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Capital Swamp: The DC Resource Thread

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This is a thread where all DC residents past and present can post information about the music scene in the city and any interesting or important upcoming events. Anyone who has lived here knows that there is a) a lot going on and b) not enough coverage to prevent a lot of frustration from missing shows that nobody knew about. Hopefully this thread will become valuable.

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 21:19 (twenty-two years ago)

I can get everything rolling with a few contributions:
anyone wanting to get into the free improv scene here should sign up with the DC Improv yahoo group, which has listings for a lot of events in the area. They bring in a lot of good artists like Sabeer Mateen, Susie Ibarra and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble.

The only electronic night i have ever been to is called Matter and it is held at the Blue Room on 18th street. I am not sure if it still exists, as i havent seen it listed for a while. The Djs played a lot of techno, including all the requisite hip german stuff, but whenever i went, there were 20 people there, and everything was being played at lounge volumes. it was a bit sad really, though the bar has a good beer selection.

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 21:26 (twenty-two years ago)

At Recessions (18th and L St) on Fridays and Saturdays, sometimes local rappers come and rap over karaoke. I saw it once, and they were really good, considering.

Chris H. (chrisherbert), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 22:10 (twenty-two years ago)

cool. keep em coming.

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 04:22 (twenty-two years ago)

I grew up in DC, but I don't live there anymore. I'm visiting in mid-March with my friend. She wants to see live music. Any suggestions? I was thinking of seeing British Sea Power at the Black Cat, but that's kind of boring. Anything more local to recommend?

Debito (Debito), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 04:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Matter at the Blue Room ended a couple of months ago. In its place there's a rotating cast of weekly Sunday nights. I'm listing them with some of the other less club oriented regular DJ events around town:

SALT (listed first, because it's my night, dammit)
synthfunk, indiepop, dancehall, grime, electropunk, hip hop, industrial, hits
DJ's Sad and Lonely
1st Wednesday monthly
Cafe Saint-Ex

<>
indiedisco and beyond
DJ Will Eastman
generally 3rd Saturday monthly
the Black Cat

Confusion
disco, new wave, funk, postpunk, hiphop
DJ's Serpico, William Alberque, Cullen Stalin, Sad
generally 4th Saturday monthly
the Black Cat

Yellow Fever
reggae, groove, soul, hip-hop, dub
DJ's Yellow Fever
Tuesdays biweekly
Cafe Saint-Ex

Spilt Milk
rock, disco, funk, mod, punk, soul
Tuesdays biweekly
Red

Blowoff
indie house?
DJ's Bob Mould and Richard Morel
Saturdays
9:30 Club

Taking the Piss
jingle-jangle indie pop & psychedelic
occasional Fridays
Marx Cafe

We Fought the Big One
UK post punk, shoegaze, guitar pop, indie dance
DJ's Brandon Grover and Rick Taylor
1st Friday monthly
Marx Cafe

The Wag
60's garage soul & trash
DJ Mark Zimin
1st Saturday monthly
the Black Cat

The Mousetrap
brit pop, indie
DJ Mark Zimin
generally 2nd Saturday monthly
the Black Cat

Cold
coldwave, darkwave
2nd Sunday monthly
the Blue Room

Atmosphere
post punk, UK indie, dream pop
3rd Sunday monthly
the Blue Room

The Melting Pot
everything, 1964-1980
DJ Neville Chamberlain
Thursday biweekly
Cafe Saint-Ex

UH-HUH!
rock and roll
DJ Johnny
Sundays
Cafe Saint-Ex

Groove
soul, mod, garage
DJ Beat Neat-O
Thursdays biweekly
Cafe Saint-Ex

I'll work on a whole separate list of the club/hip hop/EDM events...

Brian Miller, Wednesday, 11 February 2004 14:55 (twenty-two years ago)

and here's what counds like a good upcoming special event:

24 Hour Access: 24 Hour Psycho

February 28, 2004 at 5:30 p.m.
A first for the Hirshhorn---the Museum will open the Douglas Gordon exhibition for twenty-four consecutive hours. 24 Hour Psycho (1993), the artist's video installation that stretches the Hitchcock classic into a twenty-four-hour experience, is the inspiration for this all-night happening. Launch the leap year with this unique, drop-in event, which will also include music, gallery discussions, and a "Meet the Artist" interview with Douglas Gordon conducted by Hirshhorn Director of Art and Programs and Chief Curator Kerry Brougher on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Ring Auditorium. "24 Hour Access: 24 Hour Psycho" is made possible through the generosity of Aaron and Barbara Levine.

http://hirshhorn.si.edu

The following music (presented by Signal 66) will be played:
5:30 ˆ 7:00pm DJ Sandwich Man
7:00 ˆ 8:00pm Band Chessie
8:00 ˆ 8:30pm DJ Debut
8:30 ˆ 9:15pm Band The Hipnotix
9:15 ˆ 9:45pm DJ Beat Neat-o of Groove
9:45 ˆ 10:30pm Band Rose
10:30 ˆ 11:00pm DJ Neville Chamberlain
11:00 ˆ 11:45pm Band The Phobes
11:45 ˆ 12:15am DJ Neville Chamberlain
12:15 ˆ 1:00am Band Sounds of Kaleidoscope
1:00 ˆ 1:30am DJ Happy Family
1:30 ˆ 2:15am Band Sons of Disobedience
2:15 ˆ 2:45am DJ Neville Chamberlain (tentative)
2:45 ˆ 3:30am Band Gully Jimson

Brian Miller, Wednesday, 11 February 2004 14:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Wed. 2-11

Habib Koite from Mali at the National Geographic Grosvenor
Hall--Habib's got a nice live cd out--He trys to meld styles from
different parts of Mali, and while he's not a big fave of mine he's
definately not bad

Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Ache at the K. Ctr. Eisenhower Theater--A
wonderful percussionist, bandleader, and sideman (not to mention a
college professor) who is very charismatic and entertaining with his band

Los Hombres Calientes from New Orleans at the Clarice Smith Center-An
interesting bunch from New Orleans who blend that city's jazz with
flavors from throughout the Caribbean. I believe WPFW's Jim Byers is
hosting and leading a chat with them as well.

Muzsikas at the Freer-Hungarian vocal combo
________________________________________________________________

Sat. 2-14

Sanchez and Richie Stephens at the Crossroads-Jamaican lovers rock for
Valentines Day
_________________________________________________
Sun. 2-15

Haj Youness, Casablanca, Moroccan oud player and the Voice of Wisdom
Orchestra at 2 p.m. at the Smithsonian S. Dillon Ripley Center
Lecture Hall

La India and Sonora Caruseles at the Washington Hilton, 1919
Connecticut Ave. NW salsa
__________________________________
Tues. 2-17

Peru Negro at the Kenn. Ctr- Excellent Afro-Peruvian veteran combo--if
you like Eva Aylon or Susanna Baca this outfit's blend of soaring
melodies, strumming, and funky drumming (on instruments including
wooden boxes and donkey jawbones) will be up your alley
__________________________________
Other cool stuff:2-11-Super Furry Animals
from Wales at 930;2-12( & 2-13) jazz singer Jane Monheit at the
Birchmere; 2-13-Atmosphere at 930;2-14 Black Dice at Ottobar;Jazz
singer Dee Dee Bridgewater at K. Ctr.;Carmaig De Forest at Roots Cafe;

To get on my DC African/Latin/World whatever events ocassional e-mail thing, contact me at ritmika@hotmail.com The above comes from that...

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 16:05 (twenty-two years ago)

For more DC events there's an improv jazz e-mail list, a few salsa ones, the Take Me Out to the Go-Go website, Dccaribbeanconnections.com, a few dc dancehall only sites, a zydeco/cajun e-mail list and website, and the Taking the Piss djs listed in Brian's post also do a reggae dub and more dj night.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 16:16 (twenty-two years ago)

this is getting even better...!
are there any TechnoTechno nights out there?

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 20:08 (twenty-two years ago)

Since the demise of Filler/Matter there aren't any techno techno nights that I know of - house owns DC. You may want to check for special events being put on by the 'DC Skillz' crew. Cubik (nu-Buzz) has been getting in a few techno-oriented DJ's, including Green Velvet a couple months ago, but now that they're compressing their lineups into the main room they haven't been as thematically strong as before.

Brian Miller, Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:08 (twenty-two years ago)

DJ Neville Chamberlain

Which reminds me...any news regarding a new location for the Metro Cafe?

j.lu (j.lu), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:10 (twenty-two years ago)

They were working on a location in the old MetaTrack studios, behind the 7-11 on Rhode Island Ave at 14th St, to be a bar/upstairs small theater. No live music, though, and not to be called Metro. Originally supposed to open in October but it slid Then Cherry Red, who was supposed to be the theater tenant, disbanded. Since then nobody seems to be able to get any answers about what's going on.

Brian Miller, Wednesday, 11 February 2004 21:28 (twenty-two years ago)

So are Mathew Dear, Michael Mayer, Soundmurder or Dizzee coming to town and/or where could you hear their music?

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Thursday, 12 February 2004 05:39 (twenty-two years ago)


you can get e-mails about DC area events from:

dc-improv-announce-owner@yahoogroups.com

salsanews@aol.com

the blow_up@hotmail.com

bw_zydeco@yahoo.com

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Thursday, 12 February 2004 05:47 (twenty-two years ago)

We've played plenty of Matthew Dear and Michael Mayer at my night, SALT, and we did a listening party for the Dizzee album last week. Haven't tried to play Soundmurderer, though - got a sort of cease and desist after playing Venetian Snares a couple months ago. We're doing a listening party for the new Telefon Tel Aviv and Neubauten at our next night.

Dizzee's supposedly coming back for a bigger tour in the summer, but I'm not sure if he'll hit DC or not. I don't know of anything regarding Dear or Mayer, but if they came I imagine it would be at 5ive, unless it was a one-off somewhere else.


Brian Miller, Thursday, 12 February 2004 14:49 (twenty-two years ago)

why is the electronic dance scene here so seemingly mediocre? I used to be proud that there were all of these famous artists from the area (deep dish, BT, Saeed and Palash, etc.) but they all seem to only sleep here. i guess i just have different ideals. I like the fact that Danny Tenaglia travels 'round the world and still has a weekly in NYC (or at least used to... i dont know what he is up to now)playing everything from Basic Channel to Salsoul. When was the last time Deep Dish played here?

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Thursday, 12 February 2004 14:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Deep Dish is around every once in a while at Nation, but it seems like just another stop on the tour. And I guess they have even less incentive to be around since the end of the Yoshitoshi store. Saeed and Palash pop up from time to time, but not as much as a few years ago. I can understand that maybe it's not seen as the most exciting place to have a weekly or monthly, but you'd think there'd be some more visibility. Thievery Corporation have achieved a similar level of success, and you can't swing a Gucci belt without hitting something they're involved with around town. They enjoy playing to thousands on tour and then to a hundred people in a small room.

What's odd it that it seems to be only the EDM scene that really tries to escape the city - the most successful go-go and indie artists are, if anything, too tied to DC.

Is it odd that the most interesting and boosterish electronic dance DJ in DC over the last year has been Bob Mould?

Brian Miller, Thursday, 12 February 2004 15:33 (twenty-two years ago)

im confused... the Bob Mould? I didnt know he was living in DC.

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Thursday, 12 February 2004 15:39 (twenty-two years ago)

Yes, Bob Mould. He and Richard Morel started a DJ night called Blowoff as a monthly at the Velvet Lounge last year, now it's weekly at the 9:30 Club backbar. It falls somewhere between esoteric electronic lounge and shirtless gay dance party, usually within the same night.

Brian Miller, Thursday, 12 February 2004 16:20 (twenty-two years ago)

Yea, Bob has his own blog and either there or at a separate website he posts his playlists. He used to do his thing at the Velvet Lounge and moved it to the 930 Club. There was a feature article about him in the City Paper and in the Post weekend section. Brian, your choice of music sounds more interesting to me.

The DC go-go artists have seemingly given up on being national and international acts (go-go hasn't crossed over) although Chuck Brown gets flown to Japan periodically to play.

Dischord indie rockers are always playing worldwide but such gigs just never get much local press here. Q and Not U are also booked to play that big fest coming up in California over the summer(Coachatella or something). Black Eyes toured Europe awhile back.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Thursday, 12 February 2004 17:19 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm really looking forward to the Black Eyes show coming up, March 26th. The whole last half of March is pretty sharp at the Black Cat, hopefully we'll be able to get some of the acts playing to come DJ afterwards at Saint-Ex.

Brian Miller, Thursday, 12 February 2004 17:53 (twenty-two years ago)

And I guess they have even less incentive to be around since the end of the Yoshitoshi store.

Why did they locate it in Georgetown? You can only make so much money from selling prog to white hats from GW. Better to be on U st with a big deep house section. They never seemed to have their shit together anyways. They cheated me out of $40 once but totally inadvertantly. I had my revenge during their clearance sale I guess.

As for Q and not U, I tried to see their last show at the Black Cat and ended up waiting in line for an hour by myself. As I was waiting, the show sold out. That is all. They need to play here more often.

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Thursday, 12 February 2004 18:55 (twenty-two years ago)

According to their website Q and Not U are laying low and recording a new cd now. Black Eyes are playing the Warehouse Next Door near the new Convention Center Friday February 20th. Solomon Burke and Anthony Hamilton are offering different generation takes on soul that night at the sit down and keep your mouth closed Birchmere.

I always wanted to check out the Grits & Gravy dj night at Bar Nun... Years ago I saw DC rappers Opus Okuben playing with a live band at the now defunct Metro Cafe. Wow, they were great. Now they just mostly play Europe, sometimes with Ny jazz guy Steve Coleman. They were at Black Cat around New Years Eve but I missed them.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Friday, 13 February 2004 04:38 (twenty-two years ago)

I like going to out-of-the way places like Chick Hall's Surf Club in Bladensburg (Chick Hall plays awesome honky tonk and surf guitar!) or Lamonts in Pomonkey, MD. Jim Bennett and Lady Mary sing Malaco records style bluesy soul there.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Friday, 13 February 2004 04:42 (twenty-two years ago)

Anybody know anything about DC 9, a live music/DJ venue at 1940 9th st nw that looks to be replacing Metro Cafe in the club ecosystem? It's opening tonight, and their website is at www.dcnine.com, but doesn't say anything about who's behind it.

Brian Miller, Friday, 13 February 2004 22:59 (twenty-two years ago)

For those complaining about lack of real techno in DC -- a freak occurance has Titonton Duvante playing this Thursday at Mantis on Columbia Road. I'm pretty sure there is no cover.

Michael Minnich, Wednesday, 18 February 2004 23:16 (twenty-two years ago)

fuck how did i miss this post!!! Tombot (another techno techno fan) and I were sitting in a bar two blocks away bitching! damn! Is Mantis generally cool or is it usually the Wallpaper models I see inside (heh not that that is a bad thing I am just too ugly)?

anyways, wednesday night P Brotzmann is playing with Hamid Drake and William Parker. Its at Twins on U st (btw 13th and 14th?) at 8pm.

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Monday, 1 March 2004 18:31 (twenty-two years ago)

I received an e-mail about DC/9 which I think I deleted! It's run by some guy who did a one-off indie-rock dj thing at a sports bar in Chinatown I think. It was called Exit something i think. I'm not sure whether it will cover the same variety of entertainment that Metro Cafe did. My question is isn't the location of DC/9 where a mostly African-American house dance club used to be. Maybe I'm wrong and this isn't a new sign of gentrification--indie-rock replacing house.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Monday, 1 March 2004 19:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Anybody been to the dj nights at Bar Nun? Their ad lists a hiphop/r'n'b night and a "grits n gravy" night. The latter was the subject of a Washington City Paper article many years back.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Monday, 1 March 2004 19:43 (twenty-two years ago)

I went to Mantis to check out their new basement DJ space this past Friday, and it's very impressive. Holds maybe 100 people, good soundsystem, DJ near the entrance, bar down part of one side and some low sofas in the back past the bar. Dark, a little blue light, and a disco ball. Sort of a mini-Red. They're open Wednesdays - Saturdays, but I can't find a schedule online. It's grabbing the expected upscale house crowd, but they're definitely serious about booking talent.

DC 9 is in the original Asylum space, I'm not sure what it was between then and now. Half the music I've heard played there has been great indie/hip hop/disco, the other half has been too much midrange compressed guitar and singers that sound like they're in beer commercials. Which is a better hit rate than most places, but the DJs seriously can't mix or sequence their tracks.

Brian Miller, Monday, 1 March 2004 20:06 (twenty-two years ago)

were people dancing? it sounds like a good space if a little small (meaning i would prefer 250 people, not 500). how is the list of EDM events coming? ;-)

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Monday, 1 March 2004 23:32 (twenty-two years ago)

There were only a few people dancing, but I left pretty early. The flow of the space is a little screwy, so I can imagine it not working too well when packed. Then again, few places do.

List of EDM events is not so good. Seems like no place is doing well with regular nights and lineups are changing like crazy. And Cubik is filling the main room at Nation with the level of talent that would have played the front room at Buzz.

Brian Miller, Tuesday, 2 March 2004 03:09 (twenty-two years ago)

ugh. i feel like there needs to be a fucking organization or something. can we negotiate a lease for a K St office for the new headquarters of Futurists Against Crappy Techno?

how long have you been in DC? what is the reason for the instability?

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Tuesday, 2 March 2004 03:47 (twenty-two years ago)

WPFW djs and others formed a group that brings avante-jazz and other improv music to town, so Aaron you'll have to put together a group to do the same for techno and other electronic-based sounds!

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Tuesday, 2 March 2004 14:24 (twenty-two years ago)

How come the Ottobar in Baltimore books more hiphop than DC clubs?

Is the below show which is at the Ottobar coming to DC?

Thursday March 25th
DEFINITIVE JUX PRESENTS:
Murs
The Perceptionists
(Feat. Mr. Lif, Akrobatik, DJ Fakts One)
RJD2, C Rayz Walz
Hangar 18, SA Smash and more
Doorsat 8pm/ Show at 9pm- ALL AGES

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Tuesday, 2 March 2004 15:43 (twenty-two years ago)

One more thing. Last summer the DC govt Commission on the Arts sponsored an event called Fete del la musique in which they had free music all over town. The selection of genres involved wasn't wide enough. I want to try to find out how to widen the selection for this summer.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Tuesday, 2 March 2004 15:46 (twenty-two years ago)

get a new Commission? ;-) Steve is the WPFW crew = Transparent productions? I would love to promote again. I did it in college. I need to get to know all the venues around town first though. Its going to take a long time. In about 3 years, start looking for flyers with Kevin Saunderson's name on them.

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Tuesday, 2 March 2004 17:15 (twenty-two years ago)

Transparent Productions is the improv crew. Not all of 'em are WPFW djs though some are--Bobby Hill and Larry Appelbaum, others?...

3 years! I want stuff NOW ;)

I've been complaining to friends for 2 or so years that I wish someone would book all of the Afropop and Latin acts that play for free in Central Park in NY each summer, in DC... So I'll have to form my own group to do this...

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Tuesday, 2 March 2004 18:53 (twenty-two years ago)

I asked excellent local DJ Milo (Filler, Matter) about nights, and he said the DJ at the Mantis basement on Wednesdays plays tech house, but that's about the closest - no BANGIN TECHNO nights.

There's the once.twice festival coming up in Baltimore next month-

April 15th - 17th, 2004
Baltimore's 4th Annual
once.twice:festival of sound and video art feat.
AKUFEN . DIMBIMAN . AGF . CHRISTOPHER WILLITS .
DABRYE . SUE COSTABILE . MATTHEW DEAR .
GHISLAIN POIRIER. NAUTICAL ALMANAC.JIMMY EDGAR
MYLENA BERGERON . CAROLINE HAYEUR .
SCOTT PAGANO + more TBA

once.twice also runs the occasional Treatment night at Sonar, the last one in November featured Magda and Sammy Dee.

Brian Miller, Wednesday, 3 March 2004 20:22 (twenty-two years ago)

milo is nice. i have talked to him a couple of times. that fest sounds fun. why does baltimore seem to have a better scene than DC?

Aaron Grossman (aajjgg), Thursday, 4 March 2004 04:26 (twenty-two years ago)

Baltimore: city in decay + large warehouse/manufacturing base = cheap venues. Cheap venues + art students + laissez faire police/health/fire department = good scene.

Brian Miller (Brian Miller), Thursday, 4 March 2004 06:53 (twenty-two years ago)

So is Nation (Buzz people) afraid to book some of those folks coming to Baltimore, and is 5 too small, and is the 930 too booked up with bands to consider those artists (and also unwilling to face police/fire dept. scrutiny)?

On a different note, any musicians (d.j.'s?) who wanna perform for free outdoors or maybe at Carter Barron or other locations during the June 18-21st 2nd annual Fete de la Musique DC should call 202-724-5614 or e-mail jose.dominguez@dc.gov . There will also be meetings at the DC Arts Commission, 410 8th St. NW , 5th Fl. on Mon. 3-15 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 and on Thurs. 3-18 from noon to 1.

I'm trying to encourage them to expand the musical horizons of this event...

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Thursday, 4 March 2004 16:52 (twenty-two years ago)

Nation needs to take in a huge amount of money at the door just to break even for a night, so they don't have a lot of incentive to book artists that won't appeal to their existing crowd. There would have been a better shot there in the Buzz days when they would let a different promoter/collective take over the patio, but now they're really only booking the main room.

Five is a great venue, nearly perfect, but the different promoters that do nights there only really book house, d+b, and reggae. There was the electroclash/breaks night there, too, but that's over and has turned into a retro night.

9:30 Club, as you mentioned, is a live music venue. They'll have the occasional DJ, but it always comes off as a bit out of place.

It costs a lot of money to run a club in DC due to the scarcity of suitable spaces. In a town with 8-foot ceilings in 95% of all buildings, there’s going to be a lot of competition for the remaining few with large open spaces. Permitting, safety codes, and accessibility standards are pretty tightly enforced, which means you have to sink a lot of money into a space before you can do anything with it. This goes for bars, dance clubs, live music clubs, and pretty much everything. And don't even get me started on ANC's and "voluntary agreements".

Brian Miller (Brian Miller), Thursday, 4 March 2004 18:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Ghostly International showcase at Warehouse Next Door, April 1. Not sure who's playing.

Brian Miller (Brian Miller), Friday, 5 March 2004 00:56 (twenty-two years ago)

The indie-rock stores keep dropping one by one. What's left? The below is from an e-mail from Now...

"After over 4 years in business, the owners of Now! Music and Fashion
have decided to close permanently, so we can move on and pursue
other opportunities. We've had a blast talking to you about music,
putting on instore performances, and participating in the local
community. But the best thing about running a record store has been
the opportunity to meet you. Many thanks to our loyal customers and
friends we've made along the way.

We will be having a going-out-of-business sale beginning this
weekend. All clothing and music (except consignments and bargain bin
stuff) will be on sale for 30% off the regular price."

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Tuesday, 9 March 2004 05:45 (twenty-two years ago)

CD Warehouse in Georgetown (M and 30th), despite its location and hideous clientele, is really outstanding. This weekend I picked up Books' Lemon of Pink, Ghost's Hypnotic Underworld, Arthur Russell's Calling Out of Context, and M83's Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts.

So I don't think DC's gone utterly down the pan. Close, but not gone yet.

paul c (paul c), Tuesday, 9 March 2004 15:42 (twenty-two years ago)

You found those "used" or "new" in Georgetown? The one time I was there I didn't see much in there. Wow, that's quite a haul. I'm actually as guilty as anybody in buying stuff online rather then local stores. The last time I tried to go to Now (in early january), it was closed despite its hours being listed as open.

Steve Kiviat (Steve K), Tuesday, 9 March 2004 17:35 (twenty-two years ago)

They were new. But not outrageously priced. Between 14.99-18.99 (Ghost - M83).

They're also stocking the Ellen Allien album and remixes, Coloma's Finery. I think I even saw that Damon Album demo double 10" there, too!

paul c (paul c), Tuesday, 9 March 2004 17:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Hey, I was the one that got Coloma and Ellen Allien in there! I walk by it on my way home from work, so I stop in every couple of days. They're stupendously nice and will go as far as setting up new accounts with distributors to get special orders. I email them a list of upcoming releases I want and they'll have them for me the day they're released. They can be a little slow on imports, but they usually track them down.

Melody on Conn. Ave. is very underrated - I always thought they were better than DCCD for keeping up with current releases and pointing customers in the right direction. Good international and classical sections, too.

Brian Miller (Brian Miller), Tuesday, 9 March 2004 18:27 (twenty-two years ago)

I once went to Broccoli City fest when it was on the parking lot grounds of RFK Stadium, this year this r&b & afrobeats & hiphop fest is presented by AT&T @ Live Nation owned Jiffy Lube Live out in Virginia. Summer Walker is on the bill. The "Presented by AT &T" phrasing is part of the title this year for this September event

curmudgeon, Friday, 26 June 2026 18:06 (one month ago)

As I noted over on ILE and maybe here months ago, The NY Times had an article back in February on how the Trump administration was kicking the Smithsonian Folklife Festival off the national mall in DC for Trump’s American states fair. So that anonymous post that I have seen on Reddit, Threads, and via Alt National Park social media confirms some of the earlier NY Times article, while adding other details and leaving out some.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/arts/smithsonian-folklife-festival-great-american-state-fair.html?unlocked_article_code=1.tlA.R-02.ZnEvjiHd87u1&smid=nytcore-ios-share

Also, I have updated my June Steve DC global music blogspot calendar through July 4 with non-Trump events. Am working on my full July calendar and a Washington City Paper preview of an early July event.

curmudgeon, Monday, 29 June 2026 18:32 (one month ago)

Rhizome says its new location will be open by EOY.

Illegal Algae (Boring, Maryland), Tuesday, 30 June 2026 12:15 (one month ago)

Interesting. I am spoiled by current location that's like a few minutes drive for me, or a 20 minute walk. Current location I think is also closer to a Metro than new location will be. But those in suburban Virginia might be able to get to new location more easily. Maybe

I like this from the Feb. 2026 update-

There is no news as to if/when we are ever going to lose everyone's favorite house on Maple St, so dream big and perhaps we will be able to have two community hubs hubbing at least for awhile....

curmudgeon, Tuesday, 30 June 2026 21:14 (one month ago)

Not exactly my thing but I saw someone on Threads complaining that electronic dance locations like the newish Berhta on the old BET grounds in NE DC, and Transmission on H St NE, and Echostage were all not easily metro accessible and are pricey via Uber or Lyft.

Also, I saw on an Instagram post by a dj involved with the Funset r&b dance party (Prince, 90s r&b , house & more) that used to take place between 4 and 10 on Sundays at the Dew Drop Inn in NE near Catholic U. Apparently new neighbors have moved in over there and are complaining to the Dew Drop Inn that its too loud or something and too many cars parked there. Oy.

curmudgeon, Tuesday, 30 June 2026 21:38 (one month ago)

I don’t think the new Rhizome location will make much difference in my travel time from South Arlington, unfortunately.

Illegal Algae (Boring, Maryland), Tuesday, 30 June 2026 23:36 (one month ago)

I lived in the Fairlington part of Arlington for a number of years and know what you face traffic time wise.

Anyway, my Steve blogspot global music and more calendar with some Rhizome events is now posted .

I also did a Washington City Paper preview of July 3 Rare Essence and EU at 930 club.

curmudgeon, Thursday, 2 July 2026 01:16 (one month ago)

Fort Reno Park short schedule starts tonight July 6. Last one is July 20.

curmudgeon, Monday, 6 July 2026 16:34 (one month ago)

Another Washington City Paper preview from me- this time of Trinidadian raised, dc area based steel pan player Josanne Francis who is doing a free Saturday July 11 gig backed by a jazzy trio

https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/788413/josanne-francis-and-a-new-spin-on-dinner-theater-city-lights-for-july-9-15/

curmudgeon, Thursday, 9 July 2026 03:56 (one month ago)

I previewed punk rock and more Downtown Boys for City Paper this week. Gig is Wed July 22 at dc9

In other news I see that the Rock Creek Conservancy and Washington Project for the Arts are gonna do a few August gigs at Carter Barron. They’re gonna set up a temporary stage in front of the amphitheater’s no longer safe old permanent stage

curmudgeon, Thursday, 16 July 2026 19:47 (one month ago)

DC Council chair Phil Mendelson wants to spend $300 million of DC taxpayers money to help expand Audi Field from 20,000 seats to 28,000 and to give it a roof. He insanely think it will get 100 events a year and make up all that taxpayer investment. 4,200 capacity CareFirst Arena in SE DC is rarely used other than for the 22 Mystics home games. Expecting an expanded 28,000 seat enclosed Audi Field to get countless more events than the 17 home games the United soccer play there, & to take events from Cap One Arena, Nats Park, Northwest Stadium, Anthem, the future RFK stadium (& the current rfk parking lots ), Eaglebank Arena seems unlikely.

8,000 DC govt employees meanwhile have gone without pay raises for a number of years I read elsewhere.

curmudgeon, Friday, 17 July 2026 20:13 (one month ago)

Ekko Astral breaking up after all the discussion regarding how singer Jae Holzman interacted with the band and went to court to get a peace order re a former band member who allegedly was threatening

https://archive.is/s72uK

curmudgeon, Tuesday, 21 July 2026 04:30 (one month ago)

Went to a nice DC backyard house show a friend set up with the Mekons Jon Langford and singer Kelly Hogan. Actually discovered it not from friend, but from the homeowner's buddy who works at Art Sound Language record store and publicized the gig on their Instagram page

curmudgeon, Thursday, 23 July 2026 04:48 (one month ago)

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/07/24/us/trump-news?unlocked_article_code=1.0FA.zjP2.BwAGsMHLsf3e&smid=nytcore-ios-share

Trump executive orders that stupid signs be posted outside Smithsonian National Museum of American History taking issue with content inside museum. Also suggests temporary exhibits be set up outside

curmudgeon, Friday, 24 July 2026 22:48 (four weeks ago)

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/07/24/us/trump-news?unlocked_article_code=1.0FA.zjP2.BwAGsMHLsf3e&smid=nytcore-ios-share🕸

Trump executive orders that stupid signs be posted outside Smithsonian National Museum of American History taking issue with content inside museum. Also suggests temporary exhibits be set up outside

just gave $100. thank you mister turmp

Luigi No...No!!! (Boring, Maryland), Saturday, 25 July 2026 00:04 (four weeks ago)

In less publicized wording from that idiotic Trump exec Order on Smithsonian, he asks evil Project 2025 and OMB head Russell Voight to look into the Smithsonian. I hope he doesn't mess with their federal funding

curmudgeon, Saturday, 25 July 2026 21:22 (four weeks ago)

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/27/us/politics/kennedy-center-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.1VA.ph07.9GwU4cOIqH3_&smid=nytcore-ios-share

In the Opera House, which no longer has an opera, there is an empty orchestra pit scattered with trash. On the grand terrace overlooking the Potomac River, the flower beds are wilting and weedy. In the corridors and lounges, artwork has disappeared.

curmudgeon, Wednesday, 29 July 2026 00:51 (three weeks ago)

mark my words, we will eventually find: money and assets were looted by Grennel, the cronies of Kari Lake installed as the “management” and the board of toadies.

Luigi No...No!!! (Boring, Maryland), Wednesday, 29 July 2026 00:57 (three weeks ago)

U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered the Kennedy Center to explain the status of the tarps, which block where Trump’s name was removed , and its construction and operational plans by Aug. 20 or within five days of an August Kennedy Center board meeting, whichever is first

Cooper vacated his previous order that directed the Kennedy Center to submit the report to the court by July 31 or within seven days of a July board meeting, noting the Kennedy Center had pushed back its board meeting to the first half of August.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/07/28/kennedy-center-given-more-time-to-explain-why-tarps-remain/

Hearing was originally scheduled for July 31

curmudgeon, Wednesday, 29 July 2026 01:00 (three weeks ago)

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/chuck-brown-soul-searcher-book/

Self-published new CHuck Brown book

curmudgeon, Wednesday, 29 July 2026 05:22 (three weeks ago)

I previewed a Saturday appearance by the writer of the Chuck Brown’s book Sundiata Ramin, and a Friday gig by Mexican indie pop singer Julieta Venegas at the Howard Theatre for Washington City Paper

https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/789208/shannon-shaw-band-julieta-venegas-and-soja-city-lights-for-july-30-aug-5/

curmudgeon, Wednesday, 29 July 2026 23:21 (three weeks ago)

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/30/us/politics/kennedy-center-tours.html?unlocked_article_code=1.11A.ernC.a2zmQOmdYwvH&smid=nytcore-ios-share

Well the Kennedy Center got its retribution against the 87 year old volunteer tour guide by canceling all tours of the Kennedy Center. How sad and pathetic

curmudgeon, Friday, 31 July 2026 03:24 (three weeks ago)

just sell it to the ufc already

Luigi No...No!!! (Boring, Maryland), Friday, 31 July 2026 03:36 (three weeks ago)

They're still doing some Millennium Stage shows but in the Reach building now. A decent local jazz musician and band were in there last night. I didn't go and haven't been at all in this second administration. A source told me that musicians make a nice chunk of change from those Millenium Stage gigs which makes refusing them hard for some . I still think they should refuse.

Based on what I have read it sounds like whatever repairs need to be done could be made with the building still open but virtually no one wants to go while Trump is messing with it and the rest of DC and the nation and the world. I have a feeling that when/if the next judicial hearing happens around August 20, the judge may say that if they cross some t's and dot some i's , the Trump board though can close the place to the end of his term (but maybe have to drop the tarp).

curmudgeon, Friday, 31 July 2026 18:21 (three weeks ago)

I just want the National Symphony to survive the building can go to hell

Luigi No...No!!! (Boring, Maryland), Friday, 31 July 2026 18:29 (three weeks ago)

Not seeing any news about NSO budget since the below from a June Washington Post article -

More than three months after the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees typically signs off on the NSO’s budget, the orchestra’s leaders are still waiting — and still don’t know whether their home venue will be available next season, according to six current and former officials, who like others in this article spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal.

curmudgeon, Friday, 31 July 2026 20:40 (three weeks ago)

Finally posted my Steve K blogspot August concert calendar

curmudgeon, Tuesday, 4 August 2026 03:21 (two weeks ago)

The Kennedy Center was closed Monday and today for “maintenance “ but bldg reopens Wednesday and tours are back on!

curmudgeon, Wednesday, 5 August 2026 01:06 (two weeks ago)

lol (sob)

Luigi No...No!!! (Boring, Maryland), Wednesday, 5 August 2026 01:10 (two weeks ago)

Kennedy Center board of Trustees are now scheduled to meet August 13,

A judge ordered ...the Kennedy Ctr ...to more carefully weigh the need for a long-term closure. But just days before those trustees are set to vote on the matter, they have received no new assessments about how closing for two years would affect the venue...

senator Whitehouse pressed Floca for records that would allow the board to make an informed decision in an Aug. 3 letter obtained by The Washington Post. In an earlier letter, dated July 21, he asked why he and other trustees had not been provided engineering and construction reports allowing them to compare options, an account of the center’s finances and a legal review of the board’s responsibilities after Cooper ruled it had not exercised due diligence in voting to close. He described the situation “in the nature of an emergency,” warning that the delay could let the center “die from inaction” and slide into a full closure without any effort to fix the collapse in performances and revenue.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/08/05/kennedy-center-board-lacks-materials-needed-closure-vote-senator-says/

curmudgeon, Wednesday, 12 August 2026 04:54 (one week ago)

NYT reports that the Board voted to entirely close again. No word on the fate of the National Symphony

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Thursday, 13 August 2026 17:25 (one week ago)

Do they know "YMCA"?

leprechaundriac (Ye Mad Puffin), Thursday, 13 August 2026 17:36 (one week ago)

Trump trustees want to add to Kennedy Center facade “restored and renovated by President Donald J. Trump” , close main bldg for 2 years, & have a few token events in the Reach bldg. National Symphony Orchestra will have to get funding & go elsewhere it seems. They're hyping the 2 year closure as cheaper (saying keeping buidling open while renovating it in sections would take 4 years and cost more. Estimates are just from the contractor that Trump chose though. Plus I think Trump wants them adding marble and such . and not just repairing plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical equipment, elevators and fire-safety systems.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/arts/design/kennedy-center-closure-board-vote-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.5FA.PeVf.O1jMzRvDV6kY&smid=nytcore-ios-share

curmudgeon, Thursday, 13 August 2026 19:56 (one week ago)

Marble flooring for foyer walking area between theatres !!!

From Axios article -

The Grand Foyer — with its iconic red carpet and soaring ceilings — would get "new furniture throughout," "less sheer" draperies and "new featured marble flooring," according to a development plan prepared by JLL.

sending the NSO "offsite through regional partner venues, touring and digital broadcasts," the report says. The Kennedy Center Honors and Mark Twain Prize would also move elsewhere.

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/12/trump-kennedy-center-renovation-plans

curmudgeon, Thursday, 13 August 2026 20:03 (one week ago)

jesus

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Thursday, 13 August 2026 21:52 (one week ago)

of course there’s no competitive bidding, like everything in this administration. who’s getting kickbacks?

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Thursday, 13 August 2026 21:54 (one week ago)

Whoever is willing to do Trump's bidding I guess. Clark Construction and JLL are working together for Trump to do his building projects.

So musician Yasmin Williams who got heckled by Maga folks when doing her Milllennium Stage gig there, and who had been verbally attacked by former head Grenell, said in an IG story that she's been asked to help book musicians on the Milennium Stage. She is convinced that helping the good remaining unionized workers there is worth it (plus the pay to bands is sizable there )

curmudgeon, Friday, 14 August 2026 16:29 (one week ago)

also the Board voted to rename the plaza around it after the dope, and if they can raise $100 million dollars also inscribe on it “sustained by the generosity of Trump”

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Friday, 14 August 2026 18:07 (one week ago)

appreciate they did NOT approve a budget for the National Symphony so add that to the things they have destroyed

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Friday, 14 August 2026 18:08 (one week ago)

“apparently” not appreciate

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Friday, 14 August 2026 18:08 (one week ago)

NSO simply told to book themselves now "offsite through regional partner venues, touring and digital broadcasts," shortly before the busy fall season for venues has started already!
NSO made some money I see from Wolf Trap gigs.

curmudgeon, Friday, 14 August 2026 22:11 (one week ago)

NSO just announced 60 some local shows plus gigs around the US -- They're doing gigs at Lisner, Strathmore, Lincoln Theatre, Clarice Smith, George Mason U, Schessinger Hall Alexandria, & more

curmudgeon, Tuesday, 18 August 2026 17:00 (five days ago)

Meanwhile the National Park Service has not responded to my request regarding whether there will be a summer or a fall maybe season of concerts at Fort Dupont Park. The DC rec produced Chuck Brown Day show on Saturday seems to be the only one this year (other than some informal ones self-done by the Cruddy Crankerz)

curmudgeon, Tuesday, 18 August 2026 17:31 (five days ago)

NSO just announced 60 some local shows plus gigs around the US -- They're doing gigs at Lisner, Strathmore, Lincoln Theatre, Clarice Smith, George Mason U, Schessinger Hall Alexandria, & more

thanks god. Schlesinger hall is biking distance from me (if I was brave enough to ride on Route 7)

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Tuesday, 18 August 2026 18:05 (five days ago)

Yep, as someone who has lived in Fairlington and worked in Bailey’s Xroads I know what you mean

curmudgeon, Wednesday, 19 August 2026 15:10 (four days ago)

Not a clean link but it should work

curmudgeon, Thursday, 20 August 2026 17:59 (three days ago)

Chuck Brown family has issued a statement criticizing DC Recreation Department handling of Chuck Brown Day that is Sat Aug 22 at Fort DuPont Park. They say dc gov is not complying with a contract but don’t offer specifics. I did see that bands weren’t announced until August 8 . Not sure what else they are unhappy with

curmudgeon, Thursday, 20 August 2026 18:03 (three days ago)

Ok Fortas Chamber Series also has a season, if you call three performances a season.

I can’t go because it conflicts with the Sugar concert at the 9:30 Club but Davoné Tines is doing his “Mass No. 1” which is a mass that incorporates works Julius Eastman, Caroline Shaw, and Tyshawn Sorey among others.

Tines’ concert at the Sixth and I synagogue last January was a stunning performance of works from all periods of American history in a thought-provoking performance of who is and who is not judged to be “American” and was my gig of the year so far.

Oaf To Joy (Boring, Maryland), Thursday, 20 August 2026 20:50 (three days ago)

Oh thanks for that . Didn’t know about that but seeing names Eastman and Sorey has me curious. Plus I see a November gig will have a group playing both Henry Threadgill and Janet Jackson!

Oh, I think the Sugar gig is at Anthem

https://www.fortaschambermusic.org/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaAT1ek5wZG9mAmZkaWQWUM683L4i1IrOt7b8i4XI4BTqdytui2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp8rEebb96BIpuvKt04PNgN2in0ACSrGgxGbOxc1vo779wp4CPZ1aiA5iHpWO_aem_FU9bUYAYdeWxxCA8VhWbQg#concerts

curmudgeon, Friday, 21 August 2026 18:40 (two days ago)


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