music

Dear PoP – New Restaurant on U Street?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Hi There, I was standing in line at Ben’s yesterday and looked across the street to see a new restaurant (next the Ulah Bistro). I can’t remember the name, but I remember thinking it sounded like Indian food. It seemed to have gone up over night. Do you know anything about it?”

I think you’re referring to Indulj which is located at 1208 U St, NW. According to a review on Yelp:

“This place used to be Duke City and has been remodeled. It’s more modern looking now. The food and drinks are good and they have a great live jazz band a few nights week. It’s a few steps from all the rest of the nightlife on U street, so it’s worth checking out.”

Has anyone checked it out?

We Are One Concert – Amazing!

By Prince Of Petworth

Not sure how many folks made it to the concert. I originally intended to go down to the concert at 10:00 am but after closing the previous evening at Ben’s Next Door at 4:00 am that didn’t happen. So a few friends and I decided to cruise down at 1:30 and see if we could still get a spot. Amazingly we did! And I’m so glad we went. It was insanely crowded but filled with good vibes and of course good music. My favorite was U2 though I really enjoyed Jamie Foxx’s speech as well.  And let me say I never thought I’d be rocking out to Garth Brooks singing Shout…

For those who went who was your favorite performer? Anyone have any problems getting in?

University of the District of Columbia Presents Annual Holiday Concert Tonight!

By Prince Of Petworth

Washington, D.C. ––The University of the District of Columbia will present its Annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 PM, Thursday, December 11, 2008 in the University Auditorium, located on the University’s campus at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

The concert is the University’s annual holiday gift to the Washington, D.C. community and is free and open to the public. The UDC Chorale directed by William Jones, starts the evening with a program of choral music followed by the gospel sounds of The Voices, directed by Gerry Gillespie. The legacy continues as the UDC Jazz Ensemble directed by Allyn Johnson closes the program with big band jazz sure to spread the holiday spirit.

The University Auditorium (Bldg. 46 East – Van Ness Campus) is conveniently located on Metrorail’s Red Line at the Van Ness/UDC station.

Robyn Interviews O’Tasty Frontman James O’Brien

By Prince Of Petworth

JAMES2

Julian had previously interviewed James O’Brien in his capacity as owner of Red Rocks pizzeria. Some of you may have caught O’Tasty at the 2 year anniversary PoP Party.

When PoP and I went upstairs at his Two Year Anniversary party to check out the Irish band O’Tasty, I was expecting your average U2 cover band with a combined 1/16th Irish heritage singing a sub-par rendition of “Country Roads.”

Let’s just say my expectations were wrong.

One look at the mass of PoP fans dancing and the explosion of Irish merriment crammed into Wonderland Ballroom’s upstairs space, and I knew that there was nothing average about O’Tasty. It’s lively, authentic Irish music and they’re one of the most energetic bands you’ll ever see. It’s happy. It’s contagious. One day the band’s songs will be the cure for the common cold, but for now they’re the cure for feet that won’t dance. O’Tasty definitely knows the recipe for delicious music.

O’Tasty
O'Tasty - O'Tasty

James O’Brien fronts the O’Tasty, and he also owns another yummy concoction: the pies at Red Rocks. He formed the band through meeting people at Staccato, a rock club he used to own in Adams Morgan. They went on to win top prize in the Irish Rhapsody Festival in NYC and then onstage with Black 47 at the Knitting Factory, a far cry from the early days when they once opened up for a mime. I caught up with the Red Rocks owner to ask a few questions about what makes O’Tasty so well, tasty.

1 – How did you start playing Irish music?

We decided to put an informal Irish group together for a St. Patrick’s Day show at the club. None of us had really played Irish music before, but we all had enthusiasm and confidence. The confidence was short-lived. Irish music is really fast. It basically kicked our asses for a while. So, although it was a humbling experience, basically having to re-learn our instruments, the show was well-received and we decided to keep going. Continues after the jump. (more…)

$4 Economic Downturn show this Wed. Nov. 26 @ Black Cat (Petworth, Gist, Andalusians)

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“Greetings, fellow tired, hungry, and poor Americans!

This Thanksgiving, Petworth is giving music fans something to be thankful for: in light of these tough economic times, Petworth has employed its superior powers of persuasion to arrange for a musical event of unrivaled value.
Economic Downturn Show – 3 bands, $4
featuring Petworth, with Gist and The Andalusians

Wednesday, November 26th @ 9pm
Performing at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW

For those of you addicted to Facebook, RSVP online and invite all your friends. This will be our first headlining show (not counting shows in band members’ basements…), and we’ll making a recording of the performance, so we can really use your support!

Plus, the show is only $4. All the cool kids will be there. And you don’t have to go to work the next day, because it’s Thanksgiving. And, if you haven’t been to one of our shows in a while, there are new songs you haven’t heard yet. You can’t afford not to go.”

Holy Crap The PoP Party Was Fun – Thanks!

By Prince Of Petworth

Above photo of dancers and O’Tasty

Thanks to everyone who came out despite the less than ideal weather. Thanks to all who bought me beers. To all who bought me shots – I hate you. Thanks to Matt and Rose for offering up Wonderland as the venue. Thanks to Reya who is by far one of the coolest bartenders in town. A very special thanks to Milkmachine who set the scene with an awesome opening set. Finally, I’d like to thank O’Tasty who made this party what it was. For those who have never heard O’Tasty they are the best local band in town. If you like the Pogues and Dropkick Murphys – you’d love O’Tasty so make sure you catch them the next time they play. The absolutely rocked Wonderland last night. And of course thanks again to all who came out to help celebrate.

Packed house:

More photos after the jump. (more…)

It’s All Over by Noah Shussett

By Prince Of Petworth

Bad Brains are a legendary DC punk band that have influenced many great artists including the Beastie Boys. Noah Shussett attended their recent concert at the 9:30 club and recounts the experience. Photographs taken by Allison Basker.

It’s all over. Election night in Washington and the spontaneous street celebrations from the results of the election has come and gone. A historic night in The District got kicked off before the late night dancing in the street, when the 9:30 Club opened its’ doors and cast over 1000 smiling and sweaty faces of riled up punk rockers onto the sidewalks after DC’s show of the decade.

Bad Brains, the dub-reggae-legends of hardcore punk—the most unique, recognizable and influential band of their time—had just played their first show in their hometown since an “unofficial” ban against them amongst music venues was enacted more than 20 years ago. The significance of Bad Brains playing the very same club that is rumored to have made their ban stick in the 80’s was dwarfed by the fact that America was on the cusp of electing it’s first African-American President. Consider that the band are practicing Rastafarians, also African-American. Where else would you want to be on election night besides a dream show on the night of a dream realized?

The line stretched halfway down the block on V Street and the door staff was out in full force patting people down. The energy entering the club was infectious, even the ticket takers were more plucky and forthcoming than normal. The sold out show was near filled and the sense of impending madness could be felt throughout the club. Story continues after the jump. (more…)

Some Local Music Option For Friday and Saturday Night

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“Caracara is having a Post-Halloween show this Saturday, November 1, at Dahlak’s Eritrean restaurant! Here’s the scoop:

Dahlak’s Eritrean
1771 U St., NW
9pm, 21+
$5 for 5 bands!

Come in cognito for a night you will not soon forget. Five local bands – Caracara, Boo and Boo Too, Roma Condor, Tut Tut, and Kalem Jones – all showing off their musical grandeur. Costumes and drinks a’plenty means this show is bound to be a post-Halloween blast! 21+ only please. Thanks!”

And from an email for tonight:

“Just wanted to give a heads up that milkmachine (www.milkmachine.org) will be playing a “spooktacular” show at Solly’s (located at 11th and U Street, NW) this Friday, Halloween. Show starts at 8, we’ll be done by 10, so people can stop by for some accordion-based oompah rock on their way to the next Halloween party. Costumes aren’t mandatory, but we might try to trick people not dressed up, or at the least won’t give them any of the free cookie and candy treats we’ll have on hand.”

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