Still time to Win

Don't forget - Robyn Hitchcock ticket contest ends tomorrow. Go for it today

Books Rock

When I meet a DC native these days,  I often ask if they are familiar with the books of George Pelecanos. Considering he's written over 20 crime novels all set on the streets of "real" DC,  I'm kind of surprised if I get a blank look when I mention his name. I doubt there's a dead end in Southwest or a deer path in Rock Creek Park that George hasn't prowled.

This Sunday Kensington is closing off a street of two to celebrate the Day of the Book with authors, books, music and more. Catch George reading with back ground music provided by his friends The Nighthawks at 3 p.m.

Saturday Pop Quiz

If anyone knows why this Saturday is special, please raise your hands.

Okay, all of you that said 420 can go wait in the hall with the rest of your friends. All you kids who said Rccord Store Day, stay with me.  Who remembers buying records at Kemp Mill? How about Olsson's, Melody or the Disc Shop down near Dupont Circle? Or Variety in Wheaton Plaza? Then there were the pre big box stores for the thrifty amongst us like Korvette's and Super Giant on the Pike. And last, but certainly not least, (considering his doors are still open) is Joe's Record Paradise. Joe's is not just a store, but also a resilient witness to the rise and fall and rebirth of disc like things played on turntables.

This Saturday celebrate vinyl and Record Store Day. Go by the shop and say hey to Joe. Or better yet- catch him at the AFI screening of "Record Paradise: The Musical Life of Joe Lee"
Showtime 8 p.m /$5

Nostalgia on the Western Front

The Bird Cage

Once upon a time, if I needed a new coat or a bathing suit, my mother used to take me to the District line and pull out her Washington shopping plate. Once in a blue moon, especially if my grandmother was around, we would have lunch in the Bird Cage at Lord and Taylor's. This part of town was under construction for so long that I ended up shopping exclusively at thrift stores. Now I only venture through there to get somewhere else unless there's a band like The Vi-Kings playing at Clyde's which is a true underground experience, and The Vi-kings open up a portal to the past where I always seem to have at least one foot firmly planted. This week and this week only Bob Berberich DC drumming legend is back filling in for Rob Fisher who is out with a broken collarbone. (Get well soon RF!)

Robins Are in the Air

Spring comes no matter what madness is trying to consume our world this week, and Spring reminds me of robins. I grew up with a crush on Robin the Boy Wonder. At seven, I had no idea the TV show was based on a comic book, and I took the whole thing very seriously. Also I guess I could relate more to a boy than that old guy, Adam West. (Now I'll bet I'm older than both of those characters put together. )

Have to admit I was more into Robin than Batman

I also grew up believing the first sign of Spring was the return of the American Robin. The bird's scientific name "turdus migratorious definitely suggests movement, but it doesn't seem like mandatory migration is happening anymore. I've noticed these guys sticking around all year. (In the winter of Aught-Nine, I don't know if they were coming or going, but I saw the biggest ass flock of Robins I'd ever seen- before or since- on that snowy day in my yard.)

The third Robyn in my consciousness comes from seeing shows at the old 9:30 Club. and that Robyn is appearing at the "new" 9:30 later this month with Peter Buck. If you know who I'm talking about, then you might be interested in a pair of free tickets for this show Just write to dcrocksblog@gmail.com and put "Robyn" in the subject line, and your favorite sign of spring in the message for your chance to win. (Contest ends this Sunday April 21.)

Outside the Box

All right you all. I know you're my readers today for one reason and one reason only- to avoid doing your taxes. But please, lift your heads from your computers, your receipts and your W2s and look out the window. LOOK out there. What an amazing scene here in Washington. Everywhere you look is a stunning riot of biology.

Regeneration is a beautiful thing, and no less beautiful is watching luminous musicians like Alice Despard and Marshall Keith run through the whole musical gamut of playing in bands all their lives only to emerge as solo artists who have pared themselves down to an extremely personal and pure essence of sound. Marshall Keith (Slickee Boys) and the Alice Despard Group will be at Alice's  creation- the Galaxy Hut this Sunday. Get out from under whatever you are doing, and instead of preparing returns- prepare to be amazed.

Springtime Slam

April 7th 2012 Potomac River

Warm Spring weather often seems to arrive in DC like a sledgehammer. The upside is all the blooming and budding and regenerating produces a wondrous non-stop flora and fauna show.  The bad is the sudden wardrobe adjustments. Last Tuesday the high was 51. Today the thermometer is supposed to climb to the mid 80s.  It's like that old hot/cold game: DC, you're getting warmer, warmer... oh! Now you're HOT!

But every year is different. I feel sorry for the cherry blossom people because no matter what the similar patterns are, the arrival of the sledgehammer varies wildly year to year. Last year this week, all of the leaves were out, and the grass was shin high near Fletcher's Boat House. This year the non blossoming trees still look bare naked.

But whenever the heat comes on, if you are like me, you look for the nearest cool building. Looking around today,  I see former dc space denizen, Cynthia Connolly still has her exhibition Letters on Top of Buildings going at the Corcoran Gallery of Art through June 23rd. A cool thing happening in a cool place, and something to do besides digging out the window screens.

Easter Prank

Some people do Easter. Some people do not. I for one am excited this year because every time Orthodox Easter happens later than regular old Easter, we Greeks get to run out and snap up all the good chocolate deals the next day. Whatever you are doing this Sunday, make sure to remember to plan your April Fool's Day prank, and if you want to go out and do something different  The Highballers- an alt country kind of thing- are playing at  IOTA opening for Rachel Brooke. 

Rock Plus Roll on Saturday

The DC Jitters (does the band Going Going Gone ring a bell?) are revving up this Saturday at the Majestic in Bethesda. Once known as the Shambells- people in this band have been around the block a couple times and may have learned a thing or two about playing music.  Along those lines if you missed the sold out Vi-kings show last week, here's your second chance. They'll be at the Quarry House. No cover and quite groovy.

Sometimes On A Sunday

Sundays.
Sundays always struck fear in my heart dating back to the third grade when Mrs Jackson ruled my world. (We called her Battle-Ax Jackson) My classmates knew we were in for it when we came back from recess one day, and she'd overturned some poor kid's desk because she thought it was too messy. That woman scared the pants off everyone. And Sunday night meant there was only so much time left to do homework. On Monday mornings my solution would often be to fake a stomach ache.  My mom usually relented, but my dad would see right through me and make me go to school. Then I'd get in trouble both for not finishing my homework and for being late. Thank god that's over.

Instead of feeling scared and depressed on Sunday, now I can try and shake those old psychic chains by going out to take in a show. Bars are less crowded, and usually set  times start earlier than over the weekend. This Sunday rock blues influenced DC veterans The Nighthawks will be out at the Golden Bull in Gaithersburg. Here in town the Grogan Social Scene- an indie kind of folk alt rock poetic band will be at DC9. (We here at DC ROCKS try to get in all the musical genre adjectives.) The Galaxy Hut in Arlington has bands only on Sundays and Mondays so that's often worth looking into. Beats doing homework any night of the week.

Wudda Ya Have?

This Saturday there's a full smorgasbord of musical choices out there and pretty much no excuse to stay at home now that Spring has arrived. DC has every flavor of sound. Looking for rockabilly?  A garage-surf band? Try the Quarry House which will be hopping with both The Taildraggers and Monsters from the Surf playing one tiny beer alcove. NO cover.

Live in Virginia with River Crossing Issues? Check out soul rockers The Courtesans who are taking over one of my favorite venues- IOTA in Clarendon. This will be their last show for a while due to a the impending arrival of a brand new human being for one of the band members.

And right smack in the middle of all of the above is Chief Ike's Mambo Room in the heart of Adam's Morgan. This Saturday look for The Black Muddy River Band to satisfy those guilty pleasures seeking deadheads amongst you. Chief Ike's is one of DC's older dives, and I don't remember many a night there.

Beltway Battle Cry

Beltway Opening August 1964/photo from DC Public Library

The Washington Beltway. Imagine a highway with no stop lights - a place where cars could orbit DC like space ships and drivers never worried about traffic jams. Well, that may have been what it was like in 1964, but the picture above ironically depicts what its like now with back ups happening at the drop of a dime and rush hours that last...well, for hours. At certain times of day we might as well get out of our cars and walk. 

But more on topic- remember those battle of the bands shows at high schools and youth centers?  Just such a rumble is a brewing this Saturday at the Greenbelt American Legion. Here's the word from  Bethesda boy Stock Wilson of the Vi-Kings:

"The Battle of the Beltway Bands is a throwback to the days of the great battle shows at venues like the Wedge* in Bethesda.The original NoWhere Men will pit the best of blue eyed soul against the pop/rock British invasion of the VI-Kings. This should be a great show for our friends who love to dance, loved the 60s and remember the great times they had at the teen-clubs and community center dances in around the DC area. Tickets are available on line or at the door." 

7-11 pm/ doors at 6/ $20

 And you, too, can get there on that pathway back to a simpler time- the Beltway.

*The Wedge was also called the Bethesda Youth Center...now the Writer's Center and for more of that musical story click here.

Wanted: A Cub Reporting Nighthawks' Fan

Hey Music Fans

The Golden Bull up in Gaithersburg is having live music these days, and they want to get the word out. It's supposed to be a pretty big place with lots of room for dancing.

Want to win a pair of tickets to go see the Nighthawks on Sunday March 24th?

Just write in to DC ROCKSBLOG@gmail.com, and put "Nighthawks Contest" in the subject header and why you want to go in the message box. Winner will be selected at random. We want to hear what you think of the place so it'd be great if the winner would be willing to write a short report for DC ROCKS when you get home.

Contest ends this Wednesday March 20.

Bayou X Two

1979 ad in Unicorn Times

With all the nostalgia between The Bayou documentary and the ongoing punk/funk exhibit at the Corcoran, there might be some confusion when I mention that King Soul is playing The Bayou this Saturday night. Same name, different clubs, different times.

I'm not sure how the first Bayou got its name, but I'm guessing it was the location- down by the river under the Whitehurst Freeway in Georgetown. As far as I remember, it was a roomy place for a small venue with a balconied second floor that was a great spot to watch bands and the melee below, but in later years, the mean roving bouncers wouldn't  let you stand up there. I think you had to sit at a table most of the time which was hard to do when a band was rocking or you couldn't find a seat. Some shows I remember having to wander around the whole time.

The new Bayou, just outside Georgetown on Pennsylvania Avenue, is clearly named for its New Orleans' style food and cocktails. It feels a lot smaller than the old Bayou, and it's just as funky, but the second floor is devoted to drinking and music. When the band comes on,  all the tables are moved for dancing. If you want to, you can still  retreat downstairs to the other bar for a drink or to have a bite, and no one will stop you. (The food is a bit pricey, but the oyster po'boy I had last time was top notch.) King Soul has more than its share of soul driven musicians who know what it means to miss NewOrleans, and last time they played here, the band took no prisoners when it came to filling that dance floor.

Saturday Rocks

Whichever way you want to shake it, sports fans, you've got choices here and around DC this Saturday. Look for DC brewed funky hip hop/ go-go from Godishues playing at Adrinka Cultural Arts Studio. Or up in Silver Spring,  Jay Jencs and that raucous rockabilly crew of Jumpin Jupiter are shaking things up at the Quarry House.

Charm City Field Trip

With shades of Slickee Boys and Razz involved, this gig's worth the drive to Baltimore which has ammenities that DC lacks like that whole city thing. (It doesn't matter if we are a Seat of Power, we're still just a small town with a big government problem.) O Baltimore. The City That Reads. Home of Utz, Lexington Market, John Waters, Rafael Alvarez and Edgar Alan Poe. My friend "Captain Dan" left DC to reside up on Butcher's Hill many moons ago. He is within walking distance of the Pagoda that watches over Patterson Park and the tugboat he presided over down at Fell's Point. But I digress. A lot of DC characters including Boyd Farrell will be playing the Metro Gallery this Saturday.

Better Than A Mt Pleasant Riot

Vinyl Rocks

Greetings music lovers. DC ROCKS would like to veer off the subject of who is playing where this weekend to get back to what this site is supposed to be about which is this writer's whims. Last weekend after a successful upgrade to the resident sound system, it was time to sit down and listen to an album. Ironically since the turntable was broken, I had to pick from CDs. I chose Jackson Browne's "For Every Man," but soon found myself digging out the original album to look at while listening. I've always been a backwards looking person. I was okay with the cassette tape technology because we could make our own mixes and play them in the car, but I resisted CDs like a cat getting in a bath tub figuring it was the next passing phase which it kind of was. Over the years it's become clear that you just can't have the same relationship with ipods or little plastic boxes like you can holding a large and artistic cardboard square with more information to glean than a cereal box. And all your questions are answered without having to use a magnifying glass. (Is that Bonnie Raitt singing harmony? Yep. And David Crosby, too.)

So if the pending snow storm does force us all in for a couple of days- and you are still lucky enough to have vinyl lying around, you might want to take the time dig them out. Or, when the skies clear, you can jump start your collection again at Joe's Record Paradise over in Silver Spring or the CD Cellar in Arlington where you might even find  piece or two if your past.

By the way anyone still reading will be rewarded with a chance to win a pair of tickets to see live music which is still the way to go for any music fan. The DC based now national Jukebox the Ghost will be at the 9:30 Club on March 16th. Just write to dcrocksblog@gmail.com. Please put "jukebox contest" in the subject heading and mention a favorite album in the email, and we'll pick a winner at random.

A Packed House

Finally it's over. Today is the last day of the shortest but what felt like a very long, grey month.  Don't forget to say rabbit rabbit tomorrow and get out and celebrate our incoming March.

This Saturday night four entirely different bands will be packed into four different venues in four corners of our area, but they all have one thing in common: all of these joints are extremely cozy as they say in the real estate biz. A lot of you might remember Catfish Hodge as a regular around town. He and his band will be at JVs in Virginia. Ruthie and The Wranglers will be wrangling for elbow room at the Quarry House in Silver Spring, and the Jelly Roll Mortals roll into the New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt. Last but certainly not least The Very Small will make some noise at Comet Ping Pong here in DC. No excuses now. Get out. Enjoy.

A Tale of the Old Dirty Thirty

Here's the contest winner for the DC Funk/Punk show tickets at 9:30 on Sunday from a fan who wishes to remain anonymous:

"The first time I went to the 9:30 Club sometime in the 1977 or 1978, it was actually a place called The Atlantis. A very makeshift "rock/punk" venue run by a middle aged, pot-bellied, balding guy (from what I could tell) that seemed unlikely to be a fan of the music he was hosting. Nevertheless it was a music space and I was able to gain entry and drink (at age 15 or 16) with a borrowed Massachusetts driver's license that had no photo. I only went to 3 or 4 shows before it closed, and I wasn't surprised that it hadn't lasted very long. However, it obviously planted the seed for the 9:30 Club which opened in the space with more serious intention to be a club. I remember my teenage brain thinking that the new club was too mainstream, and it's real purpose was to cash in on folks wanting to rough it downtown in a semi-ghostland filled with wig and shoe shops.  I obviously got over that. 

One of the first concerts I remember going to at the "new" 9:30 Club, (now known as the old 9:30 Club at 930 F St) was Ultravox with the Police as the opening act. This was around 1979 or 1980. I saw maybe one and half songs by the Police and remember thinking the band made a pretty big sound for three guys. Then something I had ingested a bit earlier in the evening suddenly made it necessary to barricade myself in the girl's bathroom. I was sick for the rest of the night. At that time, there was only a single toilet down in the basement, before the coat check room existed. I missed the entire Ultravox set, and I want to take this chance to say I'm sorry to all that needed the bathroom that night. 

Remember The Time?

Nostalgia-gedden going on this weekend between the Cool "Disco" Dan film at AFI and the opening of the Corcoran exhibit  which celebrates the "subculture of the 1980s." ( hey- now I realize that's exactly what DC ROCKS is all about- "subculture") Plus the corresponding 9:30 Club funk -punk concert happens on Sunday. To top it all off- catch the documentary which covers the history of the Bayou-one of DC's lost music venues featuring great back stage stories. "The Bayou: DC's Killer Joint" this Monday (not last) on Maryland Public TV at 9 p.m.

Love Ins This Weekend

This Saturday night the Vi- Kings are back at Clyde's Chevy Chase to warm up February with their cool psychedelic groove, and on SUNDAY an unbelievable crew of musicians is lining up for the Barry Hart benefit at the Golden Bull out in Gaithersburg. Look for this year's Wammie award winners- The Nighthawks, Dave Chappel and Mary Ann Redmond and much more. (Congratulations you guys!)

Ticket Give Away Is Over

Thanks for all the entries sent in to DC ROCKS ticket contest for the punk funk show at 9:30 Club this Sunday, but we do have a winner who wishes to remain anonymous. (Stay tuned for the winning story.) Also the Corcoran's exhibition "Pump Me Up: DC Subculture of the 1980s" will be running from this Saturday, February 23rd through April 7.

Whoops- Back to the Bayou IS NEXT Week

Sorry for the wrong information on the last posting about the Bayou documentary on Maryland Public TV. Look for it Monday Feb 25th not tonight.

Go Back to the Bayou

Hey, all you local rock fans - here's a show you actually have to stay at home to watch. Remember the Bayou? That divey old night club down under the Whitehurst Freeway? If you have even the haziest recollection, the documentary "The Bayou DC's Killer Joint" will bring those memories flooding back, plus a nice slice of DC history thrown in, too. And even if you are not familiar with the old scene, it's a fun film to watch full of footage of the bands that passed through- both local and national. Tune in to Maryland Public TV NEXT MONDAY night at 9 p.m to catch a glimpse of our musical past.

Punk and Funk Fans Ticket Give Away Alert

Hey Campers

DC ROCKS apologizes for not reminding you procrastinating types about the ticket contest for the DC funk/punk extravaganza at the 9:30 Club on Sunday February 24th so we've extended the deadline.  There's still time to send in a random memory or anecdote in to win, but the new deadline is this Sunday February 16th at 6 p.m.

Click here for details.

Greetings from New Orleans

New Orleans might still be recovering from Mardi Gras, but a Bloody Mary at Lafitte's Blacksmith shop today, and a dose of King Soul this Saturday night at IOTA might be just what the doctor ordered. Show starts round 9 pm with Kid Goat.

$12 

Tuesday

Tuesday. A work day, a school day. The beginning of the week. Just a day. But Fat Tuesday is not just one day - it's the last day-the end of carnival season and a finale of a celebration. Sadly- folks up North might see a few references to Mardi Gras- maybe a drink special at a bar, but in New Orleans parties and parades have been happening since the three kings went to visit Jesus. At least it feels that way. Muses, Chaos, Thoth, D'etat, Endymion and Iris are just a few of the parades that have rolled since Thursday, and if you are lucky, you know someone on the route who has white beans and rice on the stove and King cake on the table.

Back in Washington, it's just a Tuesday in February, but if you are looking to break out of the box, Clarendon does throw a parade right up Wilson Boulevard and IOTA is throwing the after party with The Grandsons. Louisiana Express in Bethesda is still making a decent catfish po-boy. And last but certainly not least Little Red and the Renegades will be whooping it up at Tropicallia.

Lundi Gras Rocks

The name Art Daniels makes me smile for many reason. For one thing he is often found behind the bar at one of my most favorite haunts The Galaxy Hut, and, more often than not, he's smiling, too. This Monday is a little known holiday called Lundi Gras. (yes, fat Monday) In New Orleans, this day marks the arrival of Rex, King of Carnival. In Arlington, this year and day marks the arrival of Art's Sixth Decade here on Earth.  What better way to celebrate than to go to the Hut for a beer and the Art Daniels Band?

Happy Birthday Art and many happy returns from DC ROCKS.

Live Acts of Music

  Doug Stevenson and the Spades are among the bands waiting to ring in the weekend with you this Friday at The Pinch in Columbia Heights.  Very funny name for a band if you ask me, but you've got to go if you want to find out why.

Carnival Time at Black Cat

Alternative to driving South for a party? Try the Black Cat this Friday.

Pencils Up Punk and Funkateers

The upcoming exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery of Art explores DCs music scene in the the 1980s.  "A collection of photos, records, concert flyers and other key pieces of history collected mainly between 1980 and 1992 will be displayed at the Corcoran’s Atrium and Rotunda. The exhibition will open on February 23rd, 2013."

That same weekend on Sunday Feb 24th, the 9:30 Club is putting on an outrageous companion party from 3 until 11 p.m. featuring bands from that era including the newly reunited Black Market Baby,  Troublefunk and scads more with Henry Rollins presiding as host.

To win tickets just send in a short anecdote about a local DC band you saw way back when. We'll publish your story, and give you two tickets to the extravaganza at the club. Send your entry to dcrocksblog@gmail.com. Please put Punk/ Funk contest in the subject header. Contest ENDS February 15 at midnight.

To get your memories jump started- here's a list of some of the local bands I saw around the middle of the decade: 9353, Crippled Pilgrims, Here Today, Insect Surfers, Root Boy Slim, Bad Brains,The Slickee Boys, Tommy Keene, Danny Gatton, Troublefunk and Teresa Gunn. Back then I had no idea how lucky we were to have so much music in this tiny town.

Old 9: 30 Club schedule/artwork by Mark Holmes