This Dog Can Hunt

Road Dog debuted last month when they opened up for King Soul at Surf Club, but you wouldn't know they were a "new" band to listen to them. They don't sound like a new band or play like a new band or act like a new band. You'd think they'd been rocking for years, and that's because the band members have- just not under this name. And the energy is there to make old songs sound new. Check out the link or better yet check out the band this Friday night at Chapala's out in Burtonsville which, according to my sources, is a Mexican/Salvadorian eatery by day and a club at night. The cover is low- there's an opening band called CTC at 9 and Road Dog will play two sets.

FORT RENO

(pic courtesy of John Hansen)

Some people go for the free music. Some go for the scene which ranges from little kids playing ball to teenagers lurking behind the stage to the grandparents and parents that remember shows from way back when to yes, robots, gorillas and over sized bananas. Some are hoping for the Good Humor truck or to discover a new favorite band, but whatever you go for it's unquestionably the coolest place to be in DC and you never know what you'll see- Monday and Thursday evenings.

DC ROCKS on the Fourth

wherever you may find it.
Have a good one.

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)

The View From Artomatic

I went to Artomatic twice this weekend- once to see what was going on, and once to see if my wallet had been found, but I could still go back and see more. This is a massive event and a truly herculean effort put on by an army of volunteers to make local artists accessible. And it's a chance to see views of this city that will soon belong only to those who live or work there. This year Artomatic is in a brand new yet to be completed nine story building, and the landscape is changing faster than a shoreline. (if the crater on the next block is any indication) Used to be that the DMV inspection station was the hot spot to go, but now it's the ball park, of course, and redevelopment is coming on like a freight train.

Artomatic runs this week from July 1- July 5 so there's still time to get down there and see as much as you can take in-inside and out. I like the way you can wander around with a drink in your hand, and no one will yell at you. And if you have Art overload, you can always take a break and listen to music or just sit on a couch and pretend you have a condo overlooking the Anacostia. (There's also an "interactive" couch covered with bubble wrap.) And don't miss the Peeps exhibit which includes a rendering of sorts of the Hudson River plane crash)

And yes, I got my wallet back. No one made off with the credit cards, the tiny calendar from Ben's Chili Bowl or even the $8 cash. Thank you to my unknown heroes one and all. And thanks to all of you who make Artomatic happen. Please support this scene. It's us.

Sign of the Times

When I think of Michael Jackson I think of early 1983. It's after work happy hour in the back bar at the 9:30 Club - old club that is. Music video is still pretty new, and it's a highlight of hanging out back there. Dan says, "Don't try to talk to Lynn while she's riveted to "Billie Jean." It was on constant rotation, and we went at least once a week, so he said it a lot. Thriller had little to do with the music we were into back then, but it still defines the age to me somehow.

Lyn2

Cool Off Your Soul at The Surf Club

Don't miss
King Soul back at The Surf Club this Saturday night. This 8 piece band fronted by the unstoppable Tom Clifford is full of DC veteran musicians including Jake Flack, Chris Watling and Mark Noone. Mark, who knows every other body in town, (if not everybody) had this to say about the opening band- Road Dog:

"Mike Colburn is probably the most underrated, under sung musician in the DC area. He was in Razz, Jr Cline and the Recliners, Nightman and a slew of bands. He is rarely at rest musically, a great player, great singer. This will be the debut of his new band Road Dog which also includes a talented bunch of DC rock n roll heroes. "

BBQ + Music = A Good Time

Look out for a truckload of local bands at the Battle of BBQ event downtown Saturday pretty much all day.

Happy Artoversary Artomatic!

According to my big fat Greek dictionary- "automatic" originates from the Greek word automatos which means self- moving. Synonyms include "involuntary" and "spontaneous."
Mix this concept with all kinds of artists gathered in a formerly empty space in Washington DC, and you have Artomatic -a happening event which this year includes 9 floors, 4 stages and 4 bars, performances, exhibits and classes going on for approximately a month ending July 5th. And free admission to boot.

Add to this one Pup Tent and you have a "pop-not pop" phenomenon 9 p.m. this Friday- just one of a gazillion things going on here in our little government town.

Summer in DC

Something's happening in the woods of Palisades thanks to James M.

Get the Blanket

fort reno dc
Originally uploaded by lyndalu/fiona

Fort Reno never saw much action during the Civil War, but the local rock scene made its mark there many years ago. And the beat goes on with free concerts Mondays and Thursdays starting this week. Right by the Tenley Metro- next to Wilson High School- bring a picnic- bring the dog- it's an age old all ages musical event that makes summer in DC summer.

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.

Get On the Bus by Lyn2

Pack up your dancing shoes, your surf board and your grass skirt, and get on the bus to the Surf Club this Friday night. You'll be treated to three local favorites- the Tail Draggers, Monsters from the Surf and The Hula Monsters. This would be a fun line-up on its own, but I heard that the famous Bohemian Party Vessel might be there again. You've got to see this, (and you will not be able to avoid it if it's in the parking lot.)

Do I have to say one more time that Surf Club Live needs you and you need it?
There is nothing like it:

1) if you agree- then keep on going
2) if you haven't checked it out yet, you will be glad you did.

See previous posts!

Show up and early and save on your bar tab-Natty Bos going for $2 from 8-9.
Aloha and see you there-Lyn2

Who Knows Who Reads DC ROCKS?

We don't. We slog on in our isolation putting up random thoughts and recommendations here in the seat of the nation's capital not ever knowing who is reading except for the stray comment or an occasional request, but there are a bunch of them for June.

So to answer the question is anybody out there- here they are:

Megan Hemler of NBC4 would like the DC ROCKS readers to know that the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival kicks off today and runs through June 15th with all kinds of events and concerts.

And Tom Carrico would like you to know about the soccer Chopteeth fundraiser event at the 9:30 Club on June 20th.

The word from Glenn Kowalski is that Artomatic is alive and kicking again, and his band 7 Door Sedan (a DC Rocks favorite) is slated to play Saturday at 6:30 p.m on the Electric Stage.

And Termeh Mazhari is involved with promoting a yellow ribbon fundraiser at the DC Hard Rock Cafe on June 18th featuring Kim Cameron and the Side FX band.

Are You Gonna Be There?

If you want to see friends old and new, some of the DC Area's most immense talent and shake off the work-a-day blues, this Friday's First Annual Love-In at the Surf Club is made for you.

What you will get: DJ Bill Hanke AND Ottley! AND Puptent AND Beatnik Flies!!

What you have to give: just some boogie and perhaps a little bit of love.

Do your part and show up!

Lyn2

Summertime
and sometimes the livin' is easy especially when you are looking for free music around these parts. Arlington County has a bunch of stuff going on starting with a dance party over in Rosslyn- 1611 Kent Street (second floor outdoor plaza) this Wednesday featuring one of DC's longest lived and much loved bands - THE NIGHTHAWKS.
Starts at 5:30.

Dance Revival This Saturday

Put your hands in the air and your feet on the floor. Leave all your trials and tribulations at Surf Club's door. Saturday night Billy Coulter and The Junk Yard Saints won't leave you all alone until that dance floor is full of believers.

And back downtown Elikeh has got the Afrofunk thing wrapped up and ready to go at the Velvet Lounge to get DC in the groove where it belongs.

Both these shows are $10 or under. Don't forget- teevee as we know it will be gone on June 12th. Now is the time for all you brothers and sisters out there to convert your bad selves to live music. Here's the Godfather to give you a little inspiration:

Get Up Offa That Thing!

Amen.

Sunday's Got Soul

And Papa's got a brand new bag! Congratulations to Vivian and Chris Watling on the arrival of the newest hippest rocker in town Coleman Jet Watling. Chris missed two gigs - one with the Grandsons and one with King Soul for this Blessed Event, but as far as we know Chris 'll be back in the sax saddle again when King Soul plays Iota this Sunday evening.


With three horns, keyboard, drums, guitars and the irrepressible Tom Clifford leading the charge, the stage will be packed with talent.

DC homie Colonel Josh will be kicking off this conveniently early show so there's no excuse even if you do have to work on Monday. Doors at 7. King Soul around 8:30.

A Short Trip

If you aren't getting away this weekend in a big way, don't forget the one and only Charm City lays a mere 40 miles and a crab cake up I-95. We at DC ROCKS never stop singing Washington's praises, but we also believe that travel is the best education. Baltimore is a short distance, but a different world from here. It's "the city that reads". It's home to Arrabers, John Waters and Cafe Hon, Fell's Point and Edgar Alan Poe's grave. Have a picnic in the shadow of The Pagoda in Patterson Park or eat your way through Lexington Market. If you want to splurge, save room for Henninger's- a very cool bar and most excellent restaurant. And then go see those those crazy boys that brought you Razz way back when. Now aptly named The Howling Mad, they will be in Baltimore this Saturday Night at Metro Gallery.

For Thursday: Solving Two Problems at Once

Problem #1: Prabir and the Substitutes are playing at DC9 this Thursday night, May 21, and both writers here have run out of superlatives to describe their boundless energy.

Problem #2: We know many people read DC ROCKS, but only a few comment, which brings us back to Problem #1. C'mon. Share your reviews, prodding, encouragement or what have you with fellow readers.

If you haven't experienced the boys yourself, then get out and see them first and write about 'em later. Prabir and The Substitutes hail from Richmond (but we think that they are ours) and Tally Hall is from another rocking town-Ann Arbor MI.

Lyn1 and Lyn2
Happy Birthday Lyn1!!!!!!!

Monday is the Best Night to Go Out

Now that the season finale of House has aired, you can go out on Monday night and it's the best night of the week. No crowds. Bartenders and bands are happy to see you. Shows end early. Try it out tonight and see Puptent and XMC at the Black Cat. If you read this blog, you know who Puptent are. XMC are ex-Holly Rollers/Meatmen/Negative Approach/Hyaa!

Lyn2

Get Your Prabir HERE

That high energy waif thin crazy rock band from Richmond Prabir and the Substitutes are coming round again to climb the walls of the Galaxy Hut in Clarendon this SUNDAY night. They always put on a show guaranteed to make you smile. Their pals, The Palominos will be opening. I've seen these guys a few times, and they are a solid Indie rock band that leans towards the South. The tiny friendly atmosphere of The Galaxy Hut makes it the perfect place be on a Sunday evening when you are in the mood to deny Monday.

For those of you that just can't get there- you do have a second chance- there will be a second coming- Prabir and The Subs will be back in DC proper this Thursday May 21st at DC9 opening for Tally Hall and Malbeck.

Another Reason Why DC Rocks

George Pelecanos is a guy who knows D.C. He grew up here, hung out here, and he has the gift to take what he knows and competently spin it into stories. He doesn't write about those transient types that tend to come and go every four years or so. His books are more likely to be set on Lamont Street than Pennsylvania Avenue. His characters come from cops, sales men and street wise types-the real grit and glue that hold DC together. (or try to tear it apart)
And he is very, very good at it. My favorite The Big Blowdown was set in DC in the 1940s. I gave it to my father who excitedly recognized old haunts, and passed it on. Then my copy disappeared somewhere amongst my cousins, but I still remember the story.

This Thursday evening George will be signing books and reading from his newest The Way Home starting at 7 p.m. at Politics and Prose- a full service and independent book store/ cafe.

Radio On

Sunday May 10 - 6pm - 9pm - Third Rail Radio at the University of Maryland.

7 Door Sedan, Rustbuckit and Dollar Bin will perform and talk a about the resurgence of familiar faces in the indie/punk/rock and roll DC scenen. Third Rail Radio is open to the public and you're invited. You can also listen on 88.1 FM or wmucradio.com.

WMUC 88.1 Studio
3130 South Campus Dining Hall; Third Floor
University of Maryland in College Park

This mom would like nothing better on Mother's Day except seeing Wolverine with my awesome son Richard, so we may not make it. Just last night I saw Dollar Bin and they're evolving into a great jamming, sliding, rocking force. Last weekend I saw Rustbuckit and they lived up to my expectations that they're redefining golden years. As for 7 Door Sedan, I try not to miss a show because these guys turn your brain inside out and never the same way twice. All these bands plus a DC scene interview of historic proportions - beats the Sunday blues or sure.

Lyn2

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.

Why Don't You Just Go?

It's the Velvet Lounge again this week, Friday night. Tru Fax and the Insaniacs, Dollar Bin and Dead Souls from Brooklyn. This writer has had a tough week. Maybe you have too. Go see these bands and you will smile, dance, shout, shake, shimmy, talk, drink... whatever you have to do to recover from a week of work and rain.
Photo courtesy of JB at Surf Club Live

Or you could head over to the Black Cat. Greenland will be there and These United States. Again
great options for the world weary work week-low cover high energy lots of talent crammed in small spaces. And this writer has also had A Week. Yeesh. What a week.

We here at DC Rocks are no spring chickens, but we aren't dead yet either. Not by a long shot.

Love from both Lyns

Hometown Radio

Radio used to be a saving grace for me in this town. It was a connection to people and music. It meant something. My cousin Candy was Miss WINX one year. When my friend and I drove to school, we'd regularly hear Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" on WHFS at 8:30 in the morning. It was just the excuse we needed to stay in the car rather than run for the bell. I never liked the deejays who sounded like a running ad for sports events, but I was a sucker for the guy who rambled on and on about the weather, and the next record he was going to play, and what band he was going to see at The Bayou Friday night.

As the DC stations we once knew and loved continue to slip away morphing into conglomerate type entities- one lone hold out carries on that kind of crazy eclectic tradition that is becoming so rare-WPFW. No corporate sponsors here. NONE . Zero. A lot of jazz, a little blues, a lot of talk. Zydeco, Reggae and World music- they've got that. I was always partial to Jerry Washington's character-the Bama, and his spirit is still alive here along with those old school House Parties every Saturday. Even their fund raisers are much easier to listen to than the more main stream public stations, relying heavily on the ding of a front desk type bell when a new pledge comes in and a lot of low key encouragement.
This year to expand the pledge drive- the First Annual Luck of The Duck Race will be happening on June 7th at the Georgetown Harbor featuring 20,000 rubber ducks. I had to get on board with this even before I found out if you "adopt" a duck, you have a chance to win a million dollars. What a concept. Anyway -five bucks gets you a duck and a chance to keep this very important Washington institution a float.

Redefining Golden Years by Lyn2

That's what came to mind when I first saw Rustbuckit, who grace the stage this Saturday night at the Velvet Lounge. Rustbuckit includes Boyd Farrell and Mike Dolfi, formerly of Black Market Baby. While you might recognize some tunes from the DC history anthology, there's nothing stale here. As for Sister Ex and Puptent, if you've been saying you can't go to Maryland to see these folks get on the Green Line for this one. Both of these bands are pulling from a myriad of influences and trying out brilliant new songs to create unique sounds you aren't going to hear anywhere else. At the eastern edge of the U Street scene, the Velvet Lounge is an intimate venue where you can enjoy what the neighborhood has to offer, but not be right in the middle of the weekend deluge.

Good luck
Caustic Casanova- another original D.C. band coming out of the woodwork- keeping Washington real. They'll be at the Red and The Black on H Street this Thursday. Please support local music.

Global Warming Hits DC?

No. It's just the summer music scene starting to heat up. Keep an eye on DC ROCKS as FREE concert events pop up all spring and summer long, and the season is already well underway. The Grandsons played a free concert in McLean last Saturday and will be playing at the Arlington Farmer's Market in May. And the RTTS played Sunday morning on Baltimore's waterfront. (All three band members pictured here were actually asleep, yet they pulled off a great live show.)

And that 90 degree weather we're currently having? It's just our town being its usual unpredictable self. So D.C.

Rock Surf Roller Derby Mayhem

It's a one of a kind event in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood Saturday night. Reverb Galaxy, Sister Ex and Puptent lay down the talent and you get in free if you have a Charm City Roller Girls ticket stub. With roller derby growing in popularity, you've got to pick your team and those badass women from just to the north are my pick. I dare you to find a surf/space band with uniforms and cool names that is better than Reverb Galaxy; check them out and buy their CD. Sister Ex have a full weekend and will be rocking in full gear after their Friday night Surf Club gig. As for Puptent, any Baltimore folks reading this catch the pop-not-pop gang in a rare appearance up the highway.

Frazier's on the Avenue
919 W. 26th Street
Baltimore MD

Lyn2

Put On Your Red Dress Darling by Lyn2

I had a friend who said Friday night was the best night to go out. It had something to do with putting on your red dress darling and going honky tonkin'... you can rest up on Saturday night. That must come from a song. You can do just that at Surf Club Live this Friday, because this place really feels like an old roadhouse honky tonk. There is nothing like it, and it needs your support. There will be music, and it's not old-school at all. Sister Ex plays smart songs loud and fast. 7 Door Sedan plays psychedelic glam jams that rearrange your brain. I don't know The Blue Line, but Lyn1 says if you listen to their song "Fantasy Girl"- Slickee Boys will come to mind... so that is the word.

If you need more convincing, the Surf Club has all you need on a Friday night. If you want to sit at a table, you can. Or you can stand around, sit at the bar or play pool. If you want to dance, which you probably will, there is a great big dance floor. Eat some food and have a drink. Stand outside, monitor the parking lot and feel like you're in a movie about Patsy Cline and a roadhouse.

If you know Charles Steck, you can see him playing bass with 7 Door Sedan since Josh Singer has to be out of town with family. (We will be on good behavior Josh so you all are invited back.)

I can't think of any reason not to see you there.

Lyn2

Happy Birthday J. Z.

A birthday party is happening for John Zidar of GHz this Thursday night at Bangkok Blues, and John will be doing one of his favorite things- banging on the drums. Fortunately he does this quite well especially when re-enacting some of Ginger Baker's finer moments playing with Clapton back in the day. Add on bionic bassist Scott Giambusso and the ever dazzling Dan Hovey on guitar, and you've got a great band for a party. And to top it all off -there will probably be cake if you need that over the top excuse to get out.

Don't miss this chance to impress your co-workers: do something wild and go out to see a rock show on a TUESDAY night. Legendary guitarist Richard Lloyd (ex Television) and The Sufi- Monkey Trio and the all legends all the time gang called Ottley! (ex Slickees, Hangmen, Grin) will be appearing at the Velvet Lounge.
Early show-doors at 7:30 starts at 9.

Music. It's all over this area, and it's no secret that this web log gravitates towards digging up sterling local talent for very little money. For example, I would pay way over $5 to see the show at Galaxy Hut this Sunday starring two exceptionally efficient bands- where everyone plays an instrument and sings -The Crowd Scene and The Alice Despard Group. " Alice Despard describes the trio that makes up the Crowd Scene as "potent power pop." Grahame Davies of The Crowd Scene shoots back with "soulful genuine and intense" for Alice.

I concur on both.

(Plus I just got out of thinking up my own three words.)

And in line with the economy of it all- the ever steady Evan Pollack plays drums in both bands.

Two very talented bands- $2.50 each.

C'mon!!!!!

You may not have heard of Mystr Treefrog although he has been in and out of bands around here for years including Shock Opera, but Mark Opsasnick, our local guru of DC rock history described his last show at the New Deal Cafe thusly:

"One of the best performances I’ve seen in recent memory – originals and a lot of covers, including a smoking version of CCR’s Born on the Bayou."

Mystr Treefrog will be at Dish Bistro- a new place in Olney this Saturday night. 9:30 p.m. No cover. Nothing to lose.

And the Winner Is... Thursday

Thursday night can either be fraught with boredom or serve as jump start to your weekend. Flip a coin- take a chance. It's actually a great night to get out- there's usually more parking and fewer cops and drunks chasing each other around. And once a year- well this is the second so the first one must have went well- is the Jelly Roll Mortals' FULL BAND KARAOKE ROULETTE night which isn't a gun slinging wireless mike affair so much as when real live musicians get together to see who will train wreck or rescue whatever song is pulled out of a hat. Hit the link to get the details. Hit Bangkok Blues this Thursday evening to watch the madness unfold. Take a chance. Get out and stay out.

When the Easter Dust Settles...

One of my favorite bands Greenland will be playing this Monday night at DC9 with French Kicks. Enough with the eggs. Check them out. 9 p.m.

Roll Away the Stone

Yes it's a Mott the Hoople song. In the story of the season, it's also a metaphor for re-invention, redemption and resurrection. The 3 R's, which you can achieve a lot of different ways. Music is one of them, so why not come out to Surf Club Live Saturday night for the "Resurrection Before the Resurrection" show. I keep telling you that the Surf Club is not like any other place. Even though it evokes an old-school honky tonk, it's by no means a throwback. The sounds, the crowd and the Salvadoran neighborhood guys playing pool let you know the Surf Club is very much NOW. Same goes for Saturday night's line-up. Tru Fax and the Insaniacs have been around for several decades, but even though I hear they will unearth some songs from the vault, this is not a living-in-the-past band. No one has ever accused Puptent of being a nostalgia trip. This trio's non-pop wall of sound is all about the 3 R's, and Dark Ages is the theme song. Also on the bill are The Electricutions, who I am looking forward to seeing because their Myspace page says they are "punk rock and roll for wobblies" influenced by Phil Ochs et al. Really, you can't miss this night.

Lyn2

The first time I heard about The Insect Surfers my College Park housemates were donning antennae to go see them, but I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone identify the band with a description of founder David Arnson's golden halo of hair.


David's D.C. roots go way back to the sixties though he is living in L.A. now and still playing in bands. Some time ago, David wrote about Georgetown, but I saved it for this time of year because I have fond memories of people skipping school and flocking there as a rite of spring beyond the usual cherry blossom thing. Cherry blossoms in Kenwood or downtown was where you went with Mom and Dad, but Georgetown was where you met your friends.
So check out David's walkabout from back in the day at Washington D.C. My Hometown.

King Soul and "Colonel" Josh Arnson put on a great show last Friday night to help celebrate Surf Club's re- reopening. Chip Py caught this rare shot of Tom Clifford and Josh's duet.

Skip Sixty Minutes

And to finish up this weekend with a bang- look at all the folks gathering at Jammin Java Sunday for the equivalent of a DC music old home week punk style rock family reunion extravaganza kicking off with The Beatnik Flies EARLY at 7:30 and rocking on until the last band is hear from. If you don't recognize some of these bands you will recognize a lot of the players from groups like Government Issue, Black Market Baby, Minor Threat and The Slickee Boys. Bring the kids and show 'em how it's done.

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.

King Soul Grants Audience to Surf Club

King Soul's a big band. It's so big that chances are you're going to know one of these guy's names from the local music scene, if not from a local high school: Jake Flack-Guitar & Vocals; Tom Clifford-Vocals & Harp; Nick Ruggieri-Drums & Vocals; Mark Noone - Bass & Vocals; Arif Durrani-Keyboards & Vocals; Chris Whatling-Baritone Sax; Tom Ruggieri -Tenor Sax; and Vince McCool-Trumpet. If no one sounds familiar- don't worry- chances are that Tom Clifford will come sit at your table and introduce himself in the middle of a song. That's what makes local music much more fun than those big ticket names. And at a fraction of the price to go to the Verizon or whatever they are calling it nowadays Center.

Opening for King Soul is Colonel Josh Honky Tonk which will bring on that rootsy kind of music in true keeping to Surf Club's road house roots with plenty of room for dancing, playing pool or just hanging at the bar. Show is this Friday night at Surf Club starting at 9.