What happens when the bands from the District and surrounding area head down to Austin for SXSW? You get something like this: Billed as DC Does Texas, you get some of the best acts from the region playing in one place. So if you are some of the lucky ones who are making the trip, head to the Friends Bar on 6th (in the center of it all). It starts early Wednesday, so you may want to turn that St. Patty's Day bender into a 48 hour affair.
In my opinion, it doesn't matter who is playing elsewhere, I would grab some lunch at Chuy's or Freebirds, then park myself at this location for the duration of the afternoon, but I'm biased.
This week's mix features some regional flavor with Lotus (Philly) and U.S. Royalty (DC). This is the last weekend before Valentines Day, so here is a friendly reminder that concerts are always great dates for that special someone. They also work for finding a date or ignoring the whole holiday.
Keeping up with the trend of pretty much everyone sending us new music this week, DC's hottest new band of 2008, U.S. Royalty, sent over a new track, a remix (by Ayad from Passion Pit) and an oldie from their debut EP. They will be touring all over the place during the early part of the year and you'll have several opportunities to catch them regionally. Also keep an eye out for a new EP in the near future.
1/10: IOTA, Arlington, VA w/ Telograph 1/15: Black Cat, Washington, DC w/ Nightmare of You and Bottle Up & Go 1/16: Sonar, Baltimore, MD w/ Nightmare of You and Bottle Up & Go 1/23: Olde Club, Swarthmore, PA, DC w/ Bottle Up & Go
Don't settle for some champagne toast at some dress-up ball or some crappy cover band at your local dive bar. Bring in 2009 at a show this year. Quite a few good one's to choose from.
Two shows are in Philly this year, both a little quirky and a bit geeky, but worth seeing. The Grand Poobahs of geek rock are coming to the TLA. John and John of They Might Be Giants will be performing all of your old favorites and some new songs from their latest in two different shows. Of course, the late show (11:00) is the place to be for the celebration, but those not able to stay out past midnight or just have stuffy parents can catch the early show (7:30). Opening the first show is .357 Lover. Basically take late show opener Corn Mo and put a band around him. Ben Folds and Andrew W.K. have good words for them and you will to.
Up in Fishtown at Johnny Brenda's is local band made good, Pattern Is Movement. Opening is The Mural and The Mint. While celebrating the new year, take time to bid farewell to Philly Weekly writer Doug Wallen, as he moves on to Australia. Here's a snippet of his writing about Pattern Is Movement.
The combination of Thiboldeaux’s swooning, near-operatic singing style and Ward’s fierce yet deconstructive drumming, surrounded by flurries of shimmering keys and sometimes strings, makes Pattern Is Movement more unusual than ever.
And TM&TM
The single ‘Builders’ is precisely that—a breezy standout that brings us into the album while making the most of Jones’ backing vocals. Like the rest of Private Pockets, it twinkles gently but burns with sincerity, romantic and critical at once.
mp3: Pattern Is Movement - Bird mp3: The Mural & The Mint - Private Pockets (entire album for free on website)
For the big night in the District, Rock & Roll Hotel is also getting in the party mood with local favorites. Catch US Royalty along with Pash, Lode Runner and a ton of DJs for a festive night.
The big ticket in Baltimore is Wu-Tang at Sonar. This place is going to be a mad house. After a night like that, you want more Wu? 9:30 Club is hosting a New Year's Day show.
The middle of the week just got a little better. Jaunty popsters Born Ruffians and Canandian hip-hop artist Cadence Weapon join forces and roll through the IA area with three shows. Each show has different local opening acts: Ape School in Philly, Karmella's Game and Food For Animals in Baltimore, and US Royalty in DC.
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