Fred Armisen played guitar and sang for dozens of people crammed into a tiny record store today.
No, it wasn’t a scene from his “Portlandia” show. It was a free concert at Red Onion Records on U Street.
With a guitar bag slung over his shoulder, Armisen strolled up to the shop at 1628 U St. NW about a half-hour before his noon show, greeting fans who waited in line as early as 9 a.m. to see him.
During his performance, the “Saturday Night Live” alumnus played “Catalina Breeze” and other songs from his fake 1970s soft rock band, The Blue Jean Committee.
“Is anyone working today?” Armisen asked the crowd. “How were you able to do this?”
He also took photos of the people inside Red Onion, as well as the dozens of fans who didn’t make it into the store.
“What a great city,” Armisen said. “I love this place.”
Independent record store Red Onion Records opened its new location at 1628 U St. NW this weekend.
The store, bedecked in fresh coats of blue and yellow paint, appears to be in the early stages of settling into its new home. But its collection of records is laid out and ready for curious customers to flip through.
Though owner Josh Harkavy was busy helping customers when Borderstan swung by earlier today, he said there will be a grand opening event in about two weeks.
To celebrate the move, Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW) will host a DJ night tonight at 7 p.m featuring Harkavy as a guest DJ. The event is free and will have happy hour-priced drinks until 10 p.m.
K-9 Tragedy — Romo, the beloved bull mastiff/pit bull mix and unofficial mascot of Adams Morgan, is leaving the neighborhood for Arlington. [NBC Washington]
Red Onion Revival — Sadly, Romo wasn’t the only loss for the 18th Street area. Red Onion Records is leaving too; luckily, the popular record store is moving close by on U Street NW. [Borderstan]
Cool Map Bro — A couple of adventures in D.C. mapping today. First, a look at all the D.C. outdoor art projects throughout the city. [Bad Wolf DC]
Housing Legacy of Segregation — Our next map is more academic, and it’s worth a read. It focuses on the efforts of historians Sarah Shoenfeld and Mara Cherkasky as they document, block by block, the historical ramifications of segregation in the district. [Park View DC]
(Updated at 4:03 p.m.) Beloved indie record store Red Onion Records is moving to a new store at 1628 U Street NW, says owner Josh Harkavy.
The store is currently located at 1901 18th St NW, and is one of the city’s only independently owned record shops.
When reached by phone this afternoon, Harkavy confirmed the store will be moving to U Street, but said he had nothing else to add at this time.
Photo via the Red Onion Records Facebook page
