Cars Make Way for Dancing at Glen Echo

Glen Echo has always been a cool place to hang out. Back in 1881 the Chautauqua movement came to stay. Clara Barton built a house as a Red Cross head quarters in 1891 and lived there until her death. In 1899 much of the land was rented and became an amusement park which lasted well into the sixties. After this enterprise was abandoned, the National Park Service started managing the land, and artists soon drifted back again building yurts for their studios and hosting music festivals. Now Glen Echo Park has had a full face lift. The Denzel carousel and the Spanish ballroom are restored, and the Bumper Car Pavilion may not have cars anymore, but there's lots of action when dances are held there.


This Friday night band members of The Grandsons and Little Red and the Renegades will combine forces with Dancing by the Bayou. Zydeco dance lessons start at 8, and the music goes from 9-12. $15 will get you in for a lot of fun-plus you can be a part of local history.

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.)

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

Thank You Arlo

It used to be so simple. Pilgrim hats and Indian head dresses. We'll bring the turkey; you bring the corn. We used to act out that original potluck at school and put the same characters in wax on our dinner table. America was our cornucopia.
But by high school I found out that a lot of things were left out of my history books. Early on I never thought much about the impact of people who said things like "Whoops, we thought we were in India." Times have changed immeasurably since I was a kid, but we never did burn those candles that still decorate our family's table.


Well, maybe once.

Now, when I think of Thanksgiving, I feel sad and bad on many levels and try to get over that and feel happy and thankful which I am.
I am thankful that Magruder's has such good liquor prices, and I am thankful for the wine I picked up there for Thursday's dinner which is going to make me and a lucky member or two of my family happy.
I am thankful I don't have to make the turkey.
I am happy to make my own cranberry relish which no one else in my family will eat, but that's okay- more for me. There I 'm happy again.

But let's move on.

After Thanksgiving I am usually so exhausted I cannot move even though all I did was drive a few miles and eat too much. It's all I can do to make it to a couch and lie there in lizard like lethargy. It must be all the mental hoopla which comes from consorting with too many family members in one room at one time taking up all the available air. If, however, I did want to get out (which is never out of the question) the place to go on Thursday night would be the Sunset Grille where the Thrillbillys play- even on Thanksgiving.

By Friday I usually have my get up and go back, and there is a lot going on to help dance off that dinner.

The Grandsons are playing at the Barns at Wolf Trap- a most excellent band in a most excellent venue. I love the Barns because it's one of the few places the park service will let you drink. In fact they sell it to you. Did I mention the place is beautiful? And Derek Huston, our favorite McLean-New Orleans son will be flying in to add his "cool cat" horn to the mix.

Hands down this would be the show to go to if there wasn't another excellent band in yet another favorite venue. The Nighthawks are playing the State Theater, a renovated-for-rock movie house, which features everything you need at a rock show- bars for the thirsty, tables for the hungry, a dance floor for the antsy, and a balcony overlooking the hoi polloi for the spectator who needs a break from the action.

With all that going on, it would be irresponsible of me not to say I am happy and thankful to live in D.C. where once upon a time you could always count on hearing "Alice's Restaurant" on our dearly beloved gone away radio station WHFS, and that used to make me very happy, but that's another story.

 

When is a Ballroom Just A Room?

The Grandsons are swinging all the time, but especially so tonight when they will be playing a swing dance at the Chevy Chase Ballroom. If you are thinking like I do when you hear the word ballroom though, then think again. It's not exactly a Cinderella type place. (And I'm not even sure that it's even in Chevy Chase.) It's basically a honking large room with mirrored walls and plenty of room to shake a leg over one of my favorite DC shops- Paul's Liquor Store on Wisconsin Avenue between Tenleytown and Friendship Heights. The dance starts at 9 with a free lesson at 8:30. (Admission $15)

Go See Live Music (or the Cable Company Wins)

Don't get me started. My eight year hooked up our digital converter box thingy on my dying TeeVee. I have to say I am proud of him- especially when he took one look at the instructions and dismissed then as "confusing." The only problem is that wind, rain, the flight path of National Airport or even the cat walking by - anything and everything seems to disturb our new and "improved" signal. Good thing my Tee Vee habit dropped off sometime around the time that Johnny Carson retired. And good thing there's more to do in Washington than sit at home fiddling with rabbit ears.

This weekend is jammed with music starting early with that crazy New Orleans zydeco thing that Little Red and The Renegades have going Thursday evening at Surf Club Live. And extending the New Orleans theme The Grandsons will have local sax player- now New Orleans transplant- Derek Huston sitting in twice on Sunday-once at the Alexandria Waterfront Festival (at 1) or later on at JVs in Falls Church at 5! Derek, always a busy guy, will also be hitting the stage Saturday evening when he plays with his friends The Rhodes Tavern Troubadours - a free concert put on by the City of Gaithersburg at 7 p.m.

But wait there's more! My raving favorite Greenland is at The Black Cat on Friday. And my ole pal, Alan Kresse recommends his pal, Cal Everett's band Four Out of Five Doctors- once a local favorite in the eighties-they're back and taking over Jammin' Java both Friday and Saturday nights.
(pic by Alan Kresse)

Not enough? See the sidebar at this site, and you'll see there's no excuse not to get out and about and see LOCAL music. Support it for less than basic cable! And DC ROCKS only covers a FRACTION of what's out there. Go find it. Maybe now more than ever it's time to follow John Prine's advice.

Two Rivers Run Through It

This Saturday night is fraught with choices besides watching the rain swollen waters of Washington's rivers. Close to the ever popular Potomac, David Kitchen will be opening for Eilen Jewel at IOTA in Arlington. If you can't make it be sure to check out his new stellar (and star studded) CD called "Underground."

And if you are more in the mood to kick up your heels at a dance party, then head over to the SURF CLUB nearer to the banks of the somewhat abused and under appreciated Anacostia. The Surf Club has a big dance floor and the ever reliable rhythms of The Grandsons and Little Red and The Renegades won't let you down.

This Saturday Night Is No Night To Wash Your Hair

The Quarry House is located in what I would call the historic section of Silver Spring- the part that hasn't been "improved." Burgers. Beer. Bourbon. All in your Basic Basement Bar. Long pews line the walls, tables can be shoved together and chairs rearranged to accommodate a party of one or a party of twelve. Women make friends with the band because more often than not they are ducking a guitar player to get into the bathroom. (A lot of women think this is annoying, but the guys are thrilled. Plus boys have to thread their way out of the room, around the bar to the other side of the building to get to their water closet, and they miss stuff while making the trip.)

The Grandsons, an award winning band that has been roots rocking this area for over twenty years, will be at The Quarry House this Saturday night. This might be a no brainer if it were not for The Nighthawks, a local legend of a long lasting and talented band, are playing the same night at The Surf Club. More blues based than The Grandsons - more room to dance- two great shows to choose from that won't break the bank.

Valentine's Day or Carnival ? Have it All at the Surf Club

Valentine's Day. For some it means making your kids sign and address 66 Spongebob cards which is a hazard not mentioned in those what to expect about childhood books. For others it's the mandatory box of chocolates or a traditional dinner out, and for still others it's a night to get in bed with a book and ignore the whole thing. 

But there's something or someone for everyone out there.  This year why not do that something at The Grandsons and Hula Monsters  Hawaiian Swing Mardi Gras Monster Dance Party at the Surf Club this Saturday night? These guys are the consummate professional party men who happen to be talented musicians as well and can keep that dance floor well occupied.

Get in the on the second line and feel the love.

Happy New Year DC!

(RMB Columbia Station-1978)
DC Rocks is slacking off this week in view of the holidays, but here are a few shows to check out if you are still alive and restless for GOOD music. Greenland is at the Red and The Black this Friday night- a good chance to check out a relatively new scene on H Street, and a relatively young band that has got it- good original songs and talent. 

Saturday night the DC household name band which rocked us in the '70s- The Rosslyn Mountain Boys- (not goats this time) will be At The State Theater along with another DC staples The Nighthawks AND The Charlottesville All Stars.(Anybody remember Durty Nelly's?) This will be a killer show that doesn't need promoting here!

Also on Saturday- get your dancing shoes and your Mardi Gras mood on early-The Grandsons and Little Red and The Renegades will take over Surf Club for all you swinging cats who know what it means to miss New Orleans.

THE FAB FOUR

The Nighthawks. GHz. The Grandsons. The Rhodes Tavern Troubadours.

What do these groups have in common? They are four fantastic DC bands, and they are all playing this Friday night.  Unfortunately they'll be in four different places:

The Nighthawks, one of our longer lasting straight ahead rock and roll bands which has played at many a legendary event will be at The State Theater in Falls Church. The State is one of my favorite places to see a show. There's the old theater balcony seating upstairs - two bars downstairs- a big dance floor/mosh pit and tables and chairs in case you want to have dinner. I especially like being able to roam around as there's no ticketed seating. $13.

 GHz brings back the legends of yesteryear. They'll be at Outta The Way Cafe in Derwood (which really is out of the way) but  you can sit and have a bite to eat and jettison yourself back in time. According to Scott this show will include "Scott and Dan’s explosive psychedelic originals, uniquely orchestrated remakes of some of Cream’s greatest B-sides and classic compositions from Mr. Hendrix and Mr. Morrison. Plus an extra special Cream-block in honor of the 40th anniversary of their farewell concert in 1968." No cover!

The Grandsons playing The Barns of Wolf Trap the day after Thanksgiving has become such an event that they captured the show on a CD last year and the band won a Wammie. It's an all ages dance party with a number of  luminaries sitting in such as Jon Carroll, Derek Huston (all the way form NOLA), and Moe Nelson. The Barns is another good place to see a show- a great open "barn" of a room, good acoustics and a bar with tables in the room right next to it. $16

And last but certainly not least- The Rhodes Tavern Troubadours named after a legendary DC watering hole will be playing Iota. Their shows are becoming harder to find then a cheap strong drink in this town so this might will be a don't miss event if you are a fan. And don't be surprised to find Tom Clifford of King Soul sitting in. Plus Derek Huston and Chris Watling will be joining the fray once the show at Wolf Trap is over. (Truly devoted fans- take note-and carpool!) Pete Kanaras formerly of The Nighthawks will ALSO get in on the act after playing with opening band The Remnants--another talented crew featuring known for its "Southern tinged rock with Annapolis grit." Who knows who else will show up or what will happen at this show, but it's bound to be a whole lot of fun and talent for just $10. 

So forget the madness of the malls-what can you get there for under twenty bucks besides fast food and a headache? Have fun! Boost the economy by supporting our swinging local  music scene!

Free Lunch Sort Of

Well, actually you have to bring your own lunch, but the music's free at least. Catch
The Grandsons - a bit hard to pin down musically, but original roots rock rockabilly lounge pop swing rhythm and blues with a touch of New Orleans comes to mind. They play at high noon tomorrow-Tuesday- on Wilson Plaza downtown DC.

Party With the Not So Rich

BARGAIN of The DAY- The Grandsons will be swinging JVS from 5-8 tonight. Check out this classic band in a classic little dive.
No cover.

Happy Labor Day in a working class bar.

DC Rocks.

Summer Breeze

Just in time for our area's reprieve from global warming-go out and celebrate how a cool breeze can transform this hot humid quagmire into one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Yes, we can go outside again- armed with mosquito repellent- and see one of my favorite bands- The Grandsons play a free outdoor gig early tomorrow evening in Mclean. As if that's not enough -special guest guy on sax, Derek Huston will be sitting in. Derek hails from up here, but he'll be flying in from New Orlean-a place he is proud to call home. Ask him about it if you see him.

Free Zilch Nada

Depending on which side of the city you end up on this Wednesday evening, there's free music to picnic by in nearby Virginia and Maryland. Eric Brace and his band Last Train Home * are an old home town favorite now flown the coop to Nashville. You can catch them Wednesday evening around 7:30 in Lee Park-in Franconia. (Did they make that name up?)

Then, on the other side of 495, another long time DC band, The Grandsons will do their thing at Strathmore in Rockville at 7. Of course it could all depend on where rush hour holds you up or spits you out-but either way you just can't lose.

*LTH will also be opening for Richie Furay @ The Birchmere Thursday Eve. (not free)

Sunday Doldrums

Sunday- it's the traditional day to take it easy or, if you're like me, to start stressing about the crap you need to do in the upcoming week. That's why I like a distraction, and I can't think of a better one than seeing one of DC's finest local bands- The Grandsons.
They'll be performing in Mclean Central Park in what was once upon a time bucolic Virginia. (not to be confused with that green space in the Big Apple where Simon And Garfunkle played. This is much closer.)

Show starts at 4-it's free-and it's one long set.

Gaffney Benefit Part TWO Coming Up

Local rock stars will be performing Bob Dylan And Bob Wills tunes in this second part of a benefit to help Chris Gaffney's family happening this Wednesday at Jammin' Java. The first show at the Surf Club was a hoot- bands played with special guests sitting in including Bill Kirchen, the organizer and one of the greatest guitar gurus around. These benefits are unique showcases of local talent (with an emphasis on the word talent) Plus they are loads more fun than a telethon.
Click on the poster to see the all star line up, and all the details. ( if you don't recognize those names- here's a clue to some of the bands being represented-past and present: The Grandsons, The Slickee Boys, The Rosslyn Mountain Boys, The Hula Monsters and The Nighthawks)

Count 'em

(prabir and the boys)

I didn't know it was happening until the middle of the last band's set Sunday night when my faithful companion turned to me and said- you've seen eleven bands this weekend. Eleven bands. In this order: Honkytonk Heart, Reverb Galaxy, Beatnik Flies, Atomic Mosquitos, The Flea Bops, Thrillbillys, The Rhodes Tavern Troubadours, The Grandsons, Ruthie And The Wranglers, Prabir and The Substitutes, and Greenland. I went to JVs out in Falls Church- a tiny dive with a bar and booths. I went to The Surf Club which has yet to change from the honky tonk road house it has always been out on Kenilworth Avenue, and I went to The Black Cat downtown- a staple of the DC rock scene since back in the early nineties. I heard all kinds of music- from seasoned rockers to young punks and except for a $20 benefit none of the shows were over $8, and all of them were good if not excellent.

There's plenty on the calender this weekend starting with GHz Thursday night at Bangkok Blues. John Zidar-drummer and the zee in GHz writes: In case some of you still don’t know, Bangkok Blues was remodeled last year and looks better than ever, with a lighted stage and a great house sound system. The place is now owned by an excellent sound man, Darrell Taylor, and he has turned BB into a great place to see and play music, which is why we have selected this venue to record our first live album! Darrell’s also a great guy who treats musicians well, and we want to support any venue that runs its business the way he does.

The last time I saw GHz there, Mary Ann Redmond-local songstress- sat in for a number or two- no extra charge. That's the great thing about local shows.

(GHz w/Mary Ann Redmond)

Try it. Just see one band.
(At least it's a start.)

And if you go Thursday please say happy birthday to John -the guy banging on the drums.

Bill Kirchen had organized a benefit at Surf Club Live this Sunday for Chris Gaffney, a musician fighting liver cancer, but Chris passed away on Wednesday. The benefit will go on as planned as there are sure to be medical bills and hard times ahead for the family. Please come out and support the musicians who are supporting this cause. The line up will include: Bill Kirchen with Johnny & Jack & Mark Gamsjager, The Thrillbillies with Johnny Castle, The Rhodes Tavern Troubadors, Ruthie & the Wranglers and The Grandsons.

4PM Bill Kirchen with Johnny & Jack & Mark Gamsjager
5PM Thrillbillies
6PM Rhodes Tavern Troubadors
7PM The Grandsons
8PM Ruthie & the Wranglers
9PM Bill Kirchen with Johnny & Jack & more

Hours of good music for twenty bucks. (That's still a deal at only $4 per musical hour or per band.) And if you think Sundays are dull and boring- think again because this Sunday is anything but-Lynn2 has more on what there is to do:

My Favorite DC Sunday

This Sunday I get to do some of the things I like best about my hometown. First, there's the Earth Day event down on the mall. I'm not big on Earth Day- seems like a lot of hype about the issues I work on every day. At the same time, when you're fighting the power (because that's what it's about - not kayaking and cute little critters) you will take any star power you can get. Plus this year it's about global warming. If you are among the 7 people who don't think it's a big deal then you must not get out much. Anyway, I have always loved music events on the mall. It's when we locals get to take over from the tourists. I have great memories of laying down the blanket, assembling snacks and beverages and settling in to hear the bands and see who happens by. It still amazes me that in the years before cell phones you could still run into several dozen people you knew and build a little encampment. Now it's even easier.

In addition to lots of exhibits, speakers and music you can check out something that's really homegrown: Thievery Corporation. More than a band, they're an empire, a concept, a political force. Thievery has a global following, but they could only come from here. The Washington Post once described them as a world beat stampede, and I can't top that. The foundation are local guys Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, but the live line-up is lots more, and usually includes some surprises. DC has birthed a lot of special things: half smokes, Ben's Chili Bowl, Go-Go, harDCore and more - if you haven't checked out the Corporation you've missed one.

When that's done, I plan to mosey up to the Black Cat for the DC CD release party where Prabir and the Substitutes will unleash their new recording. This reporter has used up all her words on this Richmond-based band (wish we could call them our own) who continue to wow the local crowds. They're with Greenland so when you're a bit sun-burnt and ready to play some pool, have a beer and hang out watching two great bands Black Cat is your place. One day you will wish you saw Prabir and the Substitutes way back when.... this might be your time.

Renegades On the Loose

(photo by Beth Rado)

I've always been a sucker for the underdog- (as well as Underdog for that matter) for rebels, and revelers, and it sounds like all of the above can be found this Saturday night when the enlightened democracy of The Maritime Republic of Eastport's Ambassador's (Other) Ball and Mardi Gras Echo occurs.
Whew.
Simply put it's a party featuring Little Red and The Renegades (even the band fits the theme) Plus Grandsons Alan MacEwan and Chris Wattling will be sitting in.
I don't know how they do it, but a twenty five dollar ticket gets you food, beer and the music- plus the proceeds benefit two great organizations: New Orleans Musicians Clinic and Annapolis Musicians Funding Musicians.

For more details and directions, and all you could ever want to know (at least about this event)
hit that long link above, and start planning your road trip to EASTPORT (NOT Annapolis) now.