From Willis Shawver. Follow him on Twitter at @WShawver or email him at Willis[AT]borderstan.com.
SXSW bands are coming to DC and playing at many locations in Borderstan. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Couldn’t make it to the South By Southwest Festival last week? No worries my music loving friends, because the SXSW Music Festival is coming to you!
More than 30,000 paid attendees attended this year’s festival in Austin, TX, which featured nearly 2,200 bands from all across the globe. The 10-day festival also included an interactive showcase for emerging technology and a film convention.
SXSW, which began in 1987, has sparked the careers of a number of today’s biggest music stars, including John Mayer, Katy Perry, Amy Winehouse, The Strokes, and yes, Hanson. You never know, maybe one of these up-and-coming bands will be the next big thing. Check them out when they visit the District in the next few weeks.
Carousel
College mates Jackson Phillips and Kevin Friedman formed this electro pop band in late 2011. After moving the band from Boston to Brooklyn in 2012, Carousel is setting out on the road armed with an assortment of dreamy, synth infused singles.
Listen: Let’s Go Home.
When: April 3, 8 pm.
Where: Black Cat.
The Lone Bellow
The songs from The Lone Bellow’s self-entitled album were born from a horse riding accident that almost left lead singer Zach Williams’ wife paralyzed. While his wife would fully recover, Williams was encouraged by friend and fellow band mate Brian Elmquist to turn his journal writing into song lyrics. From those lyrics came the deeply personal, folk and gospel infused songs that fill The Lone Bellow’s debut album.
Listen: You Never Need Nobody.
When: April 17, 8 pm.
Where: DC9.
Telekinesis
Telekiness is one man, Michael Benjamin Lerner, a 26-year-old musical veteran that is just now finding his place among the best power-pop bands making music today. Based out of Seattle, Lerner is touring in support of his latest album “Darmarion,” which is out April 2.
Listen: Imaginary Friend.
When: May 6, 8 pm.
Where: Black Cat.
Caveman
This New York City based rock band formed in 2009 when a group of close friends decided that they would rather be in a band together than be in bands separately. As a result, Caveman came to be and a distinct sound of rich guitars and layered drum beats was created. Caveman’s sophomore, self-titled album will be released on April 2.
Listen: In The City.
When: April 9, 8 pm.
Where: Black Cat.
Disclosure
This dance-pop duo is comprised of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence from South London. Bursting on to the scene with their remix of Jesse Ware’s “Running” in 2012, this talented DJ combo is making waves with their seemingly effortless takes on house and UK garage music.
Listen: Latch ft. Sam Smith
When: March 22, 10PM
Where: U Street Music Hall
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Auksalq February 11. (Courtesy of Auksalaq)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
As a heaping dose of irony would have it, the original show from the contemporary, environmentally focused music ensemble that performs a climate change opera was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy. Luckily for fans, the show is now rescheduled for Monday, February 11.
The rescheduled performance will feature Matthew Burtner and Scott Deal’s award winning telematic opera, Auksalaq. This cutting-edge experience integrates music, sonic and visual art, science and social commentary to provide a statement like no other on the impact of global climate change.
Throughout the performance, the audience is encouraged to contribute to the opera’s sights and sounds using NOMADS, a specially developed mobile phone app.
“The remote sites share sounds and images through a high bandwidth Internet connection to create a musical and visual ecosystem of interacting layers, which form one rich, intricate macro‐timbre.”
Auksalaq will also feature in-person instrumental and vocal performances by the EcoSono Ensemble, augmented by telematic performances by artists including Bit20, Nief Norf Ensemble and McGill Percussion Ensemble.
The show takes place at the Phillips Collection and begins at 7 pm. For information on tickets, visit the event’s webpage of the Phillips Collection.
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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Due to escalating events in Mali, Malian musicians Supernova King and Master Griot Cheick Hamala Diabate with Cameroonian singer Taka Tanni and Finckya of the Congo will take the stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 6th Street SW) on Monday, February 4.
H.E. Al Maamoun Keita, ambassador to the U.S. from the Republic of Mali, will address attendees to give the most up-to-date information on the crisis in Mali and the region.
Tickets are $25 and 100 percent of proceeds raised will be donated to humanitarian organizations working in the region to support refugees and IDPs.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 pm. For more information on tickets, contact 202-779-6277.
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“NSO in your Neighborhood “is coming to local venues, including the Howard Theatre. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) will host a week of free activities in the U Street, Shaw, Howard and Logan Circle neighborhoods January 8 through 14. The week long program is called “NSO In Your Neighborhood.”
Throughout the week, members of the NSO will break into small ensembles and perform chamber music and educational activities at local venues, such as the Howard Theater, the Lincoln Theater and Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium.
“The rich musical history of the U Street area, Howard and Shaw immediately attracted us,” said NSO Executive Director Rita Shapiro in a press release. “We are grateful for Irene Pollin’s generosity, which allows the Orchestra to go out into the local community and offer free admission to all events.”
Special guests at the events include WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi, Howard University’s Afro Blue, Kennedy Center Creative Advisory for Jazz Jason Moran, NSO Music Director Christoph Eschenbach and several others!
All of the performances and events are free of charge, and a detailed schedule of the week’s programs are available online.
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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
A local holiday album from Listen Local First. (Image courtesy of Listen Local First)
Justin Bieber isn’t the only one with a rockin’ holiday album. Listen Local First, a nonprofit that supports and promotes local musicians, is releasing its first holiday album.
The digital album has nine tracks of seasonal tunes, recorded by local musicians, and is available for $5. Proceeds from the downloadable tracks will benefit the Cardozo High School Marching Band and music program, with a small portion going back to the local artists and Listen Local First.
The playlist includes songs from artists such as Justin Jones, Vandaaver and Tom McBride, among others.
For more information, or to download the album, visit the website.
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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
9th & Beats opens this Thursday, December 13. (Courtesy of 9th & Beats)
The founder of Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie Festival Dave Mann and photographer Rachel Eisley have teamed up to bring an all-ages music venue to 9th Street NW, just a few blocks from the Convention Center.
The new venue, called 9th & Beats (1219 9th Street NW), is scheduled to open to the public on Thursday, December 13 within the Old Dominion Brewhouse. Mann and Eisley transformed a 2,000-square-foot room into a performing arts stage ready to hold music (both live and spun) and comedy events. Rotating art exhibits will also adorn the walls of the room, which can hold roughly 240 guests.
For opening night, 9th & Beats will host “Rebels With a Cause” music series, featuring The Black Sparks with Ladle Fight at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online or at the door.
Mann and Eisley aim to bring live music for the younger crowd, while simultaneously booking comedians for the 18-and-over patrons.
For now, 9th & Beats will be open Thursday through Saturday, but the venue eventually plans to expand its hours to seven days a week. On its Facebook wall, 9th & Beats said, “I think that we won’t have slow weeknights. Actually, once the venue goes to seven days a week, we will be hosting theater, burlesque, etc. on weeknights.”
Mann and Eisley also have plans for using the space during the day.
“That is the big news we will be sharing in February, so stay tuned!”
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Beats, Bass & Brau, on Thursday, October 18, at U Street Music Hall. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com
On Thursday, October 18, U Street Music Hall and DC Brau will host an evening of music and local beer at 1115 U Street NW from 10 pm until 3 am.
UK-based D.J.s Bailey and Boca 45 will spin the music along with Thunderball, Fort Knox Five and DC’s own drum’n’bass legend DJ Slant, who will close out the night.
Throughout the evening, DC Brau will promote its “Citizen” beer, and from 10 to 11 pm will provide free DC Brau “Citizen” along with shots of Grand Marnier for the mixed “Grand Citizen.”
Tickets to the evening are $10 and can be purchased online. For more information, visit U Street Music Hall’s website.
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Borderstan Weekend. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Well, look no further. We have your list of the food, music and cultural events going on in (and around) Borderstan October 12, 13 and 14.
Local Events, Exhibits and Nightlife
- Mid City Artists Open Studios: Fall is here and that means it’s time for the Mid City Artists Fall Open Studios. Open Studios are held twice a year during the spring and fall, and this season’s event is this weekend, October 13 and 14. A total of 20 artists are participating this Saturday and Sunday, all of them in the Dupont-Logan-U Street area. Mid City Artists has an easy-to-read map with participating artist studios. Studios are open in the afternoon; check the map for exact times for each artist.
- Chess in the Circle: On Sunday, October 14 Dupont Festival and the U.S. Chess Center will host Chess in the Circle, an afternoon of lessons and games in the middle of Dupont Circle. For more information on Chess in the Circle, visit the Dupont Festival website or join the event’s Facebook page.
- DC Wine Week: DC Wine Week will happen October 13-20. Co-founded by Vanessa French and Lisa Byrne (founder of DCeventjunkie), DC Wine Week is dedicated to enjoying wine and supporting the area’s growing local wineries, wine shops, wine bars, restaurants and merchants. The schedule of events is available online.
- Blessing of the Animals: Foundry United Methodist Church ( 1500 16th Street NW ) will have a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 14 at 3 pm. The traditional ceremony is conducted annually in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint who loved all the birds and animals.
- French Underground: BYT & La Maison Française are throwing a two-day party with live music, art, food and more at theFrench Embassy (4101 Reservoir Road NW) on Friday, October 12, and Saturday, October 13. Dubbed “The French Underground,” this weekend’s event is the place to experience some French/DC culture.
- MIXTAPE at Town: DJs Shea Van Horn and Matt Bailer are back and spinning your favorite tunes this Saturday, October 13 at 10 pm at TOWN Danceboutique (2009 8th Street NW), starting at 11 pm.
- “The Invisible Men” Film Screening and Talk with Director: View “The Invisible Men” and have a post-film discussion with Director Yariz Mozer on Sunday, October 14 at 4 pm at the DCJCC (1529 16th Street NW). “The Invisible Men” tells the untold true story of persecuted gay Palestinian who have run away from their families and are now hiding illegally in Tel Aviv, through the eyes of its three heroes.
- The Charlie Visconage Show at The Shop at Fort Fringe: The October edition of the critically-acclaimed talk show The Charlie Visconage Show will be staged on Friday, October 12th at 10:30 pm at The Shop at Fort Fringe (607 New York Avenue NW). For more information, visit the Facebook page.
- The Jewish Literary Festival: The annual Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival will take place October 14-24 at the DC Jewish Community Center (1529 16th Street NW). The 10-day celebration includes 15 events from celebrated authors and scholars such as Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Chabon and Nobel Prize-winner Eric Kandel.
Live Music
DC9 (1940 9th Street NW)
- Sunday, October 14: Sonnymoon, American Royalty, B.Lewis, 8 pm
Velvet Lounge (915 U Street NW)
- Friday, October 12: Love Load, Sister Ex, G.U.T.S., 9 pm
- Saturday, October 13: Fujank, The Way Home, Black Checker, 9 pm
9:30 Club (815 V Street NW)
- Friday, October 12: Jens Lekman, Taken By Trees, 6 pm
- Saturday, October 13: Ryan Bingham, The Americans, 8 pm
- Sunday, October 14: Passion Pit, Youngblood Hawke, Arms, 7 pm
Black Cat (1811 14th Street NW)
- Friday, October 12: Swans, A Hawk and Hacksaw, 9 pm
- Saturday, October 13: The North Country, The Sea Life, Sweetbread Jim’s, 9 pm
- Sunday, October 14: Sunday Gospel Brunch, Featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir, 1:30 pm
- Friday, October 12: Janka Nabay & the Bubu Gang. Doors are at 7 pm; the show is at 11 pm.
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The weekend in Dupont-Logan-U Street. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Well, look no further. We have your list of the food, music and cultural events going on in Borderstan August 4th and 5th.
MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Festival
The annual MidCity Dog Days celebration is finally here! On August 4th and 5th, join more than 70 local businesses and retailers for live music, discounted merchandise, food, drinks and an array of fun events. Here are some of the festival’s highlights:
- Dog Days Sidewalk Sale: Always a favorite of the weekend, the Sidewalk Sale will feature chic clothes and accessories from community retailers at discounted prices.
- The Best in Dog Show: Think that your four-legged best friend is the cutest pup in the community? Why not enter Fido into the Best in Dog Show? The friendly competition will take place Saturday, August 4 from 9 to 11 am at the African-American Civil War Memorial (U Street and Vermont Ave NW).
- Zumbathon Demo: Don’t miss your chance to showoff your Zumba skills with VIDA‘s Zumba instructors. The booty-shaking demo will take place on Saturday, August 4 from 11 am to 12:30 pm at 15th and P Streets NW.
- Listen Local First Street Music Showcase: Catch some of the neighborhood’s best local musicians at various pop-up street performances throughout the weekend.
- City Dogs Rescue Adoption Event at CityPaws Animal Hospital: On Saturday, stop by CityPaws Animal Hospital (1823 14th Street NW) for a great community event featuring adoptable dogs from City Dogs Rescue. CityPaws will provide visitors with educational information, as well as a doggie treat bar for all the dogs out and about at the Dog Days Sidewalk Sale. Adoptable dogs will be onsite from 10 am until 4pm, weather permitting.
- DC Flea Market: Come see what the Huffington Post considers a great place to find some of DC’s most unique things at the DC Flea Market at the Dog Days Festival. The N Street Village Community Craft Collective will be out selling their handmade items and DJ Jah-Sonic will be spinning the tunes. The Flea Market will take place on Sunday, August 5 from noon until 6 pm at Blackbyrd (2005 14th Street NW).
The Festival takes place on August 4 and 5 on 14th Street NW (between P Street and Florida Avenue) and U Street NW (between 9th Street and 17th Street). Times for the event are 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday, August 4 and 10 am to 7 pm on Sunday, August 5.
Borderstan.com is a proud sponsor of the MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Festival. For more information on the event and participating businesses, visit the Dog Days website or email [email protected]; and stay tuned to Borderstan.com for more information on specific Dog Days events.
Local Events and Exhibits
- Rave by the Pool with Brightest Young Things: On Saturday, August 4, join Brightest Young Things for one of their notorious pool parties from 11 am until 7 pm at the Capitol Skyline Hotel (10 I Street SW). Pack your suit and prepare for a day filled with bikinis, pool games, DJs, food and drinks! Tickets are $15 in advance and are available online.
- “Beyond the Story” at National Geographic: The National Geographic Museum (1145 17th Street NW) is exhibiting some of its best photographs that have never been seen before. The free exhibit ends on Sunday, August 5 and is open from 10 am until 6 pm daily.
- DC United vs Columbus Crew: Come cheer on the Black and Red as they enter the home stretch of the season for their first playoff berth since 2007. The game is Saturday, August 4 at 7:30 pm at RFK Stadium (2400 E Capitol Street SE).
Live Music and Performances
DC9 (1940 9th Street NW)
- Saturday, August 4: Red Light District – a disco-house music dance party, 10 pm.
- Sunday, August 5: Broncho, Bad Weather California, 8 pm.
Velvet Lounge (915 U Street NW)
- Saturday, August 4: Total War, Tiger Bitter, RCRDS, 9 pm.
- Sunday, August 5: Hurlebaus, Kairos House, Two Inch Astronaut, 7:30 pm.
9:30 Club (815 V Street NW)
- Saturday, August 4: Our Lady Peace, Mean Creek, 8 pm.
- Sunday, August 5: Aesop Rock with Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz, 7 pm.
Black Cat (1811 14th Street NW)
- Saturday, August 4: Drop Electric, Conveyer, Southwork, Presto Bando, 9 pm.
- Sunday, August 5: AU, Tu Fawning, 8 pm.
Dog Days 2011: Click above for more pictures. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
This year’s MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Festival is right around the corner, August 4-5, and the organizers of the neighborhood celebration are giving us something to sing about. For the first year, the weekend event will have live music stages and performances along the festival’s walking route.
Listen Local First, a local music initiative devoted to building awareness and creating opportunities for local musicians and venues, teamed up with Dog Days to bring more than 40 local bands, artists and DJs to eight different stages throughout the weekend. Details on the stage locations and the scheduled musicians are below.
The MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Festival started in 2000 with six business, and has since grown to a full-neighborhood celebration with more than 70 local participating businesses. It is organized by businesses along the 14th and U corridor.
The Festival takes place on August 4 and 5 on 14th Street NW (between P Street and Florida Avenue) and U Street NW (between 9th Street and 17th Street). Times for the event are 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday, August 4 and 10 am to 7 pm on Sunday, August 5. For a list of the Festival’s featured events, see our Dog Days preview and visit the Dog Days website.
Borderstan.com is a proud sponsor of the MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Festival. For more information on the event and participating businesses, visit the Dog Days website or email [email protected]; and stay tuned to Borderstan.com for more information on specific Dog Days events.
Stage Locations and Scheduled Musicians
The Fashion District Stage (U Street between 16th and 15th St NW)
Time: 12 pm – 6 pm Saturday and Sunday
Artists Performing: Sara Davenport, Rachel Levetin, Karen Jonas, Linsay Demig, Margot MacDonald, Victoria Vox, By & By Bluegrass Band, Deb Felz, Maryjo Mattea, Dance for the Dying and Sweet Interference
Dog Days Stage at the African Civil War Memorial (Corner of U and 10th Streets NW)
Time: Saturday 9 am – 7 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm
Artists Performing: Jason Mendelson, Jim Shirey, Riverbreaks, Brian Franke, Kyle Crosby, Nathaniel Davis, 50 Machines, Fire and the Wheel, Jason Brunner, Charlie Harrison, Lunatic, Immobilaire, Javier Sparks, Dom-O, Grey Area, Harmonic Blue, Don Kim
14th and U St Farmers Market (Corner of 14th and U Streets NW)
Time: Saturday 10 am – 1 pm
Artists: TBA
Batala Performance – Sunday (more details on the way)
Place: 14th and U Streets NW
Whole Foods (P Street between 14th and 15th Streets NW)
Time: Saturday 11 am – 3 pm
Artists: Jon Blashford, Don Kim, Jim Shirey and more
Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie Stage (Corner of 14th and Corcoran Streets NW)
Time: Saturday and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Artists: TBA more info at http://sweetteapumpkinpie.com/
Current Boutique Stage (1809 14th Street NW)
Time: Saturday 2 pm – 6 pm, Sunday 4 pm – 6 pm
Artists: Gordon Daniels, Stepbrothers w/ Frank Mitchell, holychild
Som Records DJ Stage (1843 14th Street NW)
Time: Saturday and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Artists: DJ Naruka, DJ’s Uschi Obermaier and Rick Moranis, NiteKrawler, Justin Jouvenal, Jeyone and Frank Mitchell, DJ Neville C, DJ Provoke, DJ Retrospect, Moose, DJ D Mac, The Secret Chimp
Borderstan Weekend. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Well, look no further. We have your list of the food, music and cultural events going on in Borderstan July 28th and 29th.
Food and Drink
- What do the Olympics have to do with eating and drinking? Apparently, a lot. Bar Rouge (1315 16th Street NW) will mix up the “Rouge, White & Blue” cocktail this weekend. The specialty drink will be available for the duration of the games. Neighborhood spots, Nellie’s Sports Bar and Buffalo Billiards made NBC 4’s list of best bars to catch the events.
- The Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW) will host the Sunday Gospel Brunch featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir on Sunday, July 29 at noon.
- If the heat’s getting the best of you, chill out at Ice Cream Jubilee’s Ice Cream Tasting Party on Saturday, July 28 ,and Sunday, July 29 from 2 to 5 pm.
Live Music and Performances
DC9 (1940 9th Street NW)
- Saturday, July 28: A Lull, Constant Alarm, The Free Market Ensemble, 8:30 pm.
- Sunday, July 29: Saint Motel, Races, Royal Teeth, 8 pm.
Velvet Lounge (915 U Street NW)
- Saturday, July 28: Seamonsters, Luncheon, Hundredhundred, 9 pm.
- Sunday, July 29: Orchard Wall, This Old Ghost, Howth, Double Saginaw Familiarity, 7 pm.
9:30 Club (815 V Street NW)
- Saturday, July 28: The Dan Band, 8 pm.
Black Cat (1811 14th Street NW)
- Saturday, July 28: The Nighttime Adventure Society, Kind of Like Spitting, Mike and Cody, 9 pm.
- Sunday, July 29: Zulu Pearls, The Tender Thrill, More Humans, 8 pm.
Dahlak (1771 U Street NW)
- Sunday, July 29: DC Jazz Jam with guitarist Geoff Reecer, 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Avenue NW)
- Friday, July 27: Special Agent Galactica, an evening of song and banter, 6 pm.
Events
- Saturday, July 28: From noon to 2 pm, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is holding an adoption event at Shaw Dog Park on 11th Street NW (just south of R Street).
- Chef Marcus Samuelsson presents his memoir, “Yes, Chef” at the Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW) on Saturday, July 28, at 7 pm.
- Sunday, July 29: The African American Civil War Museum reenacts President Lincoln’s visit to Contraband Camp Barker at Garrison Elementary School (1200 S Street NW), 2 pm.
