“Dear PoPville,

Sam the man Burns passed away on March 7. He was such a cornerstone of DC. There is an official GoFundMe here. There has already been a private service for his family, but there will be celebratory events after it’s safe to gather, I’m sure. Here’s something I wrote. -Courtney”

“I love life: all the drama, all the pain, all the passion, all the joys, all the highs, all the lows. We don’t write the script.”
Sam Burns 2002

Sam. The. Man. Burns.
What can I say about you that hasn’t already been said? I know everyone you left in your powerful wake is praying that wherever you are grants you the same healing, magic and salvation you gave to us when you were behind the decks. You were an idol, a god, a mentor, a friend, a force, a man. I am not going to pretend like I knew you better than I did, but I will share 3 lessons that came from you. (more…)


Update on Filmore Silver Spring many of their concerts have now been postponed too.

Thanks to Chaz for passing on about the Filmore above. And thanks to Meredith for passing on from Black Cat:

“This weekend’s shows are moving forward as scheduled. We’re assessing the situation and will keep you abreast.”


From 9:30 Club/I.M.P.:

“While we wake up every day looking forward to welcoming fans into our venues, D.C.’s Mayor Bowser has just recommended that gatherings of 1,000 or more people be suspended until March 31. After tonight, to be cautious, we are postponing all I.M.P. events scheduled at the 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre and The Anthem, as well as shows 9:30 Club Presents at U Street Music Hall, regardless of the size of the gathering. Shows will begin again April 1. (more…)



815 V Street, NW

From the 9:30 Club/I.M.P.:

“Dear Music Lover,

Simply put, our venues exist to enhance people’s enjoyment of life. So, it’s natural that the wellbeing of our staff, patrons, artists and the community are always at the forefront of our thinking. Like other organizations, we’re taking additional precautions, such as adding supplementary cleaning staff and providing hand sanitizer stations in addition to the ever-present soap in the restrooms.

By now, everyone knows to cover their mouth when they cough and sneeze, wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds, avoid touching their faces – but, as always, if anyone isn’t feeling well, the responsible thing to do is to stay home. This goes for everyone.

As of now, all shows are going on as planned and attendance has not been affected. (more…)



1353 H Street, NE

Ed. Note: In September 2019 I said and then they said oh well never mind this stinks.

From a press release:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Rock & Roll Hotel will cease operations effective immediately, Monday March 2, 2020. All shows and events are cancelled, and we have obtained the necessary financial protection at this time. (more…)



57 N Street, NW

From Republic Cantina:

“Just a quick note about Republic Cantina’s brand new late series we’re rolling out which we’re calling OUTLAW HOUR. Each Fri & Sat night (9p-midnight) we’ll be spinning old classic country records on a turntable, with an interactive element: guests will be able to select a record; when that record plays, your table gets 1/2 off Pico Back shots. We’ll also introduce a late-night Happy Hour, and will be projecting some classic country performances (kicking off this weekend w/ Heartworn Highways). The late night HH will run every night (though the music component will be reserved for Fri & Sat nights). (more…)



900 7th Street, NW

Fresh on the heels of the BBB/World Market closing sales announced (as well as La Tasca closing) comes news, miraculously, of something coming to Chinatown.

Thanks to Kristen for letting us know who’s coming to the long vacant Ping Pong Dim Sum space.

Howl at the Moon’s Facebook says:

“Come sing, dance and howl as the most versatile and talented musicians perform your favorite songs from 80’s rock, 90’s pop and today’s dance hits on pianos, guitars and more in a high-energy show! (more…)



3401 K St NW (Water St.)

Ed. Note: The Berliner only opened up next door/underneath Gypsy Sally’s about a year ago. I haven’t heard if the building sale/condo conversion will affect them. Stay tuned.

Thanks to all who messaged us. I keep forgetting to post this from Gypsy Sally’s:

As you may have heard, our landlord recently sold the building where we have resided since 2013. It will be developed into condominiums. With great sadness, Gypsy Sally’s will have its final load-out on January 5th, 2020. Until then, we plan on conducting business as usual with a full calendar of great music for you to enjoy. Stay tuned for info in the coming weeks regarding John Kadlecik’s plans for our final show. It is only fitting that John should preside over our send off, and we are honored that he will be hosting our closing festivities. (more…)


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