Capital Swamp: The DC Resource Thread

this news also made me remember that i miss hr-57. they told me when they were leaving the h st location that they were looking at a new spot near union market, but i've since heard nothing about that.

Was writing last night and missed Tinashe in Silver Spring, now tonight is the movie doc "They Will Have to Kill Us First" about Malian musicians at the AFI Silver

Music is the beating heart of Malian culture. But when Islamic hardliners took control of northern Mali in 2012, they enforced one of the harshest interpretations of Sharia law in history and banned all forms of music. Radio stations were destroyed, instruments were burned and Mali’s musicians faced torture, even death, and were forced into hiding or exile. But rather than lay down their instruments, the musicians are fighting back, standing up for their cultural heritage and identity. With a specially commissioned soundtrack from Mali’s most exciting artists, a score written by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Nick Zinner, this documentary leaps headfirst into a tale of courage in the face of conflict. Official Selection, 2015 SXSW and London Film Festivals. DIR/SCR/PROD Johanna Schwartz; SCR Andy Morgan; PROD Sarah Mosses, Kat Amara Korba. UK, 2015, color, 105 min, DCP. In French, Songhay, English, Bambara and Tamasheq with English subtitles. NOT RATED

I think this might be shown again later at Filmfest in April (but I'm not sure)

had to sell my tinashe ticket. really didn't want to, but with metro down it just wasn't doable.

There's a concert in a few weeks featuring the music from the Nigerian "rock-drama" playing on Friday night: http://silver.afi.com/Browsing/Movies/Details/m-0100000561

always repping the library, but cheick hamala (mali) is playing a free lunchtime show next week:

https://www.loc.gov/concerts/folklife/diabate.html

x-post to Gubke-- who, when , where for Niger music from the Purple Rain homage?

Gubke--- come back and see above question.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/a-founding-member-of-rare-essence-talks-about-the-endless-beat/2016/03/15/3c1a8eda-db19-11e5-925f-1d10062cc82d_story.html

Q and A with RE's guitarist Andre Johnson in the W. Post magazine

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/music/2016/03/23/bohemian-caverns-inventory-is-up-for-auction/

The more I read about this the more I wonder why Brown didn't seek investors earlier, or grants from the DC government. Also, someone should have gotten it labeled a historic building. But I have also seen some of the negative criticism about he and his team's business skills. However, I also need to balance that against some of the ugly taunts against the music played at Liv, and the audience.

Anyway, if you want to buy a piece of the place for a souvenir, you can.

Sorry curmudgeon, I missed your posts.

I'm not sure of the details. Were you at the screening on Friday? That's when he said he'd be giving out tickets to whatever the live performance was. I think it was sometime in April but I can't find any information on it.

Found it. Maybe not much to do with the film, actually. But the event is Bombino at the Hamilton on March 30. http://live.thehamiltondc.com/event/1069299-bombino-washington/

Thanks. I was at the Thursday night Malian music doc screening (& saw the Malian Purple Rain one elsewhere) but got there in the middle of the guy talking Thursday night so I missed any mention of a gig.

Bombino is an Agadez, Niger resident where the movie was filmed. He's been here a number of times.

http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2016/03/24/470744767/the-state-of-d-c-hardcore

Guy who writes for City Paper and Bandwidth, just penned this piece for NPR's site on current DC hardcore bands. Old dude me has never heard most of them (but I get the '80s references)

http://filmfestdc.org/filmListSel.cfm?selSeries=Rhythms On and Off the Screen

Movies with musical themes in Filmfest DC from April 14th to April 24th

They're showing "Blue With a Bit of Red..." the Malian one, for 2 showings....A Cuban one, an Ethiopian one, and some others

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/music/2016/03/31/rare-essence-announce-new-album-its-first-in-over-a-decade/

http://dcist.com/2016/04/twisted_teenage_plot_alper_initiati.php

A new group show at the Alper Initiative for Washington Art at American University documents a period in D.C.'s cultural history when the visual art world met the underground music scene. Artist Robin Rose, who was a member of local bands Urban Verbs and Twisted Teenage Plot, explains their approach to instrumentation: "We’d just go over and turn it up."

The latter band lends its name to the show, Twisted Teenage Plot, which documents the work of the group and other Washington area bands of the late '70s and '80s that met at the intersection of punk and art.

RIP Mr. Seresa Nut Coleman, owner of DC nightclub, the Chateau, on Benning Road NE. Met this classy guy when the Mrs. and I went to a taping of "The Breeze Country Dance Show" there. Coleman bought the club in 1967. Its known for its Wednesday and Friday night hand-dancing nights. I believe he was 85.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/money-problems-and-no-name-acts-the-howard-theatre-is-struggling-again/2016/04/03/da0e2122-cb71-11e5-ae11-57b6aeab993f_story.html?hpid=hp_local-news_howardtheatre-1030am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory

Howard U should hire parking attendants and sell evening parking spots on its often vacant lots, plus build a parking garage. That will help the University with its financial issues, and ultimately help area clubs and restaurants financially by bringing in folks who don't want to deal with metro's issues. While not right next door to the Howard Theatre, its close enough (plus Howard Theatre needs to do something re its booking, marketing and food service issues). Locals can still walk, bike, uber, taxi, etc.

That Puff Pieces singer's voice is an acquired taste.

I dig it, but I was a huge Antelope fan. I think the album is more detached and robotic than the 7", which was more anxious. I like what they're doing, though. Reminds me of The Crainium or Metamatics a little; those late 90s nervous post-punk bands that D.C. hasn't had much of lately

Oh yeah. I remember the Metamatics

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2016/04/07/chateau-nightclub-owner-seresa-nut-coleman-has-passed-away/#more-129652

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestofdc/artsandentertainment/2016/best-volunteer-public-radio-dj-during-a-blizzard

http://ratedrnb.com/2016/03/raheem-devaughns-lovelife-foundation-to-host-sunday-soul-pop-up-dinner/

Raheem DeVaughn is always about giving back to those in need. His nonprofit organization The LoveLife Foundation, along with Black Celebrity Giving, will host Sunday Soul Pop Up Dinner this Sunday, April 3 at 3 p.m in Washington, D.C. The unique pop up restaurant will provide a 5-course meal for the homeless.

So I looked at the Wammies page and the list of winners from Sunday night, and thought about who wasn't nominated (all bouncebeat bands, Ethiopian DCers Hailu Mergia and Feedel Band; Chain & the Gang & many more rockers; soul acts-Skip Mahoney, Hardway Connection, Eddie Jones & the Young Bucks) and well, some things just never change.

http://bandwidth.wamu.org/joes-record-paradise-launches-crowdfunding-campaign-to-save-itself/

Red tape issues before they can open in new digs

So they were closed on record store day, apparently

Record Store Day was also DC Emancipation Day. So a week and half before the event, the DC government website for it still had up last year's info on the parade and the free music fest on Freedom Plaza. They also never sent press releases about it to the Washington Post Weekend section or the Washington City Paper. I sometimes forward stuff on to the CP, but forgot to this time, so no crossover mention except for my concert calendar and me & Chip Py on Facebook. Anyway, I saw Sweet Honey in the Rock, Troublefunk, Black Alley, Bela Dona and Rare Essence (with James Funk) for free there and had a great time. RE's old-school set was especially good. Lots of call and response. It wasn't that crowded. Mostly over 30 (or 40) and black if you want demographics. Also, they had lots of streets blocked off nearby and tons of cops a block or so away sitting around drinking coffee and eating and probably getting OT. Saw 4 of 'em inside the hotel when we went in to use the bathrooms. We were there from around 3:30pm to 8

Later we went for tacos at that place on V St(?) within a walking distiance of the 930 Club. Finished our Saturday with the Feelies who played for nearly 3 hours and finished with an awesome version of Iggy & the Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog"

ha i was at that feelies show; they are indefatigable. went to the metal festival at dc brau beforehand, though.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2016/04/19/the-chateau-nightclub-has-closed-leaving-d-c-s-hand-dance-community-without-a-formal-home/

5 lots near and next to the Chateau on Benning Rd NE have been sold recently as a package for 1.5 million. Chateau likely to be sold as well, if it hasn't already been, by the family of the deceased owner. The Eclipse on Bladensburg Rd., not too far from Echostage sits closed, as the deceased owner of that club's widow likely plans to do the same. When 2 owners die who had previously supported the community and less money making endeavors like hand dancing, the successors are not likely to have the same attitude.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2016/04/22/washington-post-ends-its-two-decade-long-carter-barron-concert-series/

The news just keeps on coming

The friends I grew up with in this area are pretty much only interested in cover bands doing hits from their perceived heyday (90s). Zero interest in music that's being made now or in discovering old stuff.

But maybe the next generation will be more adventurous.

I think that's how most people are from any era. Checking out other stuff, old or new, takes time and effort and a willingness to reach out. I think the ones seeking out other stuff are the exceptions. Add to this trying to keep up on books and movies and tv, and doing other fun stuff, while working, its not easy.

When I was in my 20s I mostly saw lots of punk bands but sometimes got adventurous and also saw and listened to some go-go, old soul, old rock, reggae and more.

I'd like to think that some kids now have a similar range. There's lots I haven't checked out and wished I did, and some stuff I just don't care about.

My 2 most recent articles are reminders to some , that Fort Reno is not the only summer be-all, end-all, and that the changes happening to the city are not just about union arts and condo owners complaining at hardcore shows.

Prince events all over town

There was a surprise screening of SIGN O' THE TIMES after the ZIGGY STARDUST movie at the AFI Theatre last night. Incredible.

Wow, cool. I'm jealous especially if this is true: It’s a crime that Sign o’ the Times, a 1987 concert film about Prince’s European tour that summer, is unavailable on streaming services or DVD or Blu-ray in the United States.

The new Flasher tape on Sister Polygon is great: https://flasherdc.bandcamp.com/releases

Postpunk!

http://www.hot97.com/news/new-hot97/rosenberg-anwan-glover-big-g-backyard-talk-everything-gogo-much-more-video

Long interview with Big G on NYC radio after BYB played up there. He talks music and movies

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/48118/maracuyeah-5-year-anniversary-at-judys-bar-and-restaurant-friday/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/going-out-guide/wp/2016/04/28/celebrating-five-years-of-maracuyeah-d-c-s-best-pan-latin-dance-party/

Tonight, DC female dj collective and special guests

Bandwidth Maracuyeah coverage too. Usually only DC punk; and/or go-go bands going to S x SW get this time of attention across many sites. Haven't checked dcist or byt...Ha

And more city paper dc coverage on the arts desk blog

Will there be more Fort Reno drama this summer? Jack on Fire tweet states there's been no request for tapes (from groups that might want to perform). Website is still in 2015 mode. I think Amanda M. doesn't start on this until June though

Didn't attend sold out Broccoli Fest, but I like that it included Rare Essence and Reesa Renee on the side stage.

After attending Maracuyeah party, spent much of the weekend writing, and with visiting relative, and also missed free brass bands and more at Dupont Circle for international jazz day(didn't get a White House invite either so I missed Aretha and Herbie Hancock and others doing Purple Rain together). Oh well, can't do it all.

http://jazzday.com/about/washington-dc/

Alona Wartofsky used to write about go-go, reggae and more for the City Paper and the W. Post in the '80s, she lives elsewhere now, but periodically comes back and writes a story. Here's today's great City Paper cover story on Rare Essence

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/48134/rarin-to-go-go-rare-essence-keeps-dcs-hometown-beat/

So Priests are scheduled to do a gig in North Carolina with Ought. Have read pro and con takes in general re boycotting NC, assume they thought and discussed them too.