A while ago I got a vague email telling me about potential plans for this space but I hadn’t heard anything else until this morning. And wow, are these interesting plans. The spot has been leased and will turn into Kindred Bar and Lounge. But it has a very interesting mission:

Have you ever found yourself wondering why that bottle of Miller Light at the bar costs the same as a six-pack at the liquor store? Or, why you have to pay so much more for a martini that only takes a minute to shake when you’re at home? Well, the answer to those questions is pretty simple: Bars charge more than liquor stores because they have to pay more overhead: opening costs, renting a space, paying employees, and interest on bank loans. When you do the math, it all adds up.
These are hard times, and most of us are having to cut back on outings to bars and restaurants. Or, maybe we now find ourselves only going to places with specials.

Here’s where KINDRED Bar and Lounge comes in. My goal in launching this unique and inclusive tavern is to provide everyone with a great space and great prices. I’m not trying to get rich quick, or to open up a chain of KINDREDs across the country. What I am trying to do is simply to pool our resources to create a space that saves us money, brings us together (with inexpensive drinks!) and ultimately provides a unique space for the community — for us.
I can only do this with your help.

What a cool idea. The idea is the brainchild of Nikisha Carpenter. You can read more info and more importantly donate here. Think it’ll be possible to raise the dough during these tough times?


From an email:

“I am a part of Batala, Washington DC, which is an international all women band, that plays Afro-Brazilian / Samba-Reggae rhythms. Batala Washington has grown tremendously during the past year and we are ready to hold our first fundraiser! The fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, June 27th from 8pm-11pm at the Josephine Butler Park Center (near Meridian Hill Park, U St Metro).

This fundraiser will help Batala participate in the 2009 Brazil Day festival in NYC in September, which commemorates Brazil


From readers:

“While I was living in South Africa, I was lucky enough to work with CHOSA, an organization that funds & builds community organizations focused on supporting young people affected by HIV in South Africa. Recently, some of the youth put together their own exhibit of life through their eyes


From a reader:
Diabetes Tour de Cure Charity Happy Hour to Support the Pancreas Peddlers Bike Team
Ireland’s Four Fields in Cleveland Park from 6-9pm on Tuesday June 2
3412 Connecticut Ave NW


From some readers:

“Fundraising Capital Hill Happy Hour on May 27th at Jordan’s on 8th Street, 523 8th Street, SE

Host: American Lung Association of the District of Columbia
Event: Walk Fundraising Happy Hour
Where: Jordan’s on 8th Street – located at 523 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
(www.jordans8.com for more information)
When: Wednesday, May 27th from 7-10PM – Happy Hour specials extended until 10PM just for ALADC invitees.
Why: To get more information about the Walk, register new teams or team members for current teams, to meet the ALADC staff, and to meet your fellow Breathe DC Metro Walkers!”

And some random questions:

Can someone recommend a good place to get an oil change? I sadly must be a bit of a masochist and keep going back to Jiffy Lube.

and

Can someone recommend a good dentist?


From an email:

“Brazilian Rhythms this Thursday! Neville C. is baaack!!

Neville missed last month’s Brazilian Rhythms party and he’s gone through various stages of grief because of it. First came regret, then disappointment, and finally acceptance. He’s now in the “I’ll show them” stage. He’s had two months to get fired up (and find new records!) so look out!

Come help Neville’s recovery this Thursday at Cafe Saint-Ex (14th and T Streets, NW). Starting at 9:30 Neville will be throwing down the best in samba rock, MPB, tropicalia, samba, baile funk, Brazilian hip-hop, forro and bossa nova. NO COVER.

Sponsored by Som Records and Peroni Beer.”

fundraiser 0509 copy

Fundraiser at Shawarma King at 1654 Columbia Road, NW.


“I’m raising money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, and the WSC in Columbia Heights was nice enough to sponsor a spinning class with all proceeds going to LLS.”

“We have about 10 short films, free popcorn and happy hour. It starts at 2 and goes until 8pm.”

Mid City studio tours this weekend

http://www.midcityartists.com/

Continues after the jump. (more…)


Som Records is teaming up AGAIN with The Vinyl District, DC Soul Recordings and The Warehouse Next Door to host a record fair on Saturday, May 9th from 10am-4pm.
Details are on the poster (attached), but basically this is gonna be a FANTASTIC morning + afternoon of records, DJ’s, Booze (full bar!!), Food, CHUCK BROWN!!!, Autographed Daptone Records & Posters Raffles and more records. We’re getting 30 dealers from Connecticut, New York, Richmond and many points in between. And the best part is that it’s only 2 dollars to get in!!

DJ’s for the event:

Gavin Holland and the Nouveau Riche DJs (http://www.nouveaurichedc.com/)
Neville C. (http://www.somrecordsdc.com/)
Deep Sang (http://www.myspace.com/deejayholiday)
Stylus (http://www.vibeconductor.com/)
Lunch Money & Almighty Dollah (both of the group “Played Tomorrow”: (http://www.myspace.com/playedtomorrow)
Provoke (http://djprovoke.com/)
Eurok (http://www.djeurok.com/)
D-Mac (http://www.djdmac.com/)
Dan Amitai (http://www.amitai.net/)
Nitekrawler (http://www.dcsoulrecordings.com)

DC local Laura Tsaggaris is staging a CD Release Party to celebrate her latest album, “Keep Talking” on Saturday, May 9th at the Rock and Roll Hotel. Opening the show with short sets are other DC artists Meredith Bragg, Rana Mansour, and the David Stein band. Show starts at 9:30, doors at 8:30.

More after the jump (more…)


Sadly, I was too soaked and beat down from walking around all day to participate in the festivities but when I passed by Wonderland it was definitely rocking. For those that went, did the party kick ass?

And the sight below really cracked me up.


I remember in the past folks had asked if there was any place to donate books. From a reader:

“The Friends of the Petworth Library are accepting book donations for our fall book sale to benefit the Petworth library. We encourage you to donate the following materials: mass market paperbacks, trade paperbacks, DVDs, books on CD, gently used children’s books, hardcover fiction and nonfictions, and magazines. Donations can be dropped off at the circulation desk. If you would like to become a member, please contact Lynda Laughlin ([email protected]) for a membership application. Thanks!”


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