Capital Swamp: The DC Resource Thread

Howard U should hire parking attendants and sell evening parking spots on its often vacant lots, plus build a parking garage. That will help the University with its financial issues, and ultimately help area clubs and restaurants financially by bringing in folks who don't want to deal with metro's issues. While not right next door to the Howard Theatre, its close enough (plus Howard Theatre needs to do something re its booking, marketing and food service issues). Locals can still walk, bike, uber, taxi, etc.

That Puff Pieces singer's voice is an acquired taste.

I dig it, but I was a huge Antelope fan. I think the album is more detached and robotic than the 7", which was more anxious. I like what they're doing, though. Reminds me of The Crainium or Metamatics a little; those late 90s nervous post-punk bands that D.C. hasn't had much of lately

Oh yeah. I remember the Metamatics

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2016/04/07/chateau-nightclub-owner-seresa-nut-coleman-has-passed-away/#more-129652

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestofdc/artsandentertainment/2016/best-volunteer-public-radio-dj-during-a-blizzard

http://ratedrnb.com/2016/03/raheem-devaughns-lovelife-foundation-to-host-sunday-soul-pop-up-dinner/

Raheem DeVaughn is always about giving back to those in need. His nonprofit organization The LoveLife Foundation, along with Black Celebrity Giving, will host Sunday Soul Pop Up Dinner this Sunday, April 3 at 3 p.m in Washington, D.C. The unique pop up restaurant will provide a 5-course meal for the homeless.

So I looked at the Wammies page and the list of winners from Sunday night, and thought about who wasn't nominated (all bouncebeat bands, Ethiopian DCers Hailu Mergia and Feedel Band; Chain & the Gang & many more rockers; soul acts-Skip Mahoney, Hardway Connection, Eddie Jones & the Young Bucks) and well, some things just never change.

http://bandwidth.wamu.org/joes-record-paradise-launches-crowdfunding-campaign-to-save-itself/

Red tape issues before they can open in new digs

So they were closed on record store day, apparently

Record Store Day was also DC Emancipation Day. So a week and half before the event, the DC government website for it still had up last year's info on the parade and the free music fest on Freedom Plaza. They also never sent press releases about it to the Washington Post Weekend section or the Washington City Paper. I sometimes forward stuff on to the CP, but forgot to this time, so no crossover mention except for my concert calendar and me & Chip Py on Facebook. Anyway, I saw Sweet Honey in the Rock, Troublefunk, Black Alley, Bela Dona and Rare Essence (with James Funk) for free there and had a great time. RE's old-school set was especially good. Lots of call and response. It wasn't that crowded. Mostly over 30 (or 40) and black if you want demographics. Also, they had lots of streets blocked off nearby and tons of cops a block or so away sitting around drinking coffee and eating and probably getting OT. Saw 4 of 'em inside the hotel when we went in to use the bathrooms. We were there from around 3:30pm to 8

Later we went for tacos at that place on V St(?) within a walking distiance of the 930 Club. Finished our Saturday with the Feelies who played for nearly 3 hours and finished with an awesome version of Iggy & the Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog"

ha i was at that feelies show; they are indefatigable. went to the metal festival at dc brau beforehand, though.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2016/04/19/the-chateau-nightclub-has-closed-leaving-d-c-s-hand-dance-community-without-a-formal-home/

5 lots near and next to the Chateau on Benning Rd NE have been sold recently as a package for 1.5 million. Chateau likely to be sold as well, if it hasn't already been, by the family of the deceased owner. The Eclipse on Bladensburg Rd., not too far from Echostage sits closed, as the deceased owner of that club's widow likely plans to do the same. When 2 owners die who had previously supported the community and less money making endeavors like hand dancing, the successors are not likely to have the same attitude.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2016/04/22/washington-post-ends-its-two-decade-long-carter-barron-concert-series/

The news just keeps on coming

The friends I grew up with in this area are pretty much only interested in cover bands doing hits from their perceived heyday (90s). Zero interest in music that's being made now or in discovering old stuff.

But maybe the next generation will be more adventurous.

I think that's how most people are from any era. Checking out other stuff, old or new, takes time and effort and a willingness to reach out. I think the ones seeking out other stuff are the exceptions. Add to this trying to keep up on books and movies and tv, and doing other fun stuff, while working, its not easy.

When I was in my 20s I mostly saw lots of punk bands but sometimes got adventurous and also saw and listened to some go-go, old soul, old rock, reggae and more.

I'd like to think that some kids now have a similar range. There's lots I haven't checked out and wished I did, and some stuff I just don't care about.

My 2 most recent articles are reminders to some , that Fort Reno is not the only summer be-all, end-all, and that the changes happening to the city are not just about union arts and condo owners complaining at hardcore shows.

Prince events all over town

There was a surprise screening of SIGN O' THE TIMES after the ZIGGY STARDUST movie at the AFI Theatre last night. Incredible.

Wow, cool. I'm jealous especially if this is true: It’s a crime that Sign o’ the Times, a 1987 concert film about Prince’s European tour that summer, is unavailable on streaming services or DVD or Blu-ray in the United States.

The new Flasher tape on Sister Polygon is great: https://flasherdc.bandcamp.com/releases

Postpunk!

http://www.hot97.com/news/new-hot97/rosenberg-anwan-glover-big-g-backyard-talk-everything-gogo-much-more-video

Long interview with Big G on NYC radio after BYB played up there. He talks music and movies

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/48118/maracuyeah-5-year-anniversary-at-judys-bar-and-restaurant-friday/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/going-out-guide/wp/2016/04/28/celebrating-five-years-of-maracuyeah-d-c-s-best-pan-latin-dance-party/

Tonight, DC female dj collective and special guests

Bandwidth Maracuyeah coverage too. Usually only DC punk; and/or go-go bands going to S x SW get this time of attention across many sites. Haven't checked dcist or byt...Ha

And more city paper dc coverage on the arts desk blog

Will there be more Fort Reno drama this summer? Jack on Fire tweet states there's been no request for tapes (from groups that might want to perform). Website is still in 2015 mode. I think Amanda M. doesn't start on this until June though

Didn't attend sold out Broccoli Fest, but I like that it included Rare Essence and Reesa Renee on the side stage.

After attending Maracuyeah party, spent much of the weekend writing, and with visiting relative, and also missed free brass bands and more at Dupont Circle for international jazz day(didn't get a White House invite either so I missed Aretha and Herbie Hancock and others doing Purple Rain together). Oh well, can't do it all.

http://jazzday.com/about/washington-dc/

Alona Wartofsky used to write about go-go, reggae and more for the City Paper and the W. Post in the '80s, she lives elsewhere now, but periodically comes back and writes a story. Here's today's great City Paper cover story on Rare Essence

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/48134/rarin-to-go-go-rare-essence-keeps-dcs-hometown-beat/

So Priests are scheduled to do a gig in North Carolina with Ought. Have read pro and con takes in general re boycotting NC, assume they thought and discussed them too.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/48138/john-stabb-benefit-at-black-cat-backstage-sunday-may-8/

Thurston Moore, J. Robbins, Give and surprise guests

RIP John Stabb Schroeder, best known from 80s band Government Issue. The show will be tribute/memorial tonight

sorry to miss it

sorry to miss this too

I was there. Opener Give were the young band on the bill to show the link between generations. I arrived a little bit into their set. The singer introduced a song by saying something about this song is about looking forward and getting out from under the weight of DC hardcore past, and how maybe there could be a group as good as Bad Brains and Minor Threat.

Uh, no mention of the guy that was being paid tribute to, or his band, who just died from cancer. Well, they kind of redeemed themselves after that when they backed Alec Mackaye on a song, who also told a memorable story about his first meeting John in 1980.

J. Robbins who played in Government Issue in late 80s played a long set of some new songs and obscure ones with drummer Pete Moffet (who had also been in Government Issue). Didn't catch the name of the bassist, but Devin Ocampo sat in on 2nd guitar. J has a great guitar sound, but the set was a little long and esoteric. Then Devin left the stage, and early 80s GI guitarist Tom Lyle came on, joined by Thurston Moore. Moore, reading the printed out lyrics shouted out "Puppet on a String" and another old GI song or 2. John Brown of Dagnasty then did "Understasnd" from GI's Joyride effort. Probably the best song of the night.

Ian Mackaye and former WHFS dj from long ago Jim Dunbar and Thurston Moore also told stories about John. This was the most touching and emotional part of the night. Thurston on guitar with a drummer buddy of his from Western Mass finished off the night with a "A Sonic Prayer to John Stabb," an alternately noisy and minimalistically artsy sound composition.

Brian Baker was there, but though he played in GI at some point, he did not go up onstage.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/music/2016/05/09/one-track-mind-domingues-kane-black-shuck/

Amy Domingues shifts from cello to viola da gamba

Need to write up my mixed thoughts on Funk Parade sometime...what I like and what I don't like and what I wish for

x-post Shawn Brown of Dagnasty...

Will there be more Fort Reno drama this summer? Jack on Fire tweet states there's been no request for tapes (from groups that might want to perform). Website is still in 2015 mode. I think Amanda M. doesn't start on this until June though

― curmudgeon, Monday, May 2, 2016 10:35 AM (1 week ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

https://www.washingtonian.com/2016/05/12/fort-reno-not-happening-2016-national-park-service-amanda-mackaye/

It looks like Fort Reno is NOT happening this year. I for one am bummed.

dang

Amanda wouldn't respond to my email either. Saw her from a distance at the John Stabb tribute show. Shoulda tried to talk to her there.

Someone else should just apply.

It's been 4 years since Chuck Brown died, and in a first annual tribute, 9 go-go bands released new songs. Details here plus thoughts from Frank Scooby Sirius of Chuck Brown Band and Team Familiar, Sweet Cheire of Be'laDona and Chuck Brown Band, and Moe Shorter, mgr. of Junkyard Band

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts/music/blog/20780148/gogo-new-music-day

Cherie

http://bandwidth.wamu.org/more-than-just-covers-team-familiar-helps-kick-off-a-day-of-new-go-go-music/

D. Floyd led Rare Essence for 20 years. He's been vocalizing and playing sax for Team Familiar for many years now. He talks about their band here

Amanda time

http://bandwidth.wamu.org/fort-reno-2016-in-danger-not-so-fast-organizer-says/

But MacKaye says Fort Reno fans have no reason to worry yet. “There is no story here,” she writes in a brief email to WAMU. “It would appear on the Internet that liberty has been taken to create a controversy where there is none. Things are just moving slower on my end.”

MacKaye still has time to submit a permit application for use of the Tenleytown park this summer, says a National Park Service spokesperson.

“She can submit the application at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed event,” the spokesperson says, though it’s wiser to apply earlier. She adds that MacKaye has been in touch with NPS permit office staff.

She still hasn't updated the Fort Reno website, or sent out a request for bands to send her music to be considered

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts/blog/20780753/michael-mariotte-washington-city-papers-first-editor-has-died

Also was the drummer for Tru Fax & the Insaniacs

and an anti-nuke activist

didn't make it to JLin or to Brandy Clark or I think there was another ogig this week I wanted to see.

brandy clark back (kinda) 6/4 for a "matinee" gig in annapolis