qtip
Photo by flickr user CN

Represent, represent!!

From a press release:

“The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced today the launch of its inaugural Hip Hop Culture series in the 2016–2017 season. This new programmatic platform recognizes Hip Hop’s contributions to global culture and its role in promoting values such as courage, freedom, justice, and service—principles that are part of the Center’s John F. Kennedy Centennial Celebration. A national and international phenomenon, Hip Hop culture authentically promotes these values through five core elements—deejaying, emceeing, breakdancing, graffiti writing, and knowledge of self—carrying with them the power to build and transform communities through art and action. With this new offering, the Center also aims to increase opportunities for community involvement and participation within its programs. (more…)


See why hundreds in DC (and beyond) are discussing the new video for Tarica June's politically-charged song "But Anyway".

Posted by Tarica June on Saturday, March 5, 2016


Thanks to a reader for sending this awesomeness. And I say this as a yuppie or maybe a “hipster ho”, I don’t know anymore, it depends on when I’ve last done my laundry. Either way I love this. Sadly by me loving this I fear I may have killed their street cred. Apologies if so! Anyway, some NSFW language. “Abu Rahss x G Wang – Trader Joe’s”


Old Engine 12 - Popville

“Old Engine 12 Firehouse Restaurant
1626 N Capitol St NW,

I’m back this Friday 7-10pm! Featuring Matvei Sigalov & Russell Rodgers

Old Engine 12 presents….a warm, intimate & comfortable space to enjoy live music, food & drinks — dancers welcome!

Live Jazz & Brazilian Music performed by:
Elin Kathleen Melgarejo – Vocals
Matvei Sigalov – guitar
Russell Rodgers – Bass

Friday, February 19th
Second Floor Ballroom
No Cover Charge”


930
screenshot via live at 9:30

From a press release:

“Launching nationwide on public television this April is a new series unlike any other: “Live At 9:30 Hosted by Squarespace” – an unpredictable, modern-day music variety show.

Off the beaten path in Washington, D.C. is one of the world’s greatest music venues — the 9:30 Club. It’s the most-attended music club of its size in the world – a 1200-person venue where world-famous artists have started their careers, refined their sounds, and played legendary shows. Now it’s home to TV’s most groundbreaking music show.

Each cinematic, one-hour episode of “Live At 9:30” will feature a collection of acts from different genres, interspersed with insightful and entertaining interviews, short films, and comedic bits. In a word: variety; variety that people will be talking about. Filmed unobtrusively with more than a dozen cameras, including hidden GoPros and an airborne cable-cam, “Live At 9:30” will be unlike any music show on TV today. (more…)


billy joel
Photo by PoPville flickr user Bossi

From a press release:

“The Washington Nationals and Live Nation Entertainment are proud to announce that by overwhelming demand, Legendary Musician Billy Joel will return to Washington, DC to perform at Nationals Park on Saturday, July 30, 2016.

This performance will make Billy Joel the first artist in history to play Nationals Park in a record-setting third appearance. Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, January 29 at 10:00 AM at Nationals.com/BillyJoel. (more…)


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via Jazz And Cultural Society

Last week I, again, lamented the loss of the great HR-57. Perhaps it is time to stop lamenting and start celebrating a new(ish) spot in Brookland. A glowing review from November happened to come across my Facebook page recently from Capitalbop:

“On a recent Sunday night at Brookland’s Jazz and Cultural Society, Dr. John Lamkin II piped luscious, honey tones from his trumpet, propelling his quartet through Miles Davis’ “Seven Steps to Heaven.” Trading crisp solos, the group of dapperly suited musicians went on from there to play a range of jazz standards, electrifying the intimate, amber-lit room, which quickly reached standing-room-only status.”

The Jazz and Cultural Society’s website says:

“The Jazz and Cultural Society is a not-for-profit jazz club in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC.

All shows are $5 at the door (cash only) unless otherwise noted.

Most shows run from 6:00-9:00 pm (drop by anytime you like).

All ages are welcome. Beverages are $1 a piece. No alcohol is allowed or served on premises. The Jazz and Cultural Society now sells food. Please support a local catering company and refrain from bringing in outside food and beverages into the establishment.

JACS is located at 2813 12th street NE DC between Rhode Island Avenue and Brookland Metro stations, close to bus lines and there is plenty of street parking too.”

It would be great if they had BYOB like the old HR-57 but this sounds amazing. Anyone stop by yet?


IMG_2288

Last month we spoke about concerts we wish we had seen but today let’s talk about one’s we actually have. In honor of the 9:30 Club’s 35th anniversary and 20 years at the current location – what was the greatest show you’ve seen at either spot? I’ll narrow it down to three – Wilco (when it snowed) I think Jan. of 2004 or something like that – was spectacular. Drive By Trucker July 2005 epic. And the first time I saw Thievery Corporation Live my mind was blown (blown to the extent I have no idea what year it was.) So many favorites, really hard to narrow down – anyway try! What was your number 1 or top 3 favorite shows you’ve seen there?

Side note: Anyone get tickets to the “9:30 WORLD’S FAIR” EXHIBITION? (more…)


NSO
Photo by PoPville flickr user Erez Yoeli

From a press release:

“The National Symphony Orchestra will blanket the neighborhoods of Downtown and Penn Quarter January 5–11, building deeper connections to its community in a week-long residency featuring more than 40 free events and performances. From concerts at the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum to in-school visits, artist panels and discussions, and performances at homeless shelters, NSO members will make music in ensembles large and small. The National Spy Museum, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Central Union Mission, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Busboys and Poets, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: these are but a few of the distinctive and colorful locales to be visited.

Advance sign-up is required for the following locations: The Hamilton Live, Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, the National Building Museum and the National Press Club. To attend the Preview Event at the Verizon Center, tickets to the Washington Wizards game are necessary.

Preview Event: On January 3, the NSO’s powerhouse brass section will enliven the Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat game by performing before warm-ups at center court Sunday at 6:20 p.m. Tickets for the game are required and are available at www.msesales.com/wiz/nso, The promotional code is NSO.

Official Kick-off Event: Doors will open to The Hamilton Live January 5 at 6:30 p.m. The performance will begin at 8:00, featuring NSO musicians Glenn Donnellan, Heather LeDoux Green, and Teri Lee, violins; Abigail Evans Kreuzer, viola; Jim Lee, cello; Charles Nilles, bass; and Joe Connell, percussion. This performance opens the “In Your Neighborhood” program in the Downtown and Penn Quarter communities. This event is open to the public, but reservations are required due to space limitations. (more…)


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