Adams Morgan Concert Series

The free outdoor music series hosted in Adams Morgan is back. It actually started last week, but there are five more weeks remaining. The concerts are played at the corner of 18th St and Columbia Rd NW, next to BB&T Bank and the Capital Bikeshare station. Music starts at 5:00 PM each Saturday, and is over by 7:00 PM. The rest of the lineup:

May 9th

Dot Dash - Post-punk pop.

May 16th

Goin' Goin' Gone - Roots rock.

May 30th

La Unica - Latin & Irish rhythms.

June 6

Doug Stevenson and the Spades - Country & western, alt-country.

June 13

Dupont Brass - OMG, pls just play this brass rendition of Jill Scott's "The Way" over and over and over again. So good.

Little Salon Visits Mount Pleasant

The Little Salon is hosting a night of poetry, visual arts, and music this Wednesday, right here in Mount Pleasant. Read more about the Little Salon here. This event is their first of 2015 and will be hosted at 1644 Newton St NW. It's this Wednesday February 25 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Donations accepted. For more info check out the event page.

From the organizers:

"Here it comes: the 2015 season of Little Salon. We're starting the year at a house in Mount Pleasant, where we'll bring ya the poems of Dan Brady, the prose of Michelle Dove, the photography of Duilio Passariello, and the tunes of Djesben.

Doors open at 7pm for the photos and the socializing. Swing by as close to 7pm as you can. The performances will begin at 8pm. As always, BYO favorite B. (And your favorite friend, too.)

We're strongly requesting $20(+) cash donations to support the event and artists — and to one day build a website where we can archive the awesome creativity on display at these things. Really hope to see you then."

Video: Batala DC

The Batala DC percussion group always impresses and yesterday was no different. The all-women drum group was founded in 2007 and is often seen in parades, festivals, or just drumming up a rhythmic storm at your local park or plaza. They played for quite a bit at Adams Morgan Day, but I only recorded about 2 minutes worth, not doing them any justice to be honest. Check out their events calendar for the next chance to see them live. Enjoy!

Lamont Street Collective Summer Bash

Lamont Street Collective, home of Salon de Libertad, is hosting another summer arts show, but this time with a focus on music. The Lamont Street Summer Bash will feature DC band Grogan Social Scene and Alexandria's Peyote Pilgrim. There will be visual arts as well, in the form of LA Johnson, who will show pieces inspired by the new album from Grogan Social Scene. That's a cool way of exhibiting new work; a dual-sensory experience for the audience. Another bonus: they've procured a few specially brewed beers for the event, including one called Smokey Whiskey Barrel Stout. Yes, please!

Lamont Street Collective events never disappoint, and this sounds like a cool way to kick off the summer. The Bash is next Saturday, June 28, beginning at 8:00 pm. The Collective is located at 1822 Lamont Street NW, right here in Mount Pleasant. They're accepting donations at the door. Have a great weekend!

Funk Parade Planned for May 3

A growing group of businesses, civic leaders, and local organizations are coming together to organize & support a funk parade and music showcase in early May. The Funk Parade is scheduled to happen on or around U Street NW on Saturday May 3, 2014. The parade is actually one part of three: a street fair, the parade, and musical performances. 

These things of course require a bit of funding, and the organizers are throwing a kickoff party to do just that. This fundraiser/show will be held at Liv on March 13. Good luck to everyone involved. Sounds like a cool idea!

For more information on the Funk Parade visit their neat website.

From the organizers:

FUNK PARADE PLANNED FOR DC’S U STREET NEIGHBORHOOD

Parade, Street Fair and Music Festival to Celebrate Spirit of Funk, DC’s Birthday

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A group of over 70 local businesses, civic leaders and neighborhood organizations today announced plans for the first-ever Funk Parade in the U Street neighborhood on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

The planned event has three parts: a street fair by day, the mighty Funk Parade in the afternoon, and a music festival in the evening.  The events will be rich in music and art, and will honor both the neighborhood and the spirit of funk, “the subatomic particle of love,” which brings people together and makes them feel all right. The date, May 3, is the 211th anniversary of the District’s incorporation.

“Bringing people together in the spirit of music and celebration is part of what makes the U Street neighborhood a crown jewel of the city,” said D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1).  “I'm proud to support this unique event.”

Funk Parade is supported by a broad group of leaders, businesses and community groups, from Councilmember Graham, Ben’s Chili Bowl and the Howard Theater to ANC 1B, U Street Music Hall, the Brixton, Bohemian Caverns, Blind Dog Cafe, Twins Jazz, WJLA Channel 7 and dozens more. For a full list of supporters, click here.

The event is co-sponsored by Listen Local First, an organization which partners with hundreds of local musicians and businesses to create new new avenues for local music exploration.

For more news, including announcements of band lineups, participating artists, sponsors and more, follow Funk Parade on Twitter at @FunkParade or go to http://funkparade.com.

Donate! Volunteer! Get involved!  Email funk@funkparade.com.  

Friday Fun Post: Sneaks!

Happy Friday! Seriously, I'm about ready for this week to be over if only to clear the sub-sub-freezing temperatures from my half frozen psyche. I'm DREAMING ABOUT COLD, people. It's invaded my dreams. And it's getting a bit old. So dumb. ANYWAY, talking about the weather is boring. 

On to more exciting topics! I thought I'd dedicate this Friday Fun Post to one of the District's most creative , fun, and entertaining bands - Coup Sauvage & The Snips. This video doesn't do CS & TS justice; they're best seen live. That being said, here's Sneaks, the band's latest single. You can see them perform next at Comet Ping Pong on February 5, with JD Samson & MEN. Have a great weekend!

Friday Fun Post: Darkest Hour

Happy Friday! Thought I'd pay tribute to one of my favorite DC bands, --and favorite metal bands in general-- Darkest Hour. This band has been playing for more than 15 years and although they have gained national acclaim, I still think they are a bit underrated. If you like metal, you need to see them live! Killer shows. Here is "Convalescence" off of 2005's Undoing Ruin. Have a great weekend.

Adams Morgan Free Summer Music Series

June 2009.

The Adams Morgan Summer Music Series has been running for a few years now (at least since 2009?). It's back in 2013 for six Saturdays, care of the Adams Morgan Partnership BID. The concerts take place on the plaza in front of BB&T Bank at the corner of Columbia and Adams Mill Rds NW. The shows are FREE and start at 5:00 PM each Saturday June 1 - July 6. Here'e the lineup:

Saturday June 1: Kid Goat

American Rock and Roll with blues, Americana, and alt-country influences. Amazing vocalist Belen Pifel. From Washington DC. The show starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 7:00 PM. Two sets: 5:00 - 5:45 = the kid friendly set and 6:00 - 7:00 = the louder adult rock.

Saturday June 8: Batida Diferente

Jazz and Brazilian quartet. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Saturday June 15: Wheelie

Indie/Art Rock. Plus dance-hooping by Spinnabel Lee. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. 

Saturday June 22: Doug Stevenson and the Spades

"American." Influences include jazz, swing, county & western, bluegrass, rock and roll. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Saturday June 29: The Originators

Ska/Punk/Reggae. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Saturday July 6: Devils Walk as Saints

Rock: Heavy. Spacey. Raw. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

New Local Music Series: Indie Adams Morgan

Indie Adams Morgan isn't so much a music venue as it is an ongoing music series. The collective organizes shows for both DC and touring bands. The shows take place in the space most of us know as Heaven & Hell - 2327 18th St NW in Adams Morgan. That's a bit of a departure from the old days of Neal The Angel's 80s night parties which ruled that space for many years. I have a feeling you'll be able to dance at some of these shows, too.

Indie Adams Morgan has a pretty robust schedule of shows, including one this Friday (tomorrow) with BRENDA, B Side Shuffle, and Andy D. $10. Music starts at 8:00PM. Enjoy the show!

11 Shows Around the Bend

God's America @ Warehouse Next Door (March 2006)

Now that Fort Reno is over for the summer (and that summer itself is almost over, blargh), we'll soon resort to attending shows at indoor venues. Last week was a great one for such shows and I was lucky enough to spend Sunday evening enjoying an all-DC bill of Coup Sauvage + the Snips, Queer Pressure and Hand Grenade Job at the Black Cat. (FYI, the show was a benefit for Collective Action for Safe Spaces as part of their effort to bring Right Rides to DC. I believe you can still donate to that cause.)

While at this show, I was reminded that I haven't done a music round-up post in a while (or everrrrrr?). So, here you go. 11 shows in DC that you should check out, from now until early November.

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September 1: Cricket Cemetery Showcase feat. Janel & Anthony, LTW, Host, The Tender Thrill, more. @ Black Cat. 9PM. $10.

September 2: Coastals, Naomi Punk, Foozle, Dikes of Holland. @ Comet Ping Pong. 9PM. $10.

September 7: Manatees, Fell Types, The Fordists. @ Comet Ping Pong. 10PM. $10.

September 9: Mission of Burma, Purling Hiss. @ Black Cat. 9PM. $15.

September 9: The Suzan, Zambri. @ DC9. 8:30PM. $10.

September 20: Make-Up. @ Black Cat. 8PM. $15.

September 22: Bliss 12 Year Anniversary Party w/ Will Eastman. @ U Street Music Hall. 10PM. $10.

September 24: The Gossip, Magic Mouth. @ 9:30 Club. 7:30PM. $25.

October 5: The Jealous Sound, Daytrader. @ Rock and Roll Hotel. 8PM. $12.

October 6: Willis Earl Beal. @ Red Palace. 9PM. $12.

November 2: Propagandhi, Off With Their Heads, The Menzingers. @ Rock and Roll Hotel. 8PM. $18.

Bluegrass Show at Haydee's This Weekend

I first started going to Haydee's for the drinks, then food, then the live music. Now that they've added the outside seating, I see more and more people there on the weekdays, enjoying a beer or chips and salsa or a meal. This weekend, you might want to eat inside because there is more music, and free! This time, the the band --The Fabulous Flea Market Band-- comes all the way from Norway.

The show is at Haydee's, 3102 Mount Pleasant Street NW. There is no cover charge. And the music starts at 8:00PM. Here's a bit about what you're likely to hear, from the organizers: 

*     *     *

Love songs for lumberjacks, bluegrass for punk rockers, serenades for sailors, drinking songs for desperate nights; love, insanity, murder, natural disaster and three legged dogs are just some of the themes covered in the Flea Market songbook.  Part backstreet hoedown, part honky-tonk confessional, part big tent revival meeting, for the past two years The Fabulous Flea Market Band have steadily been winning new converts to their sweat-soaked, heartfelt vision, blending shadows from the Norwegian forest with darkness from the margins of America.  Huddled around a single mic in the old-time string band tradition, the Fleas tear through all-original tunes, taking turns on banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, upright bass and the occasional trombone.

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Americana August Music Series in Mount Pleasant

Two of the three shows in this series will be held in the heart of Mount Pleasant. And all shows will be house shows; very cool. Love the name, too: Americana August. From the organizers:

*     *     *
"Americana August First Evening: On August 3 at 8pm at the Scooby Doo Mansion at (3423 Oakwood Terrace NW), we will be featuring Lulu Mae from Nashville, TN with local artist Wendell Kimbrough. Americana Extras: Homemade pie baking contest! Bring your favorite homemade pie to share and enter to win a surprise Americana treasure (and the title and fame to go with it!). Cover charge is $10. Event page.

Americana August Lunch and Bluegrass: On August 4 at 11:30am at the Scooby Doo Mansion (3423 Oakwood Terrace NW), we will be featuring The Honey Dewdrops from Charlottesville, VA and a visit from a surprise DC Food Truck! Event page.

Americana August Culminating Evening: On August 9 at 8pm at Cellar Door (826 7th St. NE) we will be featuring Jill Andrews from Knoxville, TN. Americana Extras: Free ice cream treats for each attendee. Cover charge is $25. Event page.

In the spirit of American hospitality, the first twenty people to buy their bundle package tickets via PayPal ($35 for all three days) will receive Americana August memorabilia, VIP seating, and a beer at each show. (Paypal page here) We hope to see you there!"
*     *     *

Check out the individual event pages for more information on each performer and other details. In a month which seems to see fewer fun, creative, and locally run activities than others, this is a welcome series. And right in out backyards, too. 

Sounds of Malcolm X Park

If you follow The 42 Bus on Twitter you have probably noticed me talking up Sundays at Malcolm X Park. More often than not on a Sunday evening, I am there. Usually listening to the drum circle, but also walking the grounds, watching ducks in the fountain, eating snacks on a blanket or just hanging out. As I have said before, it is one of the best free activities in the District.

The drum circle jams are organic. That is, each performance is made up of 2-3 dozen separate, individual performances of single drummers. The only structure is the structure formed during each specific jam; it happens on the fly. Jams can last 90 seconds or 15 minutes. Each is unique and by nature, none are repeated. That's the beauty.

If you want to see it live, come to Malcolm X Park (aka Meridian Hill Park) at 16th and Euclid Sts NW on any Sunday, weather permitting. From about 5:00PM until 8:00PM there are drummers making music at the southwest corner of the top level, near the Joan of Arc statue. Here's one I recorded recently.

The Bus, The Blog, The Song?

If there is a bus route that deserves a song, it's the 42. The ride I love so much has thousands of other fans like you (or maybe you aren't always a fan, depending on circumstances). The 42's crescent shaped path through NW mirrors an old streetcar route and terminates in Mount Pleasant. Along the way the driver picks up riders in downtown, Dupont, Kalorama, Adams Morgan and all stops in between. 

Despite my issues with certain peculiar characters that frequent the bus, I have an affinity for riding the 42 beyond getting from here to there. I do sometimes sing songs to myself on the bus, but this is the first song I know of written for the the bus. It's by DC musician René Moffatt. The name of the song, of course,  is "Route 42"

And the songwriter has partnered with local businesses along the route to promote the song by offering "42" themed specials. They'll be available until March 4 (Sunday!)

Tryst: “Route 42” Signature Cocktail for $4.20

The Diner: “Route 42” Signature Cocktail for $4.20

Hello Cupcake: Signature logo “Route 42” Cupcake

Yola: “Route 42” Latte

Flying Fish: “Route 42” Rocky Road Bus Tire Cake

Africa is Not a Country Presents: Nettle, at Marrakech Lounge

Our friends over at Africa is Not a Country are hosting their second happy hour this Friday. In addition to resident CH-Mt P DJs Mothershiester and Bent, they've invited special guest Nettle.

It's this Friday evening at new Adams Morgan spot Marrakech Lounge. From the organizers:

The 2nd Happy Hour installment of Africa is Not a Country features a special performance by Nettle. This long distance, inter-continental project blends electronic beats, North African folksongs and percussion with avant garde noise.

We'll be celebrating the release of group's new record -- El Resplandor: The Shining in Dubai. "For this album, Nettle imagined a remake of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining set in a luxury hotel in Dubai, U.A.E. El Resplandor: The Shining In Dubai is their soundtrack for that nonexistent film."

"Nettle's work foregrounds issues of friction, translation, and displacement as necessary counter-narratives to the standard paradigms of 'cross-cultural exchange' and metaphors of mixing or hybridity."

DJ sets by DC's own bent and mothershiester through the night will feature Rock, Ska, and Punk anthems from Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Jazz arrangements from Madagascar and Ghana. Soukous jams and Chaabi gems. Plus a glut of Kenyan Pop tracks.

FREE!
Time: Nettle plays at 9pm!
Copies of El Resplandor: The Shining in Dubai will be for sale

Drink specials: $3 beers, $5 wine & rail drinks, delicious $5 appetizers
Plus: hooka/sheesha for enjoyment on the veranda
At: this brand new North African spot – Marrakech Lounge.

Africa is Not a Country is an anti-colonial musical journey, using the dancefloor/barstool to deconstruct the idea of “African music” as we rock out from Jo-burg to Cairo, from Dakar to Nairobi, with a quick lap around the islands.

Photo: Green Room

Jazz in the Garden is Back

Sculpture Garden

If you know me, you know that one of my favorite DC traditions is Jazz on the Grass, officially known as Jazz in the Garden. The scene is decidedly DC and attracts regulars who work downtown, but also, due to its location, tourists, actual music fans and many many scene-and-be scene folks.

Jazz in the Garden takes place at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden at 7th St and Constitution Ave NW. On summer Fridays the Garden is packed --and I mean packed-- with revelers, mostly imbibing in the famous NGA sangria, wine, imported beer, or other beverage; purchased on site of course. Outside alcohol beverages are verboten. Remember that. Don't wanna get yourself kicked out. Seen it happen. Yep. Don't do it.

Anyway, it's gotten almost too popular to always fully enjoy. Unless you're there really early, it is very difficult to get a decent seat, on the grass or otherwise. Forget securing a seat on the fountain; impossible. But I still go. Too much fun with friends!

The first Jazz in the Garden is on Friday May 27. It's each Friday at 5:00PM-8:30PM, rain or shine. The last Jazz is September 9. In a change, this year the Garden will remain open to visitors until 9:30PM, an hour after the music ends. The event is free.

Bring some crackers, some fruit and a blanket. I'll get a pitcher of sangria. See you there...

PS, the first few performers of the season: 

May 27
Origem
Brazilian jazz

June 3
DC Jazz Festival presents Mark Prince
progressive jazz

June 10
Deanna Bogart

blusion or blues fusion

June 17
John Lee

guitar fusion jazz/rock

June 24
Sheila Ross
jazz vocalist

Mount Pleasant Music Festival Returns

Four Horsemen perform at 2010 Mount Pleasant Music Festival

The Mount Pleasant Music Festival is coming back to Lamont Park! Last year, the festival --organized by Mount Pleasant Main Street-- bought out residents on a beautiful early May Saturday. The music was pitch perfect and it was sooooo great seeing Lamont Park active all day long (farmers' market early, music later). 

Mark your calendars. This year the festival will take place on Saturday June 11. It will begin at 3:00PM and end at 7:30PM. The farmers' market will still operate 9-1. The tentative bands are Midnight Hike, The Jones, Oxymorons and more. Radio CPR's DJ Wanako will return to the turntables. And other fun activities are coming together as we speak.

Great news! Oh yeah, it's free! More details to come.

Radio CPR Music Showcase Tonight!

Happy Friday! Join Radio CPR and a bunch of other rad folks tonight at La Casa for a music showcase. This is part of the slate of events organized by the Mount Pleasant Temporium.

This time around the location is not the Temporium, but La Casa -- a few doors down at 3166 Mt Pleasant St NW. Live music and the renowned CPR DJs. 7pm. And only $3. More event listings at The42BusDC.

100 Shows for Haiti

One year after a catastrophic earthquake near Port au Prince, Haiti, the task off rebuilding and redeveloping a nation continues at a painfully slow pace. Many there are still displaced, homeless, need continuing medical care and generally in dire straits. Groups in the U.S. and around the world continue to try to help.

100 Shows for Haiti is one of those organizations trying to bring the focus back onto Haiti. It is an idea more than an organization. They're helping organize and publicize events all over the U.S. on and around the January 12 anniversary of the Haitian earthquake. These are shows of the musical, theatrical or puppet variety, bake sales, potlucks, film screenings and more. Venues, materials and labor are donated and any money raised will be distributed to aid organizations; two in particular: Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees and One Hundred for Haiti.

In DC, the show will be put on by Positive Force. It happens this weekend January 15 at 7pm. The location is right across the street from Mount Pleasant; St. Stephen's Church, 1525 Newton St NW, at 16th St. Playing are Belfur, Möbius Strip, Archivist and Southern Problems. The show is $8. Proceeds go to the two organizations mentioned above. Good show, great cause. Consider going out.

100 Shows For Haiti, Show Your D.I.Y. Spirit! from Sparrow Media on Vimeo.