Good news / Bad news edition

Hey all-

Been a while, I know. I won't go into details, but life threw me the shittiest curve ball ever last month, and I am still dealing with it. So, posting will happen as I can get to it. I will also offer, as I did before, for anyone who would like to contribute stories, interviews, or opinions can feel free to contact me at dcbaltimoreallages[at]gmail[dot]com .

So, first with the good news. In the era of reissuing albums, The Dismemberment Plan is reissuing "Emergency & I" on Barsuk Records. In conjunction, they are embarking on a short 5 date tour, with two dates here in DC. The first is on January 21st, at the Black Cat, and the second is on January 22nd at the 9:30 Club. They are currently sold out, but you never know. You can read a little write up that Chris Richard's did in the WaPo here.

On a much sadder note, long time DC punk scene fixture, sound man and guitarist for the Slickee Boys John Hansen has passed away at the age of 47. I did not know John, but knew the Slickee Boys music well, and I know his sister and her family. From all accounts John was a funny, witty and dedicated musician. Our thoughts go out to the Hansen Family. There is a write up in the City Paper here.

I'll try and get back here soon. In any case, go see some live music. Life is short, and it is good for your soul.

pete The List......

Quick hits...

A few quick things to check out.

Firs Title Tracks is playing a show this Sunday at the Quarry House Tavern (8401 Georgia Ave Silver Spring - a few blocks from the Silver Spring Metro). It's only $5, and starts at 1pm.

Also, Mike Schleibaum of Darkest Hour fame, has joined forces with Jason Yawn (Trial By Fire) Kevin Lamiell (Majority Rule and Trial by Fire) and Andrew Black (Title Tracks, The Explosion) to form a decidedly punk out called Beasts of No Nation. Their first show is Thursday the 26th at DC9. Kind of a bummer as it is an 18+ show. I will announce if they play an all ages show (fingers crossed).

Also, this Thursday at Fort Reno is Poor But Sexy with opening act Tiny Bombs. The 2010 Fort Reno t shirts are also now available for purchase at the shows. Buy one and support the shows so they keep going.

That's all fer now. The List......

A Random collection of things.

Hey all-

Well, Fort Reno is in full swing, and the t-shirts should be available soon. Amanda said that production is happening. So save up your $10 for a shirt when they are available. Speaking of Fort Reno, Tiny Bombs has been added to the Poor But Sexy show on July 22nd as a make up from being rained out of the very first show.
Also making a return appearance to Fort Reno this year is the Evens. Ian and Amy are knocking the rust off from their mini hiatus (to have a kid), and they've got some new songs, plus all your old favorites.
One show I can recommend outright is the last show of the season on August 12th. Office of Future Plans is J Robbins new outfit featuring the Brooks Harlan on Bass/vocals, Gordon Withers on cello/guitar, and the mighty Darren Zentek on drums. I have seen them twice and they do not disappoint. They have also been recording up at J's studio in Baltimore, so we've got that to look forward to.

Quick shout out to Dynamite Fisherman, who entertained me at Fort Reno a few weeks back. Very Screeching Weasel.

Title Tracks has been writing a few more songs, and has a matinee show coming up at the Quarry House in Silver Spring on July 25th.

Daryl Jennifer of Bad Brains gave an interesting interview over at Punknews.org. He tackles some interesting topics, including the well documented homophobia they showed in the past. You can read it here.

So, weird 90's flashback this past weekend. I attended the Damnation a.d. show at St. Stephen's last Saturday put on by the guys from Jinx Proof tattoo. Totally nuts. have not been around a circle pit like that in a LONG time. Overall though, the show was very good, and very well attended (sold out actually - Thanks to JH for getting me in). I caught Striking Distance, Trapped Under Ice and Damnation (including a vocal cameo by Worlds Collide's own Matt Berger). The bands were in very good form, and did not disappoint the very large crowd. I did have a chance to catch up with Mike D.C. (McTernan - vocalist for Damnation) who now lives in Philly, which was very cool. If you ever get the chance to meet Mike, he is seriously one of the most generous nice guys you could ever meet. I will post my pics from the show soon, hopefully.

Lastly, a DC alum, Laura Burhenn (Not so long ago of Georgie James) who now lives in Omaha, Nebraska (What? I know..), has put together a very good little band called the Mynabirds. Not punk, no longer DC but she was a native for most of her life and comes back often. I got to see her perform at the Black Cat a little while back, and I picked up her album "What we lose in the Fire, We gain in the Flood" (Saddle Creek). VERY good. If you like Bluesy, Soul sounding stuff, with really great harmonies, go pick it up.

That's it for now. I throw more at you as I get it. The List......

FORT RENO CANCELLED TONIGHT 6/28.

Direct from the Fort Reno Twitter feed:

"brace yerselves...we are calling the show. supposed to rain again right about set up&start time. things will be soaked. it will be ew."

SO, we'll try again Thursday.

stay dry. The List......

Burning Airlines on a recent "Secret History"

DCist has their continuing series of "Secret History" articles where they take a look at seminal albums to come out of the DC Music scene. On and earlier post, I told you about the article they did on Fugazi's "In On the Kill Taker". This time the took on the post Jawbox project of Bill Barbot and J Robbins called Burning Airlines. The debut album "Mission: Control!" I think is one of the more unheralded albums to come out of DC. Take 2 parts Jawbox, 1 part less complication, add a dash of Pete Moffett and you get one heck of a band. I kinda wish this band had hung around a bit longer, it was not meant to be. Bill left to go full bore with his partners into their new (at the time) start up company Threespot. Plus, he was about to be a dad. The band produced a second album, "Identikit" with Mike Harbin taking Bill's place, that while good in it's own right, was not the same. To be clear, I enjoy both albums, but if I have to choose "Mission: Control!" is the winner.

If you would like to buy the CDs, they are available at Desoto Records, and on iTunes. (they don't need a link from me).

You can read the DCist article here.

till next time. The List......

FORT RENO! WOO HOO!

Summer is officially here; the Fort Reno schedule has been announced!

Check it out here. The First show is this Monday, June 28th. The line up is The Public Good, America Hearts and Tiny Bombs.7pm sharp. Bring the kids, dogs and picnic dinner (no alcohol - city rules), and enjoy a rad evening of local music. Oh yeah, it's free. Ya can't beat that. However, Fort Reno can always use donations to fund the summer program. You can donate in person, through the website, or by clicking the link on the side of this page.

Also, in case you hadn't heard, shows are being held at St. Stephen's Church on 16th Street again (ok, technically 1525 Newton Street, NW). In fact, there is a show there this Saturday featuring Stripmall Ballads, Mobius Strip, The Andalusians, and The Wax Standard. It is put on by Positive Force, starts at 7:30pm and costs $7, or $6 with a can of food. Proceeds and food go to help the We Are Family Senior Outreach Network.

Saturday is also Day 2 of Insubordination Fest at Sonar in Baltimore. Check out www.sonarbaltimore.com for details.

Another St. Stephen's show coming up that I am pretty geeked out about is Damnation A.D., Striking Distance, and Trapped Under Ice on July 10th. 90's DC harDCore throw back. Don't miss it.

That's it for now. More to come.....

The List......

Event for We are Family tonight 6/24

So, I know it's been a while, and I am trying to get this going again.

Anyway, there is an event at Affinity Lab Adams Morgan (above The Diner)
2451 18th St NW. It will feature a bunch of video of old performances of some of the local bands of yore (what? who says yore?), and narrated by Mark Andersen (author of "Dance of Days") DJ sets by Bill from Crooked Beat and Matt from Smash!

The best part?; It's free. Donations of $8 (or more) are suggested. It is a benefit after all. Once the rain blows through, it should be a nice night to got check out some DC punk rock history.

I'll be back soon.

Type rest of the post here The List......