, but in my enthusiasm, I must've ground that little stylus too hard because the top sheet quickly developed a crease and later a couple of permanent lines showed up like angry welts. Not so magic after all.

Then came the Etch a Sketch which drove a lot of kids crazy because all we could manage to draw was a stick figure or a house.

If you worked all your life, you might get pretty good at it, but then some wisenheimer would come along and give it a shake, erasing the whole thing. Just picking it up could do permanent damage. Pretty annoying- especially if your house looks like this:

But then I found the doodle creator at Smudge's web site. I couldn't resist the thing-whatever it is. Within minutes, I had a masterpiece hanging out on their home page:

Move over Etch A Sketch...So long Mister Slate.


Smudge is a comics arts expo and  looks like an arts- explo-sion type happening this Saturday at the Artisphere from noon until 6 p.m. Expect presenters, exhibitors and hands on workshops. (In other words I'm thinking a bunch of crazy storytelling artists hanging out together. )

It's a free all ages event, one which might actually appeal to all ages- a rare thing in my book.

An English Major Ponders March (with apologies to Bryan Ferry)

Between the winter storm watches and wind chill factors, March really snuck up on me this year, and with more snow predicted tomorrow, I know I am not alone in disagreeing with T.S Eliot. Remember how he began The Wasteland?

APRIL is the cruellest month, breeding

Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing 

Memory and desire, stirring 

Dull roots with spring rain. 

Hell, no, T. S. 
I get that you are talking about deeper things than the change of seasons, but March is the Cruella Deville of Washington weather. After all, meteorological Spring happens in March, yet District skies will throw down misery for pretty much the whole month- even if we do get that random 75 degrees day, we need to brace ourselves. 
Sleet, slush, freezing rain? Enough already! 
Emily Dickinson, living  as she did up in New England must have felt the same way, but she's more polite about the whole thing:

Dear March - Come in -

How glad I am -
I hoped for you before -
Put down your Hat - 
You must have walked -
How out of Breath you are -

And Charles Dickens nails it here:

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

While we are waiting for our summer in the shade, here are a few suggestions to keep your spirits up: 

1. Lettuce up, limbo down… ( Never mind Mary Jane, tomatoes are the drug I'm thinking of) Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time to start your seedlings! Have faith that May will be here in about 8 weeks, and we want those puppies ready to go! 

2. Feeling cold blooded right about now? Make like an anaconda and hang out at the zoo where it's always warm in the Reptile House.

Or  try Amazonia, another steamy favorite, especially if you can't go snorkeling somewhere warm and azure. Even if you are house bound, you can check out the new Elephant cam. Yes, you heard me. We can now spy on the Elephant House 24/7 and see what kind of pachyderm pool parties are going on when we are not around. 

One caveat before we leave the zoo: I don't recommend visiting the Great Ape House this time of year. I thought teenage boys' rooms were rough, but these guys win.

3.  Lastly an Irish coffee will warm your soul at one of my favorite watering holes, Martin's Tavern.  Martin's has perched on the same corner of Wisconsin and N in Georgetown since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Welsh rarebit, French onion soup and Brunswick stew are also on the menu if you are looking for further old school sustenance. Martin's has a way of making everyone feel welcome from families to the old guy at the bar, tourists and regulars alike. (and this is where you will find the rare bird that is a DC native.) Here's a picture looking out at the Saint Patrick's Day snow storm last year.  (Remember that, Farmer?)

What I Don't Know

Local singer songwriter Billy Coulter wrote me a while back and asked if I would cover his show coming up at Jammin Java this Thursday with John Eddie. I didn't want to betray my ignorance, but I had no idea who John Eddie is, much less that he had an album with that sentiment in mind. 

Since I can surf the 'net as well as the next guy, I now know John Eddie is a singer songwriter from Richmond who moved to New Jersey once but lives in Nashville now. He is my age, he's played with Bruce Springsteen and once opened for the Kinks, but for the real low down, here's the skinny from  Billy who is both a musician and a far more knowledgable fan:

"I admire the earnest and confessional sort of songwriting that Ian Hunter and John Lennon practiced. It's something I strive for in my own songs. John Eddie has that talent and also possesses a wry sense of humor, so he doesn't take himself too seriously. Plus, his live shows rival the kind of energy and enthusiasm that his pal Bruce Springsteen made famous. My band is gonna rock an opening set of nothing but our best material to get this audience pumped."

SORRY THIS SHOW POSTPONED UNTIL MAY
What I do know is that's a bargain. 

Calling All Juvenile Delinquent Wrecks

Once upon a time children used to have all kinds of fun in Washington DC. Look at my cousin Peter Sclavounos, above, tooling about town in style sometime around 1940. Used to be you could wade in the reflecting pool, skateboard down the Washington Monument path, and climb on that weird Giant that used to live at Hain's Point.

But now there's no sledding on the State Department steps much less on Capitol Hill which last time I looked was supposed to belong to WE the people.

What's a kid to do? Write to their congressperson ? Well, no. You can't do that either if you live in Washington, D.C. because we don't have one.

And that, my friends, is why they invented rock and roll. Teach your children well; teach 'em how to stick it to the man. Take them to the Avalon tomorrow morning and let them see the RTTS transform this historic landmark of a movie theater into a roiling mosh pit of tots. Concert starts at 10 a.m. sharp.

Come out and have some fun before that becomes a misdemeanor, too.

rtf fans olivia and august 

A Tale of Two Streetcars

Last week I survived a journey on a jam packed street car which included a concert by howling drunk college students who were belting out everything from pop tunes to the "Star Spangled Banner" at the top of their daiquiri soaked lungs. Yes, this scene was set in New Orleans- a beautiful city which is notorious for sometimes not having its act together. As we rattled down St Charles early Thursday evening, sometimes the bare naked light bulbs that illuminate the cars blinked out; sometimes there was a crack and spark of electricity above the overloaded little vehicle, but we all made it to our destination in one piece- even the girl who almost passed out, and the kid who was leaning backwards with his head dropping out the open window.

Back in Washington DC, we have a more modern, state of the art street car system running on brand new tracks. Only problem? Nobody is on board. Our last mayor hoped to have the big opening before he left office.  Bureaucratic delays may be inevitable, but it's been eight years since this project started, and over a year since testing began in December 2013. Today's news brought nothing but uncertainty about what will happen next. More reviews. More testing even though for months now the cars have crept its petty pace up and down the two mile track on H Street Northeast, carrying no passengers and going absolutely nowhere.

And I'll bet the windows don't even open.

 October 2014

Throw Back Your Valentine

Here's a fun old fashioned thing to do on what can be a heart breaking holiday- Eric Felten and his Orchestra are having a vintage dance party this Saturday night at Glen Echo in a building that is both classy and classic. The Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo is the real deal- a restored and rescued art deco dance hall dating back to the 1930s. You don't need a date- just your two left feet. Bring a friend or two, and

 as David Bowie would say: "take a chance…put on your red shoes and dance."

Every Day

It's a getting closer...

Oh, Boy! This Friday, yes, that'll be the day when a mob of musicians take over Bethesda Blues and Jazz right there on Wisconsin Avenue.  Too many bands to mention will be paying tribute to Charles Hardin Holley, one of our founding fathers of rock n roll, sadly lost too soon in a plane crash 56 years ago this month. Come out and celebrate the man who refuses to fade away at this mash up dance party and rave on for Buddy's sake.

Mardi Gras Mambo Time

Living here on the semi frozen tundra of the Mid-Atlantic, it is hard to remember that Carnival season is upon us, and indeed, almost half over. Mardi Gras falls on a Tuesday this year, (hah) on February 17th to be exact.  A mere 18 days, 11 hours, and 33 minutes from now. (Make that 32 minutes.)

In New Orleans parades are already rolling and gaudy as all get out King cakes are stacked eye high in the grocery stores. Mardi Gras "carols" are playing on the radio- especially on WWOZ , "guardians of the groove." Through the magic of the internet you can tune in live -just like I am now. As I write "Treme Mardi Gras" featuring Kermit Ruffins just played followed by Louis Armstrong, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Creole Clarinets.

But if you cant 't buy a ticket South, DC has a couple of local bands playing this Saturday night, January 31st that could fit the bill.  Little Red and the Renegades are promising an accordion and steel drum driven "Mardi Gras blow out," at the New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, and The Beat Hotel, lodging at the Harp and Fiddle in Bethesda, are going for "Mardi Gras swamp funk," complete with horns.

Only 18 days and 10 hours to go y'all.

Old Schoolin' It

I've mentioned Gypsy Sally's many times since it opened a little over a year ago. It was great to hear about a new club, and it's a lot nicer than bars I remember frequenting "back in the day." The room has wonderful bones complete with a real stage, a nice long bar, elevated tables, and a dance floor, but the owners of the club are a bit at sea. They just let one of the best booking agents in the area slip through their fingers, so I have to wonder how long this venue will last. It would be a shame to lose this club considering the dearth of Places to Go in Georgetown.

That being said an intriguing show is coming up at Gypsy Sally's this Friday, harkening back to a time when DC was chock full of saloons. Two retro-inspired bands: Miss Tess and the Talkbacks and the Bumper Jacksons will bring their own twist to old school jazz, vintage country, and deep roots rock. The Bumper Jacksons say their sound covers music from "the brothels of New Orleans to Appalachian hollers," if that gives you a better clue. Both bands are fronted by women, (hear us roar) and both look like a barrel of fun. A lot of music for $15.

Saturday night, those Southern slingers of Memphis stax, King Soul, will stage a comeback at the Takoma VFW- down in the holler off Eastern Avenue. Old school music, dancing and cheap drinks served up in a true blue dive. Cover just 10 clams. Or head over to the Quarry House where Monsters from the Surf and El Quatro take charge. (No cover there)

Fancy Is as Fancy Does ?

Last Saturday night almost 400 people paid $15 a piece to see the Vi-Kings at the posh, but somewhat controlling Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. (The name kind of paints a picture, doesn't it?) Tack on to that price tag, a $10 minimum, and a lack of choice as far as seating goes- same price no matter whether you are seated on a first come first served basis. (and if you don't arrive with your friends, don't count on sitting with them.) Dress code: suggested business casual. (A jacket, boys, but you can lose the tie.) For your money? It's a great place to see a show if you are feeling fancy, and there is an ample dance floor if they move enough tables, but if your budget is tight, or you chafe at being told where to sit…think twice.

On the B side (as in basement) this Saturday, the same band is playing at the Quarry House in Silver Spring- no cover, no minimum and no seating restrictions except by the limitations of the room. The Quarry House is…intimate. You may have to ask someone if you can steal a chair or share a table, but that makes it all the merrier in my book. The fanciest things here are the libations, and if you study the drink menu religiously like I have, you can find a mighty nice bourbon for $6.  (Bring a flashlight) Dress code: Business casual minus da bidness. The guys in the Vi-kings will play just as hard here as they did Bethesda Blues, and  although the Quarry House may not be as comfortable as a supper club, neither is rock n roll.

A Good Hang

Singer songwriters Eric Brace and Karl Straub have known each other for close to 25 years now, but since Eric moved to Nashville, it had to become one of those long distance type of affairs. Despite the miles between them though, they did manage to finish a project which I will loosely call an American roots opera- loosely based on the story of Ike and Betsy. (You know Ike and Betsy, that couple from Pike? )

Yes. A musical kind of thing based on a song we used to sing in grade school.

Much as I respect both these guys, I confess "Hangtown Dancehall" sounded like a recipe for a coal mine disaster to me. I was skeptical, but I was lucky enough to see this dream of theirs come to life last fall at the Birchmere; and now I am a true believer. 

That being said, "Hangtown" is NOT happening at IOTA this Sunday, but Karl and Eric will be doing an acoustic set of songs from the show, as well as old Last Train Home/Graverobbers numbers and some new stuff, too. This will be one of those performances that may or may not happen again, so don't count on another chance. 

 Show starts at 8:30 sharp. $12 cover.

Cool Thoughts on a Snowy Day

With temperatures struggling to get out of the twenties, every single snow flake that fell today is not budging an inch. Gladly stuck at home for now,  I'm pondering what's cool and what's not.

What's cool?
The Martini Shot: a new collection of short stories by our own home boy, George Pelecanos. George, whose writing draws a bead on DC as only a local can, will be appearing at the new  Busboys and Poets in Brookland next week.

What else is cool?
All the movies and books coming out about DC's punk scene, WHFS and the 9:30 Club.

What's not cool is getting so wrapped up in what was, that we forget about what is. A lot of great old memories cropped up with the recent premiere of "Salad Days", but fellow old codgers have commented about getting around the nostalgia to what is happening now.

We may have lost a lot of old venues, but musicians from those "back in the day" bands (like Government Issue, White Boy, Beatnik Flies, and Slickee Boys) are still out there wielding axes and slogging away at our local music scene. Meanwhile young bands are cropping up with all kinds of ideas and sounds. DC ROCKS can't keep up, but look for The NRIs, The Walking Sticks, The Very Small and Bumper Jacksons.  And check out Jack On Fire's demo "Burn Down the Brixton" a funny and very local number sounding off about  DC's newer hipster scene.

Stay warm this week, but please remember going out is cool!

What Would Frost Do?

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, " Robert Frost once said, and I wonder which one he would choose for Thursday evening if he were still here. He left the planet a little too early in January of 1963 to be a Rolling Stones' fan (although he talks about them a lot in his poem "Mending Wall.")
Those of you who do like to rock might want to think about heading down a road called Wilson Boulevard in Arlington for Keith Richard's birthday party/tribute at IOTA.

The other road, Georgia Avenue, leads us to Silver Spring where DC Brau and the Quarry House are throwing a Calypso party with The Harry Bells. Bring a toy if you are feeling Santa-like. Might be something cool and warm to do, and a good place "to stop without a farmhouse near" on a wintry night so close to the "darkest evening of the year."

Rooting Up A Christmas Throwback

Right about now a lot of us are cringing as carols assault our ears wherever we go. Bearing that in mind, December's Song of the Month is one you don't often hear this time of year even though it is seasonal.

But first a little back ground.

photo by Alan Kresse

If you went to the University of Maryland in the last century, you might remember the Varsity Grill in College Park. I imagine at one time or another this little bar on Route 1 served clean shaven football players accompanied by their lanky blonde dates wearing letter jackets. However, by the time I arrived on the scene in the late 1970s, those days were long gone. The Grill was more of a blue collar establishment frequented by biker gangs, and dotted with scruffy college students. The bulk of the Terrapin freshmen could be found across the street dousing themselves with beer at the 'Vous.

photo by Alan Kresse

Never one to fit in anywhere, I felt more at home with the bikers.

Varsity Grill circa 1979/photo by Alan Kresse 

One night, way back when, friends hanging at the Grill were all geared up to see a band playing down the block. Everybody said we had to go check it out. I think we all stumbled through a rear door in the Grill and down an alley to get the Back Room, but those memories are hazy, and I may well be wrong. What I do remember is the place was seething with bodies by the time we walked in. The rickety balcony (which was out of puking range) felt only marginally safer than being in that crazy crowd below which was writhing in front of an even wilder scene on stage. It was the first time I had ever heard of "Root Boy Slim and The Sex Change Band."

That may have been the night the act was banned in College Park, but only temporarily. The band played on - well into the 1980s.  Foster MacKenzie III (aka Root Boy Slim) was a brilliant and witty man given to boisterous excess in all he did. He lived large, and he died too young, but he left DC a legacy of crazy stories and songs. As the old TV commercials used to say- who could forget classics like "Mood Ring?" ? Or "Boogie 'Til You Puke?" And of course (finally getting to the point) "Christmas at K- Mart."

This dark little number confronts our commercial society head on and thus qualifies for DC ROCKS' song of the month. When the rat race of shopping reaches a frenzied pitch,  I say retreat.  Scrounge up something strong to sip on, put your feet up and revive your spirit with a little satire and a nod to Slim who will always be missed in 7-Elevens and old haunts throughout D.C.

P. S. DC ROCKS thanks Alan Kresse for many of the photos in this piece. It sure comes in handy having a college house mate who was sober enough to take great pictures once upon a time. He still is a stellar photographer.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Photo by Lynn Thorp

Goodbye, Mr Mayor.