DIRTY COKE.

I'm making up for lost time, here folks. seriously.

At St. Ex last Thursday, for the 1st MODERNIST SOCIETY of 2007, I overheard my girl, Betsy, order a "dirty coke" over the din of the crowed bar and the thump of the bass from a gil scott heron track. I thought, "that's possibly the best drink man or woman has ever though of, I MUST ORDER ONE!".. and so as her drink was handed back to her and she crumped away from the bar, I too, ordered a DIRTY COKE.

Now, I've been to a few shows in my day, and my hearing is not what it used to be, but apparently she ordered a DIET coke, not a DIRTY one.

well, that wouldn't stop this here cowgirl from takin the reins and ordering one anyway. So when Chaim (my trusty st. ex bartender) asked me "what IS a DIRTY COKE?", well, the answer my precious ones, was eaZy.

MY CHERISHED DRINK OF ALL TIME CAN NOW BE YOURS, TOO!

*thee* DIRTY COKE
JIM BEAM (lots)
COKE (little)
no ice (see below)
lime (squeeze it if you got it)
and a straw (I have sensitive teeth)

and there you go.

the dirty coke.
now, you can order a Dirty Coke, or if you're a real bad ass mo fo', you can order a DC. get it?
or a DC Rocks, should you care for a bit of ice.

*I did have trouble with this in Baltimore, however, I will say that after an initial brush with a 13 year veteran bartendress who proclaimed "YOU CAN'T GO MAKING UP DRINKS AND SHIT, I"VE BEEN POURIN DRINKS FOR MY ADULT LIFE AND DIRTY TO ME MEANS OLIVE JUICE." Well, I eventually won her over (trust you me) but if you run into this situtation, and I did, simply tell them, "HEY, what's dirty to you, is dirty to me. Throw Olive Juice in that junk and call it a Dirty Coke, Ottobar Upstairs style."

I'm willing to bend over backwards for my beverages. seriously.

Reminder! 01.30.07. The Aquarium at the Black Cat!

see below and I'll see you there!

This Thursday in Balmer! 02.01.07! The 2nd Annual Staff Infection!!!

THIS THURSDAY. FEB 1, 2007

When I used to sling music for a record store in Dupont Circle and book rock shows for their venue in Wheaton, I was lucky enough to sway the folks at Touch and Go into thinking that my club was "the big time" and if they would extend the musical genius of Killdozer to me for one magical evening, it would surely bring in the kids. My power of persuasion worked on the local front as well. I was also fortunate enough to book the audio/visual viral terror of Meatjack from Baltimore as the opening act.

So, after the Dwarves show last Friday (which btw, was fucking S.I.C.K), drinking my "who's counting" cocktail at the bar, my head perked up at a familiar tune... ( & anyone who knows me knows that thee power of the Melvins compels me.. and this was no exception). The famous Cars hit "Candy-O" as done by the Melvins was playing and I found myself running to the soundguy's area to sing high praise at his refined taste. The sound dude for the night happened to be none other than Brian D. from Meatjack (and now Darsombra fame). We caught up for a few minutes and then he hipped me to what could very likely be one of the best shows in Baltimore (I know, I always say that.. AND! I'm not counting the MARYLAND DEATH FEST), none other than the 2nd annual STAFF INFECTION.

Join your favorite Ottobar bouncers, bartenders, barbacks, b-more boys and girls for a night of pain, Baltimore style.

02.01.07
OTTOBAR
Misery Index
Trephine
Pulling Teeth
Darsombra
Fighting Dogs
Paper Dragons
Spit on Your Grave
Odd Girl Out
Dragon Pants
all this for the low, low price of $5 cheap!




http://www.theottobar.com

http://www.darsombra.com/

http://www.miseryindex.com/2006/index1280.htm

http://www.myspace.com/trephine

Tonight! Brandon Butler @ Black Cat! 01.28.07

Just cause I'm staying at home tonight doesn't mean you have to! Brandon Butler tonight at the Black Cat, cause on Sunday, you need love.



Black Cat
Backstage
w/ Rose
9p
$5 cheap!

http://www.brandonbutler.net/home.html

success!

Thank you all for coming and skating your asses off! Despite the anti war protest in progress, we opted to demonstrate our sentiment via interpretive ice dancing! Being a first timer (but with years of childhood 4-wheelin under my sash), I only fell twice! It's true, Amanda and I have a new found love. If you didn't have a chance to skate this time around, don't worry, the NGA rink is open until March. Get your skates and get to skating!

... and yes, that's us in front of the zam.

shout out to our boy John C. for revealing a few secrets of the rink!

washington post style invitational

similar to the "mensa" competition, this week's challenege is to take a word or phrase starting with a letter between e and h, change it by one letter and create a new definition.

there must be a way to submit the blog motto of "F.I.Y." right? right??

lets french!

friday. as in tomorrow. as in january 26.
black cat.

lets french. these united states. washington social club.
$10

lets do this thing.

Coming in FEB!! The Mantras: 02.05.07 and 02.06.07!

If you've never heard the wind whisper and howl or the unclouded voice of a wistful angel, then you've probably never seen the Mantras (fka Kiss and Ride) play live. What better way to start off the month of February than by heading out to the Velvet Lounge on Monday and then on Tuesday to see them again at the Red and the Black??



http://www.macidol.com/jamroom/Kissride

02.05.07
Velvet Lounge
w/ Berry & Samantha Crain

http://www.velvetloungedc.com/

02.06.07
The Red & The Black
1212 H St.
w/ Brandon Butler and Go Motion
$7
http://www.redandblackbar.com/

Free Sufjan Show! 02.05.07

OK, so I can't take credit for the tip on this one - Dr. van nasty tole me about it last night, and I almost choked on my beer. Millenium Stage/Kennedy Center is giving away free tix, 2 per customer, this Saturday from 9-10am. He's playing the Opera House, which technically seats 2350, but who knows if they're giving away the whole thing. The actual concert is 9pm on Feb 5.

total de(cons)truction. fare thee well, beloved xmas tree...

tonight, during the state of the union address, I dethroned my love-rr-ly christmas tree. She was no ordinary tree... a gorgeous fraser, hailing from the northern regions of the fair state of Maryland, who sacrificed her life just to provide one and a half months of nostalgic, girlish pleasure for yours truly.
she was a beauty.
one in a million girls...

and to you, friends...
thanks to all who helped to keep my holiday season warm.
you know who you are...

THIS THURSDAY!!! State of the Union, MODERNIST SOCIETY STYLE! 01.25.07

For those of you too young to remember, the State of
the Union was once the funkiest, most diverse, and
musically forward looking bar/club in Washington, DC.
Near the corner of 14th and U, it was the first new
bar after Polly's to come into the neighborhood after
the MLK riots and the Green Line Metro construction
tore up the historic (but run down) U Street Corridor.
For most of the 90's State was THE place to be.
Resident and guest DJ's included The Deep Dish Boys,
members of Thievery Corporation, Citizen Cope, Jean
Phillipe Aviance, Lofty Love, The Grits and Gravy Crew
and one DJ Neville Chamberlain (who played his first
gig there).

This Thursday, Neville, along with DJ's D-Mac and
Triscuit, will resurrect the spirit of State of the
Union by spinning a set of whatever they like (as long
as its got the funk).

Saint Ex
Tunes start at 10PM.
No Cover.
1847 14th Street NW.

speech? what speech?

copy by neville c, courtesy of prima me.

TONIGHT! Before you go to St. Ex... STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS!

no matter which way you swing, before you go out tonight, (or if you are "electing" to stay home), check out the leader of the free world give his haypenny about energy conservation, the education system, healthcare reform and the latest about the deployment of another 21,000 troops to Iraq.


January 23, 2007 at 9P ET.
(ALSO SHOWING AT BUSBOYS AND POETS!!! @ 9:00 PM (Langston Room)a Busboys and Poets viewing of the STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS, followed by an open discussion
http://www.busboysandpoets.com/)


and! props to Adrian Fenty for his calculated seat selection this evening. It just goes to show, you CAN make a statement without saying a word!

TONIGHT! DJs YELLOW FEVER: 01.23.07 @ St. Ex!

TONIGHT!!!!!
Join DJs YELLOW FEVER (Manila Ice & Poo Poo Platter)
& their trusty manservant: THE PUNANI SOUNDSYSTEM(Gypsy Eyes Records/ESL Music)for an evening of reggae, dancehall, acid folk, garage, soul,
groove, hip hop, and the best in adult contemporary!

St. Ex:
TUES 1/23/07
10pm-close
Tonight & every other Tuesday
NO cover. NO weekend warriors.
NO EXCUSES!

brazilian samba

THIS THURSDAY!

when: this and every thursday, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

where: joy of motion, friendship heights

why: do you seriously need a reason?!

2007: F.I.Y.

If 2006 was the year of Do-It-Yourself, then 2007 is raising the ante.

Neema making this blog, giving us hipsters a little rest from checking our inboxes every 2 seconds and bringing together concert-goers, bargain-finders and food-eaters everywhere? Oh yeah, she fucked it herself.

When we went to no less than 5 parties on New Years Eve, getting quite high along the way and causing general mayhem? Oh yeah, we fucked it ourselves.

That time I got really drunk and got 3 hours of sleep before a 15-hour day at work coordinating the most important event I'd been given so far? Oh yeah, I fucked it myself.

The moral of the story: don't let anyone else fuck it for you. FUCK-IT-YOURSELF.

v. to fuck it yourself - to do; to make; to cause; to thwart; to consume large amounts of alcohol on a school night; to create; to elect George W. Bush.

Baltimore is for shoppers. 02.17.07

Check it out, bargain shoppers. The fabled C-Mart visit is upon us. C-Mart has been getting national attention for crazy discounts on overstocks of everything from high-end purses to

fishing rods. And who knew it was right here in Joppatown, Maryland? We'll follow it up by crashing Ten Car Pile Up in Towson and of course, the requisite Hon meal. Stay tuned for details...

The Spins

Do you have more shoes than books? Lisa and I jumped online a few weeks ago and ordered a Shoe Wheel each. Bad news: they are back ordered. Good news: this thing is like an iPod but for shoes instead of mp3s.

excitemuch!!! HILLS HAVE EYES II (In theaters this spring!)

It was at the Children of Men ten minute preview nightmare that my dark and tortured appetite for cinematic bloodlust was finally piqued... On the screen before me, the desert. From camera left, a hunched form, dressed in drab military garb, slowly dragging what appeared to be a body behind him, tied to his ankle with frayed rope..

deep down inside. i knew.

when the second figure appeared in a similar fashion, i feared that it would be another war movie.. something along the lines of (what was that jake gyllenhaall film...? oh.. yeah...) Jarhead or Three Kings...

BUT NO.

to my complete delight and satisfaction of intuition... It was what I hoped it would be... the trailer for:
THE HILLS HAVE EYES II

when it flashed on the screen, I released an audible "yesh!" and pumped my fist in the air...

I never said I wasn't a nerd.
got gore?

What's in my oven tonight? Gorganzola Ravioli w/ Vodka Tomato sauce and Prosciutto Ribbons 01.22.07

word.
This is one recipe I'm not posting for your bitch asses. The pasta is from Trader Joes, the Vodka Tomato sauce is a well guarded secret.

we covet what we see everyday...

the AQUARIUM @ the Black Cat 01.30.07

there's just something about the aquarium...
you know that old children's tale from the sea?




on the drums it's Laura Harris!
and he's Jason Hutto!


don't miss your chance to see these two crazy kids and their psycho~sonic sounds live! at the Black Cat. It's the last great show of the month babies, don't sleep!

01.30.07
Black Cat Backstage
9:00
with The Hold Up
$6 cheap!

http://www.aquariummusic.com/
http://www.dischord.com/
http://www.blackcatdc.com/

save the date

valentines. sex worker art show tour. rock n roll hotel. details to follow.

xoxo

v/n

only naughty girls and boys kiss with their mouth open

i know its only monday, but i cant help thinking about the weekend.

what: washington social club, these united states and lets french
when: friday 1/26, black cat, black cat. $10 gets you in.
why: dance-a-holics anonymous says so

lets do this.

v/n

Hell's Bells

Let me issue a User's Warning for the coming few weeks as the "Congressional Season," as we affectionally call it at work, ramps up to a screamingly urgent tea-kettle pace. The User's Warning is for moi, Ms. Becton. Even though I love a fast and furious day at work, they will all be fast and furious until, oh, about April. So, well intentioned as I may be to meet everyone out in the eveings, there will be more nights than usual that I just shutdown and crash unpredictably. I send you my best, I love you all, don't take it personally, and you can always try to call and rally me.

Yeah, and e-mail w/ me is/will continue to be spotty. I hate to say it, but txt is the best way to reach me if you don't e-mail me at work.

I should be back in the evening game in a week or two once I get back into the swing of actually working again all day at work. (Case in point, I don't think that's a sentence.)

DUST GALAXY @ 9:30 Club: 02.08.07

I know I'm gettin in to Febuary territory here.. but you this is a show you don't want to miss...

check out the celestial sounds of DUST GALAXY
w/ revival, georgie james and childe ballad

9:30 Club
Thursday, Febuary 8
$12
http://www.930.com/
a Gypsy Eyes Records joint

http://www.dustgalaxy.com/
http://www.myspace.com/robgarzamusic

LILY ALLEN TIX ON SALE TODAY! 01.20.07

have you heard this lady yet?? if not, this 21 year old Londoner is writing/recording some of the loveliest dance melodies around. Combining punk, reggae, ska influences into head boppin sugary hits that are so deliciously catchy, you might even find your hardcore boyfriend singing her songs in the shower.

http://www.lilyallenmusic.com/

PERFORMING LIVE AT THE 9:30 CLUB
FEBRUARY 16, 2007
$15

http://www.930.com/

TONIGHT! the dreggs

the dreggs.
the film.
soft.

when: tonight, saturday 1/20 10pmesque
where: dc9
csot: $8

ACK! competing funhouse events!

safe & sound. 01.20.07

uuuugh! ya'lls were lucky that I didn't endanger your sweet and tender selves last night. The Benjy Ferree show was great and it seemed as if everyone I know in the city was out. Go team dc! The bad part was that I started drinkin what I wanted (beam and coke) rather than what I should have been drinking (water) and by the time we finally got kicked out, all I could think about was getting home to my sweet, sweet pillow...

Thankfully, I had the mental fortitude to pour myself into a cab, which was by all accounts, probably one of the best cab rides I ever had that didn't involve screaming in the back seat with my girls or a hot make out session. The cab driver had my favorite am radio program on ... yes, I DID mention it earlier this week... Coast to Coast AM630... after we got back to my place, I sat in the car and talked about ghost stories for about 20 minutes with one of the nicest cabbies in dc. and he didn't try to jack me with another zone charge!!

and yes, virginia, there IS a santa claus!


oh...
and yes, I'll say it...love the ALF laugh. ha!

TONIGHT! NICK ZINNER DJ Set at RNR HOTEL: 01.20.07

tonite! get yer dance on!
Garutachi presents:
Nick Zinner(YYY's) spinning his lovely heart out for all to enjoy.

w/Dj Ca$$idy & Figo

18+
Free B4 10pm
$10 after

Rock n Roll Hotel
1353 H St. NE


http://www.rockandrollhoteldc.com/portal/

TONIGHT! 01.18.07! COSMO LOUNGE

just a reminder that DJ Neville C will be hookin it up at the Cosmo Lounge, Samba Style.

see post below!

henry rollins

outside national geographic. RIGHT. NOW! hello silver fox. here's my number. lets go make out.

ICE SKATING A GO! 01.27.07

AT LONG LAST! EVITATIONS FOR THE MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENT OF THE YEAR (thus far) HAVE BEEN SENT!

That's right!!!
Ice Skating at the NGA.

Who needs real snow when you have artificially maintained concrete with a 3" sheet of chemically altered h20 on the surface???

not me!

After the skate, join us at the Bohemian Caverns at 8 or 10 (don't worry, we'll be there....) for jazz pianist Frank Ansallam and cocktails.

http://www.bohemiancaverns.com/index2.html

LOCAL BOYS DONE GOOD. Benjy. Laris. Nick. in today's Washington Post 01.17.07

Ok, I know the Benjy show is mentioned on here already. But, DUDES! look around. We are SURROUNDED by local talent.

The Benjy Ferree show is the Editor's Pick in the Washington Post City Guide this week. Here's an excerpt from today's review that just happens to mention local boys, Laris Kreslins (Box Theory Records & Arthur Mag) and Nick P (Planaria Recordings)...

""Leaving the Nest," which was released jointly by Washington's Planaria Recordings and Philadelphia's Box Theory Records in October, is a tight, hook-filled collection with six songs in less than a half-hour. Based around ringing acoustic guitar chords and Ferree's weathered, blues-soaked vocals, the CD contains a blend of singalongs that fall between the Beatles and Kinks and the spare harmonies of Iron & Wine, with plenty of folksy touches: A lyrical fiddle melody provides the basis of album-opener "The Desert," while Ferree provides Dylanesque harmonica and even two whistling solos. (You can listen to a streaming version of the record on www.boxtheoryrecords.com.)...."

Read the full review at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=cityguide/profile&id=1096119&categories=Music%20Events&venueid=795685

and then CHECK OUT THE SHOW!
FRIDAY. 01.19.07 BLACK CAT!

hand claps, gentlemen.

the school for lovers

The School for Lovers

A Generation O performance of Mozart's Così fan tutte

Friday, February 9, 2007 7:30 p.m.

Washington National Opera Studio - Takoma Park

All tickets $20!

General Admission Seating

Pre-performance discussion begins at 6:30 p.m.

Theater opens to the general public at 7:00 p.m

New Music Wednesday.

OK. So I was recently given what could be an amazing event at the Smithsonian to coordinate. If you haven't heard of Montreal Underground, or MUTEK Festival, proceed immediately to their website, do not pass go, and browse the dizzying list of sonic artists (some, not all, with music clips included...) If you have, perhaps you can share with the rest of us how those crazy Francophones got hooked in to so much great music and sonic art. (Nôze, for example...)

Anyhoo, the Smithsonian Young Benefactors is bringing at least 3 DJs from the Festival on Saturday, February 24. So between now and then I suggest you listen up on your progressive electronica, and get your ass to the Smithsonian or the MUTEK Festival, May 31-June 3.

*Beware - Montreal Underground is going to be a very different animal in the hands of the Young Benefactors, who purportedly exist to give us money but more often drink their faces off at our events and find exhibits behind which to make out with each other. More details as I have them...

ps - i heart prima neema.

because sometimes "the dreggs" are the best part

dregs:
1 : sediment contained in a liquid or precipitated from it
2 : the most undesirable part
3 : the last remaining part

the dreggs:
1 : local indie rock trio
2 : DC9 saturday, 1/20
3 : $8

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=127366531

v/n

HEART.

I HEART MARY HELLYEAH.

What's in my Oven Tonight? Roast Chicken for Two with Lemon and Rosemary: 01.15.07

I swear! This will be my last post tonight before I go grab a beer at Temperance...


Roast Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary/Roast Root Vegetables and Southern Comfort Pan Apple Gravy



Chicken
2 T minced fresh rosemary
2 T extra-virgin olive oil
1 T dijon mustard
1 T honey
5 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 3 1/2 pound whole roasting chicken
1 lemon, quartered

Southern Comfort Pan Apple Gravy
1 C organic low-salt chicken broth
2 T Southern Comfort
1 Granny Smith Apple, peeled, cored, chopped
1 small onion
1 carrot, peeled, chopped
2 T butter, unsalted
1 t all purpose flour
1 T cream

Root Veg
1/4 lb Brussel Sprouts, washed, ends removed and quartered
3 parsnips, peeled, chopped
1 med yukon gold potato, peeled, chopped
3 carrots, peeled chopped
1 t rosemary, minced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 T olive oil


Preheat oven to 450°F. Mix first 6 ingredients in bowl. Rinse chicken, remove neck and giblets (set aside); pat dry. Place chicken in roasting pan. Rub all but 1 tablespoon garlic-thyme oil over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place lemon in cavity of chicken. Tie legs with string.

Toss all vegetables in olive oil, rosemary and garlic, set aside.

Roast chicken 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and loosely tent chicken in aluminum foil. Add vegetables to pan about 30 minutes into roasting the chicken. Roast chicken until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of inner thigh registers 180°F, about 1 hour. Lift chicken and tilt slightly, emptying juices from cavity into pan. Transfer chicken to serving platter. Tent chicken with aluminum foil to keep warm.

In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and saute onion, carrot and apple until slightly browned. Add chicken neck, giblets and saute for an additional 5 minutes or until chicken pieces are browned. Add chicken broth and Southern Comfort and bring to a boil. Add roast chicken pan juices into gravy liquid and reduce to simmer for about an hour or until liquid has reduced to 1 cup. Strain liquid into measuring cup, removing apples, onions, etc. In same pan, melt butter and mix flour into reserved 1 tablespoon garlic-thyme oil. Whisk into broth mixture and bring to a boil. Add cream and stir until desired thickness. season with salt and pepper.

Makes 2 servings.

VOLVER @ E St. Cinema

I remember the first time I heard of Pedro Almodovar. It was from my friend Penny, who has impeccable taste in, well, everything. She was describing the movie "Talk To Her" and the scene in which one of the characters climbs into a woman who's been in a coma...you know the scene. The film was as delightfully touching as it was melancholy and immediately after watching it, I decided I was in love. Amongst some of my favorites: Dark Habits, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down, What Have I Done to Deserve This, Bad Education and All About My Mother.

Check out Pedro's new film: VOLVER, now playing at the E St. Cinema.
A little birdie told me that it's amazing...

showtimes:

http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/WashingtonDC/WashingtonDC_Frameset.htm

official Almodovar site:

http://www.clubcultura.com/clubcine/clubcineastas/almodovar/eng/homeeng.htm

Spontaneous Human Combustion and more! Tonight & Every Night: AM630

Coast to Coast has been a cherished addiction of mine for nearly twelve years. I've been known to sit bolt upright in bed at ungodly hours, just to hear a good ghost story...

Join weeknight host George Noory and weekender Art Bell for a nightly conversation about UFO's, strange occurrences, life after death, and other unexplained (and often inexplicable) phenomena!

Coast to Coast AM airs seven nights a week from 1am to 5am on 630 WMAL.

Tonight:
01.15.07
George Noory hosts.
Lecturer and expert dowser Raymon Grace will discuss his process for cleansing spaces & individuals of negative entities.


http://www.coasttocoastam.com/

DON'T SLEEP! MASTODON & CONVERGE: 02.17.07

I know it's a tad early to post this, but these tix are gonna go fast...

MASTODON & CONVERGE
at the 9:30.
You'd be insane to miss this show.


more info:

http://www.mastodonrocks.com/

http://www.convergecult.com/

http://www.930.com/

belly dancers? yes please!

u street caravan performance

when: wednesday 1/17, 7-9pm.

u street will perform a 15 minute set at 8pm.

where: american university, the tavern at the mary graydon center

why: because who doesnt love half-naked bellydancers?

xoxo, the undulatrix

Curse of the Golden Flower (Reviews Anyone?)

yo! Has anyone seen this yet? I'm looking for reviews of this movie.. no spoilers though!

Our Boy's All Grown Up. 01.25.07

Remember when Paul Michel was just a baby, selling us clothes at Urban Outfitters in G'town and serving us alcohol tirelessly from behind the bars of Saint Ex? Well, he's a big boy now, playing the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage next Thursday, January 25th at 6pm.

Valentine's day arrives early: Ana Moura 01.24.07

Gotta plug the ole place of work... But with good reason. I have visions of Valentine's Day coming early this year as everyone in attendance at next Wednesday's concert, under the influence of Moura's inspiring, soulful voice, involuntarily inches a little close to their concert-going partner. Heads start to lean toward each other and shoes come off... It would be a beautiful thing. Backed by a trio of guitars, Moura emits the emotional strains of Fado's greatest hits.

I can pull a few comps for those interested, first come, first served!

Ana Moura, January 24, 7:30pm, Natural History Museum

Danceumacation

Yup. That means you, ass-shakers. (As differentiated from assburgers...) We have reached a quorum and none of it involves spandex... unlessss you really want it to. By all means.

Sundays

5-6pm Salsa/Mambo at DC Dance Collective, Friendship Heights, $15

5:30-6:30pm Hip Hop Beginning 1, Joy of Motion, Dupont Circle, $14

Text / e-mail me during the week if you want to go - I'll call for reinforcements!
202 669-4372

Violet in my Winter 01.18-21.07

On the local front: Meisha Bosma swept the Metro DC Dance Awards in 2005 taking home Outstanding New Work, Best Emerging Choreographer, and Outstanding Individual Performance. Rumor has it this may be her best work yet:

Violet in My Winter
Thursday-Sunday Jan 18-21

It's multi-media, theatrical modern dance, and she's one of the most inventive choreographic minds in the DC area. I believe it's free, although you may want to confirm that...

Based on the life of Emily Dickinson.

Full details at Flashpoint or Bosmadance.

the Mary Hellyeah After Party/ Benjy Ferree at the Cat: 01.19.07

Those of you lucky enough to know MH (and I assume that is everyone reading this), should be in attendance at St. Ex on Friday, January 19, for a B.I.G. bday cele. Now, I understand that there are work and life schedules to accommodate and so, for you, dear friends, we've decided to keep the party going...

where? Why, at the Black Cat, of course! To hear the sweet vocal stylings of one Mr. Benjy Ferree. Playing with Meredith Bragg and the Terminals and Greenland.

Only $10 cheap!

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Running until January 28th.
In my opinion, this Edward Albee play, made infamous by Richard Burton and Liz Taylor's gripping performances on the silver screen, is a MUST SEE.

All of the weekend shows are sold out (it pays to be "friend of the Kennedy Center", kids!) but there are still reasonably priced seats should you want to catch a 7:30 pm show in the next two weeks.

http://www.kennedy-center.org

Black Salt ( A Review)

holy.fuck.batman!

I almost completely forgot! Tonight is the last night of Restaurant Night DC(January 8th-14, 2007) and after attempting to make reso's for Sushi Ko on Thursday night for Friday dinner, my friend and dinner partner suggested Black Salt in the Palisades. For those of you without a vehicle, might I suggest Zipcar? No, seriously.. it was THAT good.

After walking through the front of the house past the Fish Market, we decided to take seats at the bar and enjoy the views of the open kitchen and the accommodating service of our friendly bartendstress, Cory.

We started off with a Rockfish Carpaccio, thinly sliced and served with micro basil, crispy onions and a aged balsamic. absolute heaven! Another personal favorite was the Conch Croquette served with a spicy aioli. If.. no, no, WHEN you go to Black Salt, these two items should qualify as a "must order."

Other items came and were eaten as quickly as they were set in front of us. Baby Octopus with a garlic, tomato sauce, Salmon Pierogi with Creme Fraiche and Brussel Sprouts were all prepared to perfection. We were also treated to some house specialties from our homeboy Chris in the kitchen. A breaded Squid Ink Risotto Cake and Bay Scallop dish with mushrooms and Quinoa were presented just as we thought we couldn't eat any more.

and of course dessert.. Now, I'm not a big dessert person, but the pastry chef, Susan Wallace, makes a mean chocolate cheesecake. I'm just sayin'..

Black Salt
4883 Macarthur Blvd
Washington, DC 20007
202.342.9400
http://www.blacksaltrestaurant.com/

Que Viva La Musica! Noise Academy: 01.18.07

THIS THURSDAY!
Join my friend and yours, DJ Neville C at Cosmo Lounge for another exciting evening at Noise Academy!

Whrrr? 1725 Columbia Rd.

Who dat? DJ Neville Chamberlain

Whut Whut? In honor of his DJ partner- DJ Doublestuff (currently
driving through Oaxaca) Neville will be breaking out
some of the funkiest, swingingest, and mas sabrosoest
records in his massive record collection (and it is
massive all the girls say). Salsa, montuno, cumbia,
peruvian psychedelia and more.

10P til....

Ice Skating at NGA... no longer hush hush!

'tis true! The fabulous Ms. Hale and I (along with some of our nearest and dearest co-pilots) will be releasing the details of our ice skating for all in the very near future..


more to come!

Reason Magazine Happy Hour: 01.16.07

Come celebrate the new February issue and drink to "the long-awaited, much-anticipated return of gridlock," "the convoluted politics of zombie cinema," and more with the Reason DC staff and special guest stars Jacob Sullum of Reason, Alex Pareene of Wonkette, Bill Wyman of NPR, and Megan McArdle of The Economist.

When? Tues. January 16, 2007
Where? Upstairs bar at Dragonfly
1215 Connecticut Avenue, NW
6.30pm

show yer support!

http://reason.com/

What's in my oven tonight? 01.14.07

Berry and Pear Tart with Walnut Streusel Crust

Serves 10-12

Streusel

1 c flour

1/2 c wheat germ

3/4 c sugar

1 t nutmeg

1/4 t salt

3/4 c unsalted butter (or butter substitute for vegan recipe), room temp and cut into 1" pieces

1 c chopped walnuts

Filling

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c unsalted butter, room temp

2 t lemon zest

juice from one lemon, seeds removed

1 t vanilla extract (or seeds from 2 vanilla beans)

1/4 t salt

1/2 c dried blueberries

1/2 c dried cranberries

1/2 c dried cherries or figs

4 lbs Bosc or Anjou pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1 " cubes.

For Streusel:

Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until pea sized clumps form. Mix in walnuts. Cover and chill.

For Filling:

Add first six ingredients into medium skillet ( I like my 12" cast iron...no jokes, prof. griff!) Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a slight boil. Add dried berries and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.

Preheat oven to 375. Butter 13x9x2 baking dish. Toss pears and berry mixture in a large bowl and add to baking dish. Sprinkle streusel mixture over. Bake until golden (about 1 hour); cool. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice or rice cream!

David Lynch @ the Roundhouse Theater: 01.13.07

Ahhhh, an evening with David Lynch...



Jana and I spent Saturday evening with the man (and about 498 other Lynch enthusiasts) at the Roundhouse Theater in Bethesda. There was a lively question and answer session followed by a book signing. Check out his new read: Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness and Creativity.

also! check out his latest film "Inland Empire" now showing at AFI Cultural Theater: http://www.afi.com/silver/new/

http://www.davidlynch.com/

the Dwarves @ the Ottobar 01.26.07

Yes, ladies and germs, the Dwarves are back with a vengance, live at the Ottobar...$10 cheap!

Friday, January 26 @ Ottobar
Doors @ 8

Show @ 8:45

Turbo AC's

Ramrod

Tenwatch Doors

The Dwarves

b thrrr.

Ottobar http://www.theottobar.com/index.cfm?action=events

advance tix: http://www.missiontix.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=5302