Eric Brace (Mark Finkenstaedt for The Washington Post)

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Nightwatch -- Live
Hosted by Eric Brace
Washington Post Nightwatch columnist
Friday, Dec. 20, 2002; 1 p.m. ET

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 Renzo's to salsa dancing at Cecilia's, 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 Bars and Clubs page. He also sings and plays guitar for the country-rock band Last Train Home.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Eric Brace: Dear holiday revellers!
thanks for checking in...
so do tell: what are your plans for NYEve...?
Or Xmas eve, for that matter...? Stay home and leave the drinking to the "amateurs"... go to your favorite bar?
let's chat.

Washington, D.C.: Hey there-I am chronically bad at making plans for New Year's, therefore I was the most surprised when last year in an attempt to salvage last years, we came up with "anti-resolutions." The idea is instead of making false promises to yourself about correcting what you are doing wrong, take some time to REALLY THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING RIGHT, WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF AND ALL THE GOOD THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO YOU. Sappy, I know-but you know, for all my 32 New Year's, although the venue I was at was nothing to get excited about, I can truley say I had a great night, that has stuck with me for all of 2002. If you end up being less than happy with your choice of plans on "the first night of the year," try "anti-resoultions." You will find things to be happy enough if you take the time to look.

Eric Brace: Well, hey, I like that idea.
Anti-resolutions.. as in things you want to stay the same about yourself??
Here's another thing: What about resolutions you'd like to see clubs and bands make on the scene??
Better service?? Better music??
bring em on.

Foggy Bottoms Up: Revisiting an old question since you'll be leaving us soon.

Who are some of your favorite characters round the D.C. music scene? Not so much musicianship wise, just folks you enjoy running into and shooting the breeze with?

Any favorite stories to leave with us?

Eric Brace: Hmmmm....
the Compliment Man moved to Florida, I hear, so we've lost that colorful character... I know many people disliked him, the way he'd practically stalk you up and down 18th street, but he made Adams Morgan that much more distinct. Anyone have good Compliment Man stories? Also, I'll miss BlElvis, the "Black Elvis" who claimed to be able to sing every Elvis Presely song ever recorded....
though I have a pal who stumped him (only person I know who's done that)...
And teh good folks at the clubs that have been so nice to me over the years... too many to name...
Hmmmm... Favorite stories...? how about the time on a slow monday night I ran across Dave Grohl and Mira Sorvino at ChiCha, with practically no one else in the club? Then there was the time at Bound where I tried on an incredible leather outfit (kidding... really).
Mainly I'll miss the musicians. D.C. has em.. their amazing.. in all styles.

Metro Center: Hey, could you talk a little more about Metropolitan's show tonight at the Black Cat? I've heard them compared to Sonic Youth and Pavement and would like to hear your take.

Thanks!

Eric Brace: Metropolitan is one of the best rock bands in the area...But, the Sonic Youth and Pavement references are merely references. considering those two bands are two of the best bands of the past 20 years, it's no slight to say that Metropolitan is not even close to either of them. BUT, what they do--noisy rock-pop with interesting rhythmic things going on--is really interesting, and if they stay together and grow as musicians, they could make some timeless music. Definitely worth checking out.

Winchester, Va.: Eric, No question, just a thank you for the chats, the info, and just all around good reporting. Good luck. Hope you don't come back (unless you want to)....I'd rather see you succeed with your music.

Eric Brace: Well, thank you so very much. That means a lot. I appreciate you checking out the chats and reading my columns. I proclaim myself to be the luckiest guy in town, who's had the best job in town, and who will miss it terribly.

Rockville, MD: We are heading to Strike Bethesda for their New Years Eve party - price seemed reasonable and we get a lane for the night. Thus, we have our own "home base" that is rightfully ours -- every other New Years thing like this that I have been to was overcrowded and we had to fight for space. What is the crowd like at Strike - I have only been there once when it first opened. I am hoping for a somewhat hip, but laid back crowd...am I right?

Eric Brace: Wow.. you sprang for a whole lane?? that's cool. How many of you are there? Am I invited?
I like Strike a lot.. I give them credit for trying something different in a pretty quiet corner of DC...
the crowd on a weekend isn't really hip, the way, say, Strike's New York sister joint, BowlMor Lanes. They get suburban 20-somethings who like to bowl and drink... But who they'll get on NYEve might try to be sleeker... you going to dress up?

Gaithersburger, MD: Hi Eric,

Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all you've done over the past year to support the local music scene!

And, wanted to add one FREE event to your New Year's Eve list. Flat Foot Sam and the Educated Fools will be playing at the Zoo Bar on Connecticut Ave. - no cover charge! And a special Prime Rib dinner will be available.

Thanks again!
Nano

Eric Brace: Thanks Nano....
And I'll make sure Fritz Hahn, my esteemed chat producer, gets the Zoo Bar info up on his ultra-useful NYEve listings on the washingtonpost.com entertainment page..
Hey Fritz! Can you add the link to that page?? Thanks ..

Washington, DC: Eric, please type faster. You're making me contemplate working.

Eric Brace: moving along... i swear...
don't work!!!

20009: happy friday eric!

i know you're working NYE but if you weren't what would you do?

there's a lot of good music this year. not just LTH, but the Iguana's at State and Army of Me at 930... just to name two, so my decision was tough.

so if you could be anywhere...where would you be?

Eric Brace: hmmmmmmm....
I might have to go with Peaches O'Dell at the Black Cat... she's a hoot.. always puts on a show.. and you can dance dance dance...
Thanks for the kind words.

washingtonpost.com: New Year's Eve events. I'll try to have Zoo Bar in by the end of the day. -- Fritz

Chapel Hill, N.C.: Is the Camper Van Beethoven show at the 9:30 Club next month going to have the original lineup including David Lowery? Are they back together? Is Cracker history?

Eric Brace: Cracker's new record is almost done, and they're not breaking up. Lowry is keeping both things going at once. There are plans for a new CVB release as well. From what I hear, it's most of the original lineup. Look for a Cracker tour in Spring...

re: what i wish for: 1. metro service to 2 am sunday thru thursday and to 3 am friday and saturday

2. a decent hip hop spot

3. metro cafe reopening

4. eric not to leave

5. the abc to be abolished. what good do they do?

what i'm glad we have:

1. great venues for live music

2. thievery corporation/esl music, deep dish/yoshitoshi, and scott henry/buzzlife enterprises that give legitimacy to dc's great nightlife and electronica music scene

3. eric's chat. well, at least for this week. i'll miss you eric! its been great over the years!

Eric Brace: 1)extended metro service would really help this city transform itself. But I doubt the money's there for now...
but I'll always praise Councilman Jim Graham for pushing through the 2 a.m. Fri-Sat. Given the "climate", it's amazing that happened. The numbers MUST be supporting it or it wouldn't have been made permanent.

2)Hip-hop spot.. yes.. i miss State of the Union. Check out Groove Gumbo at Club 5. (See Natalie Hopkinson's article on that in today's Style section)

3) Metro Cafe folks say they're still looking for a spot, but i dunno.. I'm not going to hold my breath.

4)Ain't you sweet!!!

5)I HATE the abc board and the archaic, disruptive, prohibitive laws they "enforce" at their leisure and random discretion.

LIKES

1) GREAT venues in town.. just wish tickets wouldn't be so expensive...

2) GREAT electronica, some of the best in the world..

3) Really, thanks so much for that.

Rockville, MD - Strike: Well, I am a twenty-something who enjous a drink, so I will probably be just fine. The deal is: a lane for six people from 9:00-1:30, open bar, buffet, dj, etc. for $495 - breaking down to 82.50/person. Others who aren't bowling pay $75/person. We have our six, but other friends are coming along...and dressing nice, but not too nice...bowling shoes and skirt just don't do it for me! Come along!

Eric Brace: I'm a sucker for bowling shoes and a skirt, so unless you promise that, then I'm staying away!
Thanks for the invite though. I'll be working...
and yeah, that breaks down pretty well, price-per-person. good job getting organised enough to plan so well in advance!!

20009: if you could be -anywhere- you'd choose the black cat? really?

Eric Brace: ANYwhere.....??
oh, man, now you're backing me into a corner...
ANYwhere...?? Probably some awsome joint in Paris like the Fleche D'Or or something.. But if you mean what D.C. event I'd like to be at....then Black CAt would be near the top of the list. Other than IOTA of course. But lemme think some more...

sw, dc: eric, what's this about you leaving us for good? no more chat? no more column? say it ain't so? who is going to take your place? have you groomed fritz enough to try taking your spot?

Eric Brace: It is so.
On Jan 3 I start my leave of absence after 12 years at the Post... 6 1/2 years as the Nightwatch columnist in the Weekend section. Best years of my life. I'm taking a year to pursue my own music.. and then if that tanks, I can come back to the Post, and--theoretically--the same job.
The column will continue, with several people writing Nightwatch columns for the next few months. Fritz, my estimable producer for these chats, knows more about the nightlife scene than anyone I know, so you can expect to see his byline on many columns, I'm sure. He long ago surpassed me in his knowledge of the scene, so he'll do just fine. As I'm sure will all the other contributors.

local band question...: who are Los Hermanos Rodriguez? any good?

Eric Brace: I popped my head into the Velvet Lounge a while back and heard the last 2 songs of a set and liked what I heard... loud, melodic.. good songs. As for who they are, I dunno them individually, but their music sounds like early '80s punk, with a good dose of humor AND social relevance.. a nice mix.

McLean, VA: Eric-

Do you know of any places that plan to be open late on Christmas Eve??
I might feel like going out for a drink.

Or is this usually the one night that bars
close early?

Eric Brace: Many places will be closed or will close early, but one i know will be open is IOTA in arlington, because mypals and band mates Jim and martin will be hosting a musical hootenanny there until the wee hours.... lemme check around for others..

re: compliment man: he used to always compliment my friend on her legs and her sweater.

can you give some insight about "kool disco dan"? a friend wanted me to explain but all i have is that its a grafiti tag famous in dc.

Eric Brace: I'm sure she deserved it... he always seemed to be accurate.
Meanwhile, I'll send you a copy of a Disco Dan article that ran in the Style section many years ago if you'll send me a note to nightwatch@washpost.com

Arlington, VA: Resolution I'd like to see from club patrons: A little quiet, please, especially during acoustic performances.

For example, at the John Hiatt solo acoustic show in July (with 3 man version of LTH opening!) at the 9:30 Club in July, the buzz of conversation during the show was impossible to ignore, and disrespectful of performers and audience alike. While I'd probably go back to 9:30 for a "band" show, it's unlikely I'll go back for anything acoustic.

It also struck me as curious, because the 9:30 isn't exactly the kind of place where people wander in off the street. Not only does one have to intend to go there, but the tickets aren't exactly a small cover charge either. Seems like a long way and a lot of money just to go and run one's mouth.

Eric Brace: I'll never figure out the "I'll pay $30 for a ticket then talk through the show" mentality. for more on this issue, see Joe Heim's rant (and readers' follow-up) on the washingtonpost.com's Entertainment page (the Music link)

That's a nice resolution...

re 9:30 and noise, I've been to a coule shows there, like Nickel Creek and Cowboy Junkies where you could have heard a pin drop... just depends on the crowd and the band...

Aspen Hill, MD: Eric,

My husband and I used relax at an amazing bar/billards/coffeehouse in Baltimore. The place had relaxing mood lighting, Jaz or World live music on weekends, and offered a haven from the overcrowded bars in Canton. Now we live near DC and we're looking for something like it. Any tips?

Eric Brace: Are you looking for something out near Aspen Hill or are you willing to travel??
So Canton's gotten crazy eh? I wrote about that scene about 4 years ago when it was just getting started, and it seemed pretty cool then, a haven from Fells Point.. Has it become the new Fells Point?
As for places to go... Dan's Cafe? Millie & Al's? Both are relatively cool, REALTIVELY mellow joints in Adams Morgan..
Carpool in Herndon is the calmest of the beer-n-pool joints int he area... Tryst, on a MOnday or tuesday, is cool, as is ChiCha early in the week...
The key is going on a weeknight.. weekends are almost all bad. but look for new places in January, like St. Ex at 14th and T.... There will be more openings early next year that might fit your bill. Stay tuned to the Nightwatch column in Weekend, and Fritz's updates on this website.
Anyone else got answers for Aspen Hill??

compliment man: one drunken night in adams morgan i gave him a dollar and told him he was the nicest man i ever met...he hugged me, which kept me from complimenting the compliment man after that. i hope he has retired to sunny florida though, that'd be nice

Eric Brace: are you saying he was, um, stinky or something?
I hope he's happy down there....

talkers: joe heim is right, the talking at shows has gotten out of hand. those people...well, they'll be the first up against the wall when the revolution comes!

Eric Brace: Harsh talk.
If you wanna change the world, there are probably better battles to fight, no?
Viva la revolucion!!!

washingtonpost.com: For everyone who's asking -- the Nightwatch Live discussion is going on hiatus with Eric. The last scheduled chat is Friday, January 3. In the meantime, you can bring your questions, comments and observations about local music, bars and clubs to Got Plans?, which takes place every Thursday at 1 p.m. -- Producer Fritz

washingtonpost.com: Eric - As in years past, the Black Cat's Red Room will be open on Christmas Eve. That's where I'll probably be. I know a number of Adams Morgan bars are going to be closed. Just call first. -- Fritz

Eric Brace: This from the superlative-inducing Fritz.
Red Room at the Black Cat sounds like a great place to spend the Eve....
and Fritz is admitting he'll be there, so yet another reason!

washingtonpost.com: Everybody's Talking Somewhere (or, What Not to Do at Concerts).

Nickel Creek at 9:30: during the "un-plugged" segment of their show is something else.

a pin drop for sure, especially when you can hear them perfectly from the top bar on the balcony.

anyone who made a peep got yelled at, especially the guy heckling sara watkins.

was that you heckling?

Eric Brace: That was NOT me heckling.. Sara is a peach, and we got to be pals when my band opened for them at the 9:30 two times ago. I can yell at her BACKSTAGE, thank you very much. (Not that I would.. oh wait.. now I'm going to be all misunderstood....)
They're an impressive band indeed.

Compliment man: Is he the thin guy in the hat who says nice things to the ladies as they walk by? I saew him today in Dupont.. he liked my hair.

Eric Brace: Holy cow!!!
A Compliment Man sighting!!!
That doesn't sound like him, though I'm sure you have nice hair. Maybe he's out auditioning for the position?

CM: yeah he was a little stinky...plus just a general invasion of my personal space that i wasnt expecting

Eric Brace: Yeah, see, that's the problem.

Washington, DC: Too late, man, I did some work. Thanks for the chats, though, I've enjoyed them.

Eric Brace: dang.
I'm telling yr boss.

thanks...

speaking of incredible leather outfits...: where can a girl go in this fine town on New Year's Eve to play in her incredible leather outfit?

Eric Brace: That would be the Perv Ball, Dec 31, at
U-Turn - 1942 11th Street, NW .. at the corner of 11th and U, more or less..
Better double check though:
http://dc.bound.org
Maybe LTH can go on without me...hmmmmmmmmm.

DC, DC: I am definately behind Joe Heim's recent rants to get people to shut-up and stop socializing when they are at music events. or at least get them to talk discretely. You know the whole 'cool down' room in dance club scenario, well maybe some of the smaller clubs need a 'shut up' room where the "loud talking" lushes and drunkards can go and "watch" the music on close circuit cam's and let the rest of us listen.

Also I would like to be able to understand what is up with the city gov't when it comes to live entertainment so vendors can book music and plays in restaurants with out the owners fearing retribution.

Eric Brace: This city drives me crazy, trying to regulate the entertainment biz 'til it disappears entirely... ok, that's a little hystrionic, but still... this City Council needs a nightlife civics lesson (as do those loud yappers)

Vapor Land: So can we get a new email addy to send you news, mp3s and so on and so forth to keep you in the loop?

Thanks for all the support, insight and general good guyness regarding music around here. Yer a peach, (even if my wife does think you're sexy in your cowboy shirts...like I need that in my life!)

Eric Brace: I'll be at bracee@washpost.com for a year....
Your wife has incredible taste in men. You should be flattered.. hey she picked you!

DC: Eric:

So sorry to hear you're leaving, but congratulations to you and break a leg in your new endeavors!

You're the best the Post entertainment cadre has to offer.

What's next?

Eric Brace: Thanks thanks thanks!!!
I appreciate the kind words... I'll need all the luck in the world to "make it" out there in music land..
My band will be playing all over the country, touring in our new/used van (bought on e-bay!). We'll be in the area a lot though.. check us out at www.lasttrainhome.com
(I know I'm not supposed to push myself on these chats, but maybe my editors will cut me slack now that it's almost over!!!)

Washington, D.C.: EB:

I'm looking for a place to kick back and hang out for New Year's Eve. I like Aroma and Chi-Cha -- but I'm afraid that those places may be booked for private parties? Any info or suggestions?

Eric Brace: Kick back and hang?? THAT'S what you wanna do on New Year's Eve? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
Okay, this one's got me stumped.

compliment man: No, he said stuff to everyone.. black guy, maybe glasses? he looked homeless. Check it out near Kramerbooks,, he was there warlier this week too and it was the same guy I used to see in AM.

Eric Brace: Hm, yep, sounds like him. I wonder if he made it down to Fla and came back or never left (I thought I'd gotten good intelligence on this one, but it sounds like it wasn't...)

Arlington, VA: Eric,

Best of luck to you and LTH. Re: 9:30/Hiatt--is this a trend for acts that usually play the Birchmere (Gillian Welch, Lucinda, Hiatt, others) now playing the larger 9:30? Is it just about money?

Eric Brace: It's about 2 thing.. no 3 things....
First is: MONEY....the 9:30 has deeper pockets if it REALLY wants to outbid the Birchmere (or Black Cat or Barns or State Theatre)..

Second is: Capacity. The 9:30 club can hold 1200, the Birchmere can hold 550...

Third is: Hip factor. The 9:30 club has a reputation for being the hipper club, and acts often ASK their agents to book something into 9:30 rather than elsewhere, because it's got that hip cachet.

wdc: I'll be out of town for your finale, but i just wanted to say thanks for all the columns and ideas and info on the scene in our city. we'll miss you like crazy!

and my question: how do we get that compliment man article?

Eric Brace: It wasn't a Compliment Man article, it was the Cool Disco Dan article....
And thank YOU for your kind words.

Washington DC: True story -- four young people on the Red Line, just this morning, were standing by the train door when one guy caught my ear by mentioning Last Train Home playing somewhere with the Gourds. Then the group was out the door at the Dupont station. Is it true or just a rumor?
Regardless, it's got to be nice to know people talk about your band out loud on the subway?

Eric Brace: woowoo!!!
that's awesome, as the kids say.
Yep, LTH is booked at the Birchmere Saturday April 5 with the excellent Texas band The Gourds.

dc: johnny marr, the musical genious behind the smiths, the band that saved my life when i was an angst ridden adolescent, is coming to the black cat next month. know anything about his solo work, if he'll he do smiths songs or any other buzz on this show?

Eric Brace: Man o man, do I LOVE Johnny Marr's guitar playing or what...???
He's playing with his new band the Healers... original tunes.. not SMiths material.. they're opening for Mellowdrone at the black cat jan 20. I hear both bands rock. I plan to be there.

wdc: sorry, brain was turned off...

how do we get the KOOL DISCO DAN article??

Eric Brace: My incomparable producer Fritz is going to put a link up on this very chat for you to take a gander at that article... written by paul hendrickson, former Style section writer and one of the best writers this paper has ever had on staff. His article led to much angry letters from readers complaining about giving such glorifying ink to a scofflaw.. ah well.

Winchester, Va.: Tell us about The Skylighters....

Eric Brace: ahhh yes..
jan 30 at the Birchmere...
that's a little side project band, featuring me and some heroes fo mine: Mike Auldridge (dobro player from Seldom Scene, Chesapeake and many more), Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin player from Country Gentlemen, Tony Rice Unit, Spectrum, Chesapeake and more), plus Jim Gray (bass) and Martin Lynds (drums) from Last Train Home (and many other bands) .. plus an appearance by John Starling.. amazing singer from the original Seldom Scene. We'll be doing some of those old scene tunes.. some solo Starling tunes.. some LTH tunes.. some Stanley Brothers, Louvin Brothers, Bill Monroe, etc etc.
It'll be a blast and I'm very very honored to be playing with them. Hopefully we can keep it going, playing a few times a year.. maybe make a record..

Eric Brace: Ok gang...
that's all she wrote...
I'll have one more chat on Friday Jan 3, and I look forwrad to it immeasurably.

oh, regarding that disco dan article, we couldn't make the link work, so if you'd like to read it, e-mail me at nightwatch@washpost.com and i'll get it to you...

Have a great xmas and NYEve and 2003 and and and....
Hey, tomorrow it's Winter!!
Thanks for chatting,
yours,
eric

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