Author Archives: Laura Irene

It’s a new month, and that means plenty of new 9:30 Club shows to get excited about. Here’s your February preview and an extra chance to win tickets to the show of your choice from below—don’t forget to answer the challenge at the bottom! Here are five shows sure to add some funky love to your February.

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Mon 2/11

Spanning over 50 decades of making music, George Clinton is still going strong, recording both as Parliament and Funkadelic. He changed R&B during the ’70s, twisting soul music into funk. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Sly Stone, the Parliament/Funkadelic machine recorded three platinum albums, including three Number One hits in the ’70s.

While Clinton’s music was a pivotal soundtrack during the ’70s, many of his songs have spurred a new generation of Clinton fans. “Atomic Dog” hit number one on the R&B charts in 1982 and stayed at the top spot for four weeks. Additionally, it has remained alive through many reinventing the song over the years. Don’t be surprised if your five-year old is a Clinton fan after watching 102 Dalmatians. As the 9:30 is an all-ages club, bring the whole family and get down with George Clinton on a Monday night!

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It’s here, the end of January and the beginning of February, the most mis-spelled month. Some also associate February with mass-produced love and football, but let’s sack that commercial for now and head over to the Black Cat where dreams do come true. Catch a legend, an electronic trio, and the end of a beloved DC music label on 14th Street this weekend as the Cat is where it’s at.

Friday, 2/1: The Kid Congo Powers Hour with Alex Minoff, The Ar-Kaics and DJ sets from Baby Alcatraz and DJ Cocobuttons at the Black Cat | You may recognize Kid Congo Powers from our video interviews, but more than likely you’ll also know him from the Cramps, The Gun Club, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, or his DJ sets throughout the city. Wherever you know him from, it is to be understood that Brian Tristan—Kid Congo—is a legend.
*Before you click play, get on your 3D glasses to enjoy this ditty!

Signed to In The Red Records, Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds, released their last album, Gorilla Rose in 2011. Don’t miss your chance to see Kid Congo before he takes off on his European tour and start your February off right, on a Friday night.

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This past weekend I retreated indoors away from the bombarding tourists. It was a wise decision as I am afraid of traffic. I accomplished taking the best naps while drinking hoards of hot tea. It was a most delightful and quiet weekend. With that said, I am in need of live music and can only see happiness in the form of two solid DC bands and an out-of-town goddess.

Friday, January 25th: Miyazaki at DC9 | Miyazaki is not just a Japanese manga artist and actor, but it’s also a local band who describes themselves as “gloomy-spirit house, loud beat, rain dance-synth pop.” They recently released their first full-length album, Color of Glass, a strong debut for a new band. Although the quartet does not list New Order as an influence, it is undeniable that Eduardo Rodela harkens toward a deeper sounding Bernard Sumner. Marisa Grotte adds to Rodela’s unique vocals to form a captivating combination.

While Miyazaki bring a dose of the old familiar, it is a sound we could use more of in the city. Spend your Friday night celebrating their album release at the intimate DC9.

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For as long as I have lived in DC, I have heard of the name, Sean Peoples. To most, Sean is known for running the community record label, Sockets Records, but did you know that he started off in a band and is also a well-known DJ in the city? Talking to Sean, it was apparent that he does not see himself as a big deal, but to everyone else he has played a pivotal role in the DC music scene.

Sockets announced in November that it will be closing its doors this year. It is the end of a pursuit that successfully accomplished what it sought to do. For the rest of us, that light in our city will shine on in the very successful bands Sockets nurtured, and in a host of physical records etched with the beloved SOCKETS name in the corner. For Sean, he will now listen to music and enjoy it for its simple listening pleasure, without worrying about how a random promoter will take it.

As Sean told TVD, “I did it. I made it work and I am so happy I did. I hate the idea of the emotion of regret. I am really proud of it, but I understand that there is only so much that you can do sometimes, and I have no regrets. The fact that I did it with the bands I did it with, is pretty awesome, and I’ll take that with me forever.” TVD wishes Sean well in his new endeavors, and we know this won’t be the last of the distinguished Mr. Peoples.

Sockets comes to an end after eight years, holding its last showcase on Saturday, February 2nd at the Black Cat  featuring Deleted Scenes, Hume, Imperial China and Buildings.

On a cozy evening last year, we took over Sean Peoples’ studio in DC to talk about Sockets, lessons learned, and his take on the DC music scene. We started with the basics, asking Sean how long he’s been living in DC.

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On Wednesday night I stood ten feet away from Morrissey for 90 whole minutes, and well, there is really nothing higher to aspire to in show going—that is, unless Joe Strummer came back from the dead. If you weren’t as lucky, may I suggest these three shows for your long Inaugural weekend and journey towards reaching your show-going Holy Grail? I give you punk in Baltimore, dirty folk, and a soft moon to land on.

Friday: Möbius Strip with Sick Sick Birds, Advlts and Musicband at Sidebar Tavern in Baltimore

If you didn’t snag tickets to the sold out Blonde Redhead show, throw up your hands in defeat and get out of the city. Take the short drive to Baltimore for a punk rock bill that is sure to please your palate to include DC band, Möbius Strip.

Möbius Strip started in 2009 and are a trio of pro-animal activists, Shane Carwile, Mark Kennedy, and Pitt Stains. Unlike the physical appearance of a Möbius Strip, the DC punk band does tend to have only one surface when it comes to animal cruelty. The outspoken vegans are sure to begin the bill with their crusading lyrics in our sister city, releasing their last album Escalate in 2011. Show your support and let’s show Baltimore that we know how to drive over the bridge and maybe they’ll start to do the same.

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As we enter into the second weekend of 2013, we might as well fill it up. This weekend is full—so full in fact that you will need to take a break on Sunday and head right back into it on Monday, which you should pretend is still the weekend for this round. Head into January’s double digits with a local label showcase, a special record store treat, and familiar faces. 

Friday, January 11th: Bad Friend Records Showcase at U Street Music Hall featuring: Tereu Tereu with Gordon Withers accompanying on cello, solo set from Tommy Siegel of Jukebox the Ghost and headliner Laughing Man – EARLY SHOW starting at @ 7:30PM

Ryan Little and Tommy Siegel went to the same neighborhood pool as kids, and years later reconnected to form Bad Friend Records, as discussed in an interview we had with Little last year at the onset of their label. Tonight you can get a taste of what Bad Friend has to offer one year later, so don’t be late!

The showcase will feature DC bands Tereu Tereu and Laughing Man. Tereu Tereu has been producing “bright, noisy pop” since 2006. The duo, Ryan Little and Brendan Polmer, will have a special guest, cellist Gordon Withers of Office of Future Plans, accompanying them tonight.

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It’s a new year, and that means plenty of new 9:30 Club shows to get excited about. Here’s our run-down of a few of the shows you should hit up, and we promise to give you a chance to win tickets to each of them. Don’t forget to answer the challenge below for an extra entry to the show of your choice. Here are five nights sure to start your 9:30 season off right.

Purity Ring, Mon 1/14

Canadian Future Pop duo Megan James (vocals) and Corin Roddick (production) released their single “Ungirthed” onto the Internet in 2011. Sparking attention nationwide and creating an audience seeking more, the duo entered 2012 not only signing with major label 4AD, but also debuting their highly anticipated album Shrines.

Purity Ring proves that accidents sometimes have bigger plans, developing from “something to do” and fast settling into a fast-track music career. If you don’t already have tickets to their sold-out show, be sure to tune in this week for your chance to win a pair.

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Happy 2013! It’s a new year full of new shows, first shows, and last shows, so don’t miss a step and go down the wrong alley! This weekend start your year off right with a last show, some genius advice, and HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!

Friday, January 4th: Presto Bando at the Velvet Lounge

Don Ables (guitar/lead vocals), Chip Shinko (bass), and Van Samek (drums) are DC band Presto Bando—and are unfortunately calling it quits with their last show tonight.

Releasing their latest album, Rake in March of 2012, plans are still afoot to release their final album this March despite their parting of ways. Let’s hope that vocalist Don continues in some capacity, as his voice is a unique treasure.

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Back in November, before their show at the Red Palace, I met up with Boston band, Quilt—a delightful trio of true vinyl lovers, Anna, Shane, and John—at DC’s Crooked Beat Records in Adams Morgan. We browsed records for over an hour while discussing our shared love for the records and the store.

Dedicating time to hang out in a record shop embodies the one of a kind experience you only have with vinyl—sharing record stories, getting excited about random titles, and enjoying the intricacies of music we often forget about in an ipod/ streaming world.

Quilt’s self-titled album, via Mexican Summer, has remained a constant staple in my daily record rotation. It was love at first listen and remains one of the few albums of which I never tire, so it was a treat to do one of my favorite things with a band I enjoy greatly.

As Anna, the Vocals/Keys of Quilt, jumped right into record shopping, I asked her if she had a vinyl collection.

Anna: I do. I don’t collect as much now as I used to, but it’s definitely something I’ve been building up little-by-little over time. Cassettes, too. Hopefully in the next five years it will grow exponentially. I love collecting vinyl. I’m in between apartments right now, so I’m really excited to settle into a new spot and bring all of my music into one place. I’ll have my cassettes on the wall and my vinyl in their proper spot—it’ll be like a little music station. I love looking through the dollar bins and finding unexpectedly great records.

Are there any good record stores in Boston?

Anna: Yeah, there are some cool ones. Some of them have closed lately, but there are still some really good ones. In Cambridge, there’s Weirdo Records, which is run by my buddy Angela. It’s on Mass Ave and Central Square. It’s really small, like a tiny record boutique. She has a lot of local artists featured in one section, and on the other half is a lot of just bizarre, hard-to-find re-issues and old records, as well. She has a cool little DVD section, too. It’s awesome.

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I hate endings. I am horrible at saying goodbye and never want things to end, so forgive me while I squawk at the end of 2012 for its awful timing. All I have left for you, my dear music freaks, are the last shows I think you shouldn’t regret not seeing in 2012. 

Friday, December 21st, O’Death at the Rock and Roll Hotel | O’Death’s new lease on life has allowed for their personal growth to shine brightly upon their 2011 release, Outside. The Brooklyn standouts have managed to shift to a cleaner, clearer focus whilst spinning darker folk tales throughout their latest album.

It is a triumphant reentry with a new thoughtful side, sliding easily into a new chapter for the quintet. From “Pushing Out:” “This year could last forever / this year could never start…” Let’s start it, but not before ending it with O’Death tonight.

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If you didn’t catch any live shows last weekend, like me, be sure to set it right this weekend with these notable DC music personalities and one monster, yeah monster. There’s really nothing more to say, except this week I stray from the ordinary and give you reggae, a dance party, and some weird. Get your non-indie on this week with a side of Awwwwooooo!!!!

Friday, December 14th: Caz and the Day Laborers with The Scotch Bonnets and The Evokatones at the Rock and Roll Hotel

If you didn’t snag tickets to the sold out Of Montreal show at the 9:30, head over to H Street, NE for a mix of reggae and ska as presented by Caz and the Day Laborers, headlining their first official show.

A name created from the comical Latin men in the group and led by the lovely Caz Gardiner, putting the rico suaves in their place. I hear the untamed band mate, Jorge Pezzimenti, will also be showing off some tunes from one of his many projects, Jorge and the Landladies. Check out these talented locals!

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UPDATE: Unfortunately, it seems tonight’s show has been cancelled.

In early Fall, I was fortunate enough to experience DC’s The Caribbean at U Street Music Hall among a very intimate crowd. It was a night of many shows for me in the city, yet the treasure that lay in the Caribbean was special indeed.

The Caribbean, who formed in 2000, released their third full length album, 2011’s Discontinued Perfume, to much critical acclaim, yet still remain, I think, a greatly overlooked band.

In a world of sensory overload, it’s nice to find a band who present themselves in a lovely, unassuming manner. Signed to the well-respected Hometapes label, “making official the little things in life that define us,” it is no wonder the two aligned. Hometapes states: “Quite possibly the best demo we will ever receive came in the mail from our nation’s capital, thanks to The Caribbean.”

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For bands starting out and navigating the music industry, the trek can be a daunting journey. Funny enough, my journey with DC’s Young Rapids to find a local venue with a table and four chairs on the day of our sit down posed a bit of a challenge itself. We spent a couple of minutes thinking we’d conduct the interview in an upscale furniture store (with a really expensive baby lurking around), yet soon enough, Dan, Joe, Collin, and I found a place to talk shop, their recent release, and being a young band in DC.

Catch Young Rapids for yourself, TONIGHT at DC9, headlining their last DC show of 2012!

You’re all from the DC area and have been together since 2011. As a newer band in DC, how has that experience been?

Joe: Before we were Young Rapids, we had a band called KEDS as a three-piece. And before that, Dan and I played together and in different bands, but yes, we’ve been Young Rapids – a 4 piece – since 2011 when Dan and I added Collin and Nick.

Dan: It’s challenging starting out as a band in general. We put a lot of time, effort and emotion into it all, it’s taxing on all three of those levels. We don’t make any money and we’ve kind of had to swallow the fact that we won’t be making money for a long time. We’ve been putting all of our creative energy into something that we feel really fulfilled by and it would be a great accomplishment for ourselves to put that out. As far as being a new band, you’re always hopeful for bigger and brighter things, and that’s not a sure thing at all.

At this point, after a year and half of playing, it’s still very exciting but I think after a year and half, I’ve also started to think about what my adult future will be, so that has crept in. At least for me, that’s something that I think about. Right now, if this is something that doesn’t go anywhere, at least we are being really honest with what we create. Our creation is an honest thing, it’s not like we are trying for anything, so that in itself is rewarding.

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It’s here, the last days of 2012, so why not enjoy your last hurrahs at the 9:30 Club. Here’s your December preview and your chance to win tickets to each show! Oh, and don’t forget to answer the challenge below for an extra entry to the show of your choice. Let this be your last opportunity to take out that special cool cat you’ve been eyeing… ’tis the season of giving, so give some music!

Wiz Khalifa, Thurs 12/6 at The Patriot Center

If you thought Pittsburgh was just amazing bridges, cool cemeteries, and Andy Warhol, you haven’t heard of Wiz Khalifa—the only guy who can rock white socks. Wiz’s “Black and Yellow” has sold over 3,000,000 digital copies since release.

This Thursday in Fairfax, VA is the last stop for Wiz Khalifa’s 2050 Tour, right on time for the highly anticipated release of his sophomore album O.N.I.F.C, which has already spawned the platinum-certified single “Work Hard, Play Hard.”

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Turkey stuffing is over rated. December is almost here and attending a live show is the only way to face it all while working off your Turkey Day eating spree. Head on out this weekend as we have something for everyone: the indie rocker, the soul chaser, and the dance queen! Let’s embrace December this weekend and start living our other lives before it’s too late!

Friday, November 30th: Other Lives and Indians at Rock and Roll Hotel | Catch the gorgeous, multi instrumental five-piece from Oklahoma, Other Lives, as a headliner at the Hotel. They’ve toured with the likes of Radiohead and Bon Iver, but don’t let their supporting success fool you, they’re a genuinely talented band worthy of praise in their own right.

Other Lives create serious music for the thoughtful listener via their latest album, Tamer Animals. Don’t just wish for Other Lives – experience it tonight!

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