It was back in March when I first reported the scuttlebutt about a merger between Palace of Wonders and Red and the Black at 1210 – 1212 H St, NE. Just got an email that they’ll be launching this weekend:

“We are happy to announce, FINALLY, the opening of the Red Palace at 1210-1212 H ST NE. A combination of Palace of Wonders & the Red and the Black, the new venue will feature both sideshow, burlesque, in addition both local and national music artists. The larger, yet still very intimate space, will launch this weekend!

The first official event will be Saturday November 6 with the Dangerously Delicious Pies 8th Annual Pie and Rock-n-Roll Extravaganza with The Deadmen, Glenmont Popes, HR of Bad Brains, and Lazlo Lee and the Motherless Children. Doors @ 8pm Show @ 9pm – 18+ welcome”

If anyone checks them out be sure to shoot me an email with your impressions. I’m curious to see how the space looks.


Is it just me, or is this freaking awesome? An Ethiopian restaurant hosting a Hootenanny? Too good.

From a press release:

The Human County Jukebox, Washington D.C.’s premiere country and western band, will be performing at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant’s Level X-Lounge, 1934 9th Street, NW, on Saturday, November 6th. Doors open at 7PM, with drink specials running all night, including $4 beers and half-priced appetizers.

The Human Country Jukebox is a D.C. based, “classic” country band, playing hits by artists such as Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash. Front man Jack “Big Texas” Gregori runs the Wednesday open mic night at Madams Organ, where he met the other members of the band. Local musician Clayton Halsey will open Saturday night’s show. Saturday is a unique opportunity to enjoy the perfect combination of great country music and delicious Ethiopian food.

Axum Ethiopian Restaurant’s Level X-Lounge is located at 1934 9th Street, NW, near the U Street Metro station. The newly renovated Level X-Lounge features lounge and bar seating, as well as an Ethiopian fusion menu with American favorites such as chicken wings, burgers, and salad. There is a $5 cover charge to attend the Saturday’s event.



Photo by PoPville flickr user christopher.poole

“Dear PoP,

We are thinking that a celebration of life is overdue. To do that right, I think we might need a band. I personally would prefer to trade the expense of food for a band, I at least want to explore the idea of a band. Do any local bands come to mind as great? Bringing someone in from out of town is not out of the question either. We’ve also talked about reggae. Alternatively, do you or your readers have any great DJ recommendations?”

Last week we looked at good wedding venues so this seems like a natural follow up. For those who have got married in the DC area – can you recommend a local band or DJ?

And out of curiosity – where do you fall on the food vs. band debate? If you have a limited budget, which would you focus on?


The theme of the 5pm Post will change every day and per your suggestions will be a mix of philanthropic or simply fun things to do as well as random unique DC features. It’ll be a bit of a hodgepodge but if you have any suggestions, recommendations or photos capturing DC pride please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com.


Photo by PoPville flickr user A. Drauglis Furnituremaker

Drauglis writes:

“When I saw a report of avocets (a rare and cool-looking bird) at Anacostia Park on Saturday, I thought that I would go over for a look. I did not find the birds, but did come across something even cooler. This man had set up an entire drum kit under a bridge ramp and was pounding away, practicing. It seemed the perfect setting for drumming; an empty corner of an underused park, his back to anyone who might wander by and able to shoot away without inhibition or concern about the neighbors complaining.”

And below is another phenomenal DC music scene.


Photo by PoPville flickr user winnab


From an email:

“The Junior League Band, is set to release Jelly Roll, the third full length album out on their label Beaver Records, July 16th at the Rock and Roll Hotel (on H St, NE) in Washington DC.

Jelly Roll feat showcases 13 new Lissy Rosemont creations with added accents of a Horn section from the Levon Helm Band. From sultry stripped down acoustic tunes that kick back to U Street’s Duke Ellington Days, signature sing song bluegrass pop melodies, to New Orleans second line and Wilco-esque rock numbers with a lead banjo, Jelly Roll is a thoughtful album that Rosemont soul crafted over the last three years and shows her developed rock band footing.”


This has been a fun week for ticket giveaways. Friday I’ll also pick a winner for the Summer New Years Eve Party at Rock and Roll Hotel.

But to win tickets for this contest just tell me what is your favorite song from last century. I’ll randomly pick a winner (2 tix) from the comments.

Here are the event details:

The Very Big Fatback
July 16 @ 930 Club

featuring

gogo crankin’ with
The Art of Junk

the soulful keys of
George Smallwood

plus the
Fatback DJs
and so much more!
Friday, July 16 @ 930 Club
815 V St NW
Doors @ 9:00pm
$10


This sounds like it could be fun and I always enjoy giving out free tickets. So to win free tickets let me know your favorite roof top bar/restaurant in the city and I’ll pick a winner Friday.

From an email:

We here at Rock and Roll Hotel are hosting a killer party on July, 23rd that we’re calling “The First Annual Summer New Year’s Eve Party.” Yes, it’s the middle of summer, but what greater party is there than a New Years one? So we’re bringing that sparkle and shine to the club on the 23rd from 6 pm to 3 am. Here’s some more info:

DJs: Yes Giantess (set)
Audio Ammo
DJ Chris Burns
DJ Autorock
DJ Metaphysical
DJ Phil Real

$15 General Admission tickets
$25 General Admission and Open Bar (rail/ domestic beer/ wine) from 6-11 pm
$50 General Admission and Open Bar (rail/ domestic beer/ wine) all night long

Free food/ Free leis/ Free STUFF and good times guaranteed
21 +”


From an email:

Dance of Days: A Visual History of Punk in DC to benefit We Are Family

Presented by the Monument Music and Arts Festival, Crooked Beat Records, Smash! Records, Positive Force DC, and Affinity Lab

FEATURING:

– 70 minutes of rare video chronicling DC punk rock history including Fugazi, Bad Brains, Government Issue, Bikini Kill, Minor Threat, Nation of Ulysses and more! All presented with commentary by Dance of Days co-author and local activist Mark Andersen
– Bill of Crooked Beat and Matt of Smash! spinning punk classics
– A couple relevant records curated by Bill and Matt
– Light refreshments (feel free to bring your own, there’s tons of options below in Adams Morgan!)

This event is FREE (although we suggest an $8 donation or whatever you can give to benefit We Are Family DC) and open to the public with a request that you PLEASE RSVP here – space is limited!

We Are Family is an outreach and advocacy network started by seniors and their friends providing, among other services:
• Advocacy with landlords and government agencies
• Free monthly grocery delivery
• Friendly visits in the senior’s home
• Regular telephone reassurance
• Emergency cleaning assistance
• Transportation to stores or appointments
• Referrals to other agencies or services

RSVP Here


View More Stories