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Nightwatch -- Live
Hosted by Eric Brace
Washington Post Nightwatch columnist
Friday, March 30, 2001; 3 p.m. EST
Where's the best karaoke joint in town? What's the best brewpub around? Who was that band that rocked at the Black Cat last week? For the answer to any going-out-in-Washington question, just ask Eric Brace – our resident nightwatchman.
From backstage at the annual Wammies (Washington's own Grammy Awards) to karaoke at Galaxy Hut to swing dancing at the Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom, every week
Post staff writer Eric Brace throws himself on the front lines of the bar-n'-music beat in the Washington area. A Washington resident for nearly 30 years, Brace started with the Style section in 1990, where he wrote live music reviews and filed longer feature stories on the likes of Fugazi, Jawbox, Pearl Jam, Stephane Grappelli and many others. Then he created the Nightwatch column, which appears every week in The Post's Weekend section and on washingtonpost.com's Nightlife page. He also plays rhythm guitar for the country-rock band Last Train Home.
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Eric Brace: Hey there everybody!
Thanks for logging on and sending questions in.
Any thoughts on DC nightlife?
Any new places you've gone too lately?
Any favorite new bands?
lemme know..
wdc:
Eric, my question is a sort of request:
Will you please, expand THE CIRCUIT a bit? It is such a good place to expose some of the smaller venues to our growing collection of folks who go out and support live music. Maybe you could put a perethetical -"clubs-closeby"] after the dates you mention. Ones which are withing walking distance from the acts/venies you mention in THE CIRCUIT.
You already do so much for the local music scene here, and I thought you might see this as a way to give that deserving starving artist, or courageous venue owner, the help they need to keep our music scene so diverse.
chard
Eric Brace: Ah, that's a nice request. Yeah, i'd love to have more space to stretch out the Circuit sidebar that I do every week in the Weekend Section ...
Space is the main consideration, and that's why in the parentheticals I only put the joints' phone numbers. I'd like to say where these places are and list MORE of them, but the space just isn't there. I definitely try to promote smaller places and local bands in the Circuit. I DO get to stretch out a bit in my On-line picks on this site.
McLean, VA:
Hiya Eric-
Two Springtime musical fundraiser events:
1. the "Steeling for Hearts" pedal steel guitar jam- usually held in Jessup, MD
-and-
2. the WAMA Crosstown Jam;
are they gonna happen this year?
Many thanks!!!
Eric Brace: The Steelin' for Hearts event is one of my favorites every year,... it's when a bunch of amazing pedal steel guitar players get together to show their stuff and raise money for the Johns Hopkins Heart Surgery center (that's not accurate, but it's close). And it IS happening, I'm pretty certain it's on sunday April 22 starting at noon, going til 8 or 9 at Latella's in Jessup. Check out http://www.geocities.com/steelguitarjam
as for the WAMA Crosstown Jam.. honestly, not sure.. but I'll call em and find out.
I just called them, and there will be a change in forms.. there will apparently be a couple of Carter Barron Amphitheatre concerts.. they'll be called Crosstown Jam In The Park..
there'll be dates announced soon. oh wait: June 30 and Aug 5. there will be other events.. to be determined later.
Jonasay Fan:
Going to 9:30 tonight to see my favorite local band (not counting LTH of course) open for Southern Culture on the Skids and Cowboy Mouth. I'm familiar with Cowboy Mouth but what should I expect from Southern Culture?
Also, hooray for the 80's tour revival (Billy Idol, Physchedellic Furs, Gary Numan)!
Eric Brace: SCOTS (as their fans call them) is a rowdy, drunken rave up of a band that has long been one of my fave live bands. Considering the name of their latest CD, "Liquored Up and Laquered Down", you should expect some crazed manic hillbilly rock and roll with lots of references to booze, bad women, worse men, daddies, trucks, pork products and the like.
S.W.-D.C.:
Hi Eric-
Please name some area bands that play Grateful Dead music.
Was'nt this tribute-type popular a few years ago?
Is this called "jam band?"
Eric Brace: Hmm let's see.. the most popular is perhaps the Next Step, and they play all over the place around here... Champions in Rockville on Saturday and Fat Tuesday in Fairfax next Friday. There's the Ordinary Way as well, that often plays at the Patriot Cafe in Fairfax (what's going on out in fairfax??).
Tim Walther of Walther Productions of books jam bands into festivals and venues around here..
and also Full Steam Ahead Productions really does a good job on the local level putting on shows and listening parties etc. Check them out at www.fullsteamahead.net.
Washington, DC:
Eric--
Any word on what to expect at the Citzen Cope show at 9:30 on Monday? When's his record coming out?
Thanks.
Eric Brace: Ahhh Cope..
The man, the near-legend. His long awaited major-label debut is due to "drop" (as they say in the biz these days) sometime late this summer.. First single coming in July. He's been living in Brooklyn been recording the Dreamworks debut with serious hotshots... and last week I dropped in on him and had the chance to listen. Wow. some of the best stuff I've heard. Hard to describe.. soul/rock/hiphop... a male Macy Gray?? (he actually co-wrote a song with her just before she "blew up big"...)
On Monday, I THINK he'll have a band with him, but it's also very possible that he'll just be sitting on stage strumming his guitar...
He promises that once the album takes off, he'll relocate to D.C.
Fairfax County:
Isn't it astonishing that our late local diva Eva Cassidy is #1 on the album charts in Ireland and Britain! I remember her playing to more-than-half-empty clubs here in the DC area. One message I take from this is, go hear live music! There will never be another Eva Cassidy, but there will be somebody else wonderful that you might never know about.
Eric Brace: Absolutely. that's one of the lessons to learn from this remarkable phenomenon. Cassidy truly had one of the best voices I've ever heard. People took her for granted around here, then she died in 97, and wow.. look what happened. Someone on a british radio station started playing her... and now, number one. Just goes to show that people will respond to gerat music if they are exposed to it, and it also proves, to my mind, that payola is alive and well in teh world of American radio, because the truth is, you won't get played on a major commercial station unless you're on a major label.. all the corporations looking out for each other.
so, indeed, go hear live music in your hometown, you never know what gems are out there working hard every night. Singers like Eva's friends Mary Anne Redmond and Pam Bricker are certainly worth your time. And support local independent music too. And now, if you don't have them, go buy Eva's recordings.
Bethesda:
I read that the Bethesda Theatre Cafe (or Cinema and Drafthouse to us oldies) is shutting down as a theatre. What a shame. You can't beat a good movie, some beer and fried food. Espcaially when the did old movies like Caddyshack. It's a great cultural loss. That said, what do you think is likely to go in there next? We were talking about it at work and throwing around possibilities. A small concert venue would be great, and is well needed in Bethesda. What are your thoughts??
Eric Brace: I think Bethesda is in SORE need of some real nightlife with a stage and lights and a good sound system, but i'll bet my bottom dollar that's not going to happen. Bethesda and Montgomery County in general are SO hostile to live music venues, added extra taxes and permits on top of the regular ones to places that want to have live entertainment. They're very worried about "wrong elements" showing up. That kind of thinking makes me MAD.
I'm sorry to see the C&D go.. but the food was terrible and the beer was lousy. Wish someone who knew what they were doing would go in there and make it Visions II or something.
It'll probably become a Rite Aid or CVS....
So
washingtonpost.com:
The Post's Richard Harrington recently wrote about the success of Eva Cassidy's recordings in Britain.
NWDC:
Eric, I appreciate your attention to Jazz happenings in DC. Any news on the Twins Lounge move to U Street? What's your take on HR-57? Any regulars over there that you recommend?
Eric Brace: Well thank you!
Twins has delayed its move again. i haven't gotten an answer why, and though I'll be sad if they leave their odd little location at Colorado & 14th st NW, I can understand their desire for some walk in traffic. Y'all should go there. The Ethiopian food I've had there (particularly the soup) has been pretty swell. And if I'm not mistaken, Raymond Angry and his Trio are playing there tonight and tomorrow, and besides haveing a great name, he's one of the best young jazz pianists I've seen.
HR-57 was recently told that it could NOT be a BYOB place, even though it didn't have a liquor licence. But then, enough people called ABC Board or whatever to complain that they gave HR-57 a temporary BYOB licence, and you can bring booze in there, you just have to pay something like $3 per bottle of whatever.. I'm sure I'm wrong on the details, but that's the gist.
Best thing there: Sundays: Thad Wilson Big Band, from 7 to 9 or 10... check it out.
McLean, VA:
Eric-
Thanks for the article on Archie Edward's Barber Shop. I used to see Archie at the old Food for Thought restaurant and he would always stop and talk with me as he went around with the tip jar during breaks (as all musicians who performed there were paid in tips only).
Regretfully, I never took him up on his offer to stop by his barber shop for the Saturday jam sessions (could kick myself!!.)
Eric Brace: Yeah, the barbershop is an extraordinary place, as Archie was an extraordinary man. the folks that run the ARchie Edwards Blues Museum Foundation are dedicated and passionate, and the Satruday events there are really fun. Everyone reading this should go and support the foundation in order to keep the barbershop afloat. SOMEone's gotta pay rent, utilities, insurance, etc, so go support them.
There's still lots of gerat blues in the area. Check it out.. For great Piedmont stuff like A. Edwards used to play, don't miss Warner Williams (who makes up Little Bit o Blues, with harp player jay Summerour), John Jackson, Cephas& Wiggins.
WDC:
Eric,
Can you recommend a good spot in Old Town Alexandria to watch the MD game tomorrow night?
Thanks
Eric Brace: you know.. funny thing.. i don't get to old town much, but Virginia Beverage Company.. Bullfeathers on King street, Pat Troy's new irish place on N Pitt, and perhaps, in Del Ray, the Majestic Lounge, behind the Evening Star Restaurant. All those place have tvs and they'll definitely be tuned into the MD game
Arlington, Va.:
Given the completely insane ticket prices at a lot of places, I avoid big venues. Though some people will get me to pay $40 at the Birchmere, it ain't many. Is there anyone you think is worth paying big bucks for at a big venue?
Eric Brace: wow. tough question.. but yeah. I think it's always good to be able to say you saw legends: for example, George Jones is coming to town.. wehre? ummm Patriot Center? April 6? Something like that.. if you haven't seen him, you SHOULD. Folks like that, like James Brown, chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, folks who won't tour forever are people you should just drop the dough and check off your list..
other than that, naw.. I don'[t do the big venues much...
I mean, even if I LOVED sting, I probably wouldn't pay $50 to see him.... i dunno.. folks like that are a tough call.
I remember when Melissa Etheridge played at MCI center last year and tickets were something like $70, and I thought that was the biggest ripoff I'd seen in the history of live music.
Alexandria, Va.:
Went to HR-57 not long ago and thought it was great. Except the whole getting scolded for leaning over and talking quietly to the person next to me. Have you been there? Whaddya think?
Eric Brace: Yeah, I'm with you on that.. I mean it IS a club.. people will talk. Yeah, i like it.. I like the space.. I think it's developing its audience. But it doesn't need to be so strict about the noise.. though in all fairness, it IS meant to be a place to hear music.. good ACOUSTIC music that shuold demand yr attention... It's a policy for the musicians.
Arlington, VA:
I hope you can help!
I am fairly new to the area and looking for a fun place to go saturday night to have a few drinks and maybe dancing or listening to some jazz where Me (22) and visiting my mother (45 and semi-regular of the Bar/club scene in chicago) would feel comfortable. Thanks!
Eric Brace: hmmm HR - 57 and bohemian caverns for jazz perhaps.. though the dancing factor is out. Chi Cha Lounge will be crowded but fun. Salsa stuff at Oasis in silver spring, BET on Jazz restarant on 11th st (?).. you've just pinpointed the biggest weak spot in the DC night scene.
Reston:
Hi Eric,
What's the deal with the visual artists display tonight at 7pm at 625 E NW. Apparently it's a last event before this building is remodelled for new commercial use. Any info or insight on this?
thanks,
Eric Brace: Used to be the ProjectSpace used by Corcoran/WPA... perhaps this is a Corcoran event? I'm ignorant about this one, but it doesn't surprise me that it's about to be developed. It's a nice building and potentially a nice block.. I wonder if it's going to include any mixed-use.
Oh wait.. I have the info. It's the Kiss This Space Goodbye Party, featuring music by Tony Anthony & his Malvivants.. loungey jazz, retro-cool stuff.
this is the space that used to be Insect club for those of you with medium-length memories... there's a $5 suggested donation to cover the cost of the band.
I think DCAC is one of the night's sponsors.
Arlington, VA:
What was the Simpons line about high ticket prices at the "Hullabalooza" festival?
"It ensures a healthy mix of the rich and the ignorant"
Too true ...
Eric Brace: ahhhh beer.
I mean: Go Simpsons!
Arlington, VA:
Lamont? What are they? Are they worth schlepping to Fairfax to see tomorrow night?
Eric Brace: Lamont's a rhythmically pumping little rock unit, with congas along with regular drums.
I like them.. kinda jammy. Not everyone's cup of tea but they've got a decent following.
dc:
Hi Eric -
A couple questions about Nightlife, the entity. (rather than Nightlife, fun things to do)
First, I noted in yesterday's Going Out discussion, this statement from the going out gurus: "I'm not sure if Krishna works Sundays at Aroma, but he was Nightlife's bartender of the month."
Naturally, being one the probably many who submitted his name for consideration, I ran off to look on the Nightlife section of Washingtonpost.com to determine if this was true. Sadly, I was unable to easily find links to the bartender of the month stuff. So, after resorting to a search, and finding the bartend of the month stuff, I couldn't find Krishna. Were they wrong or am I missing something?
Second, is this stuff published in the Weekend section and I've just missed it, or is it only on the website?
Third, did you know that the Nightlife section of Washingtonpost.com appears to be much more crash-prone that the rest of washingtonpost.com? No matter what browser I use, some things will shut me down every time. For example, the review of Aroma that I tried to look at yesterday, crashed Netscape, IE and Opera - repeatedly.
And fourth, perhaps a redesign of the nightlife section, so that this, and other features, are easier to find is in the works?
Thanks.
So, what are you doing this weekend, and how crowded do you think that Raiders at the Uptown will be?
Eric Brace: big question!
ok, let's see.
I get to the Bartender of the Month page of washingtonpost.com by typing BARTENDER into the "other key word" field of the Nightlife page front.
It brings up the whole list of Bartenders of the Month. I don't see Krishna or Aroma in there, but maybe I'm not seeing it. I'll ask the folks around post.com.
(My producer here, Joe Heim, will send the Bartender of the Month URL up right after I answer the rest of this)
This stuff is NOT published in the print version of the Washington Post. This chat, and the Bartender of the Month feature is all specific to the post's web site. As is almost ALL the content of the post.com nightlife page.
I know there are crashes... i can't explain it but I'll tell the tech folks over here. sorry about that. I'm clueless when it comes to computers.
I would like to say that a redesign is imminent, but I think what really happens are twaks here and there, so maybe your comment will make these designers around here revisit that.
I have problems finding stuff on here quite ferquently, but Inotice it gets better all the time.
as for me, I'm going to be at State Theatre tonight (gotta play) where the Iguanas are headlining. Late Saturday I may go to REd to hear 95 North spinning, and might go to hear SOULO (formerly Northeast Groovers gogo band) playing at the hotel at 12th and K...)
and Might go to a big belly dance event at Casablanca in old town Sunday (there's one saturday afternoon too), since I'm workign on a big belly dance scene story. But that's only if i can fit all that into my life.
And I think the Raiders of teh Lost Ark screenings at teh Uptown will be stooooopid crowded. good luck if you're planning to go.
washingtonpost.com:
Check out the washingtonpost.com nightlife section's listing of Bartenders of the Month
Eric Brace: So thanks everyone for checking in.
Have, of course, a grand weekend.. I'll be back here on Friday, April 13 (oooooo!) from 3 to 4 pm
If you have any thoughts, comments, questions, complaints, buzz me at nightwatch@washpost.com
See you in the night.
eb
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