In a second lab across the hall, an 80’s-era mod-punk-garage band rocker geneticist does the same with DNA from Iggy Pop, Lenny Kaye (of Nuggests fame), and a sampling of early Kinks DNA.

Curious, and for the sake of science, the scientists mix the content of the two test tubes to see what results. 

When the kid grows up, you might have the sound of Sikamor Rooney, an up and coming band out of the East Village.

Sikamor Rooney’s upbeat sound is an eclectic blend of musical styles and genres that seems to be influenced by a wide range of bands from the past 40 years, but it works. And it’s fun.

They’ve been called “street wise folk rock” and “rapid-fire country punk”, yet to me, they’ve captured the pure retro garage folksy pre- punk Big Apple invasion sound.

Sikamor Rooney is comprised of guitarist and vocalist Bradley York, bassist Anthony Chick, 26, both Big Apple natives, and drummer and vocalist Jeff Plate, from Jersey.

Their first CD is scheduled to release next year.

They will be playing with Rockville’s own Redline Addiction, classic rockers The Lonely H and hip-hop funk from The Fif.

Sikamor Rooney
DC9 Nightclub
1940 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001   (map it)

Dates and Times – Tuesday, June, 24, 2008 – The club open at 7:00 p.m., second floor music venue opens at 8:30 p.m. Show starts at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets – $8.00 — 21+ to enter.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – U Street -Green line, then a 4-block walk.

Parking – Metered street parking and area garage parking is available.

Images – courtesy of Sikamor Rooney 

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Post from: The DC Traveler

At The Birchmere, check out:

• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays 100 years of Cab Calloway. Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:30 – $35.00
• Smooth jazz singer Michael Franks with Genevieve. Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 - $45.00
• For something different, Trixie Little will be staring in Dial ‘P’ for Pasties, an original burlesque who-dun-it that combines striptease, acrobatics and some naughty fun.  Trixie will be coming from her recent competition in Las Vegas at the Grand Prix of Burlesque. Sunday, June 22 at 7:30 – $20.00

Etta James and The Roots Band brings her sultry blues and R&B voice and her classic hit “At Last”. Sunday June 29, 7:30 – $105.00

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

The State Theatre’s line up in Falls Church includes:

• The intense acoustic guitarist and singer Monte Montgomery. Sunday, June 8, 8:00 – $15.00
• Former Allman Brothers guitarist Dicky Betts & Great Southern brings his southern rock sound including hits such as “Ramblin Man”, and “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed”. Sunday, June 15, 8:00 – $30.00

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300 (map it) 

At Blues Alley:

• Pianist David Benoit delivers his five-time Grammy nominated smooth jazz sound to the intimate Blues Alley. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 27-29, 8:00 and 10:00 – $32.50

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007 (map it)

9:30 Club is hosing some fun:

• For people who can’t sing or even lip sync, it’s the 2008 Air Guitar Championships, the last hurdle before the finals in San Francisco. Expect some performers to be so lane, that they’re laughable.  Wednesday, June 14, 7:30, $15.00

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-393-0930

At the Black Cat on 14th Street:

Mission of Burma brings it rebellious post-punk energy that influenced many bands to come. Saturday, June 28 at 9:00 – $15

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-667-7960

Live at the Ram’s Head in suburban Annapolis, MD catch:

• The soft jazz of Acoustic Alchemy. Friday June 13 at 6:30. $29.50
• The sexy sax of David Sanborn. Friday June 20 6:30 and 9:30. $50.00
• The Neville Brothers as they bring their jazzy New Orleans R&B sound led by Aaron Neville singing hits like Everybody Plays the Fool and Tell It Like It Is. Monday, June 30 7:00 – $75.00

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-268-4545

At the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, VA, after a shaky start with rain canceling the season’s first show, it looks like they are Riding the Storm Out.

• With four consecutive Grammy for “Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, 1980-83, Pat Benatar was an early 80s vocal powerhouse.  I wonder…Is love still a battlefield? Sunday, June 22, gates open at 5:00. $17.00 and $30.00
• REO Speedwagon was another big late 1970s-early 80s hit maker, with hard driving music and power ballads. Saturday, June 28, gates open at 5:00. $17.00 and $35.00

Belmont Country Club
19661 Belmont Manor Lane
Ashburn, VA 20147  (map it)
703-726-8867

Images – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dickey Betts, Acoustic Alchemy

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The question remaining, is who will step up to the mic and blow the audience away? 

Regardless who ultimately wins, after the competition ends, you can still see your favorite American Idol singers live and in person.  The show’s top 10 singers will embark on a 49 city, 75 day U.S American Idols Live tour, that includes a stop in Washington, DC.

Luckily for the singers, host Ryan Seacrest, and judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell won’t be joining the tour, so the pressure should be off the contestants.

For all the American Idol news and gossip, check out another b5media blog, Idol Stalker.

American Idols Live – Tour 2008
Verizon Center
601 F Street, NW, (between 6th and 7th NE)
Washington, DC 20004 (map it)

Dates and Times – Thursday, August 14, 2008, – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets – $42.50, 54.50 and $68.50 and are available online.

Nearest Metro subway station - Gallery Place / Chinatown (the station is part of the Verizon Center) – Red, Yellow and Green lines.

Parking – Limited metered street parking is available in the area, along with paid lots and garages close by.

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The word tattoo, when it’s used to describe the concert, is different from inking an image of a fire-breathing dragon or some cool zodiac symbol on your arm. A tattoo is a drummer’s or bugler’s signal to call soldiers or sailors to their quarters at night, or a military exercise presented as entertainment.

The 90-minute tattoo features over 100 soldiers, dressed in different era uniforms, who take the audience through America’s history from the point of view of American soldiers.  The story starts with George Washington’s revolutionary Continental Army and ends with the U.S. fighting soldier of the future.

So grab a seat on the bleachers or bring a blanket to sit on the lawn.

Twilight Tattoo
Fort McNair
4th Street and P St. off Maine Ave. SW, use the second gate at P Street 
Washington, DC (map it)
202-685-2888

Dates and Times – Every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.  May 7 – July 2, 2008

Admission – FREE, no tickets needed.  No food or drinks are allowed, but will be available for sale.  Vehicles may be searched at the entrance gate by base MPs. 

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Waterfront – Green line, then a 3-block walk.

Parking – Free parking.

Images – Revolutionary war – public domain, modern soldier – public domain – DOD/USAF/Stacy L. Pearsall 2007 – Baqubah Search, Iraq, Army Band,  Fife & Drum

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Post from: The DC Traveler

In May, there’s lots of great music in and around Washington, DC,  including the first shows at Wolftrap and lots of classic bands. So lets take the highlight tour.

At the Birchmere this month, a couple great guitarists, a killer mandolin player and a smooth piano player.

• Smooth jazz guitarist, Norman Brown. Sunday May 4, 2008  at 7:30 -$45.00
• Another guitarist, this one acoustic, Leo Kottke, brings his unconventional folksy 6 and 12-string slide guitar picking sound. Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 – $35.00

• Sultry sounding jazz pianist, Alex Bugnon – Saturday May 24, 7:30 - $29.50
• Bluegrass mandolin player David Grisman – Sunday May 25, 7:30 - $37.50

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

At the State Theatre, it’s some great 80s and 90s sounds.

• On of DC’s favorite 1980s retro tribute bands, The Legwarmers, cover bands metal to pop, Brian Adams to the Go-Gos.  Friday and Saturday, May 16 & 17, 7:00 – $16.00
• The Gin Blossoms bring their big hits from the 1990s such as “Hey Jealousy”, “Found Out About You” and “Till I hear from You” to The Birchmere.  Thursday, May 22, 7:00 – $26.00

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300 (map it) 

At Georgetown’s Blues Alley, a pop jazz great, and a band I loved in college and still enjoy today. 

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20007 (map it)

• In 1965, trumpeter Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass released two albums that swept America, Whipped Cream (and other delights) and Going Places. Both records became instant hits.  The cover of Whipped Cream, showing a female model dressed only in whipped cream was considered racy and quickly became a mid-1960s classic album cover. It also spurned a bunch of copycat album covers.  “Spanish Flea” and “Tijuana Taxi” are tunes just about everyone can hum. And one his tunes became the theme song for the Dating Game.  He’s performing with Bossa Nova singer, Lani Hall. Monday and Tuesday, May 12 & 13, 8:00 – $50.00
• The dynamic jazz-fusion of Yellowjackets – Thursday through Sunday, May 29 – June 1, two shows nightly, 8:00 & 10:00 – $32.50

MORE —>

9:30 Club in DC is hosing a very unique and politically active artist, Serj Tankian.

• System of a Down singer and guitarist, and co-founder of musical artist-based political activist organization, Axis of Justice, Serj Tankian brings his unconventional and unique sound of his latest CD, Elect the Dead. Thursday, May 15, 7:30, $25.00

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-393-0930

Along with nightly up and coming bands, the Black Cat brings back an experimental psychedelic band from the late 1960s. Who knew they were still playing?

• Not sure if you’ll ask your kids to go with you, or your kids will want to invite you to join them, but The Electric Prunes are back.  I Had Too Much to Dream and Get Me to the World on Time were their biggest hits in 1966. Too Much was later covered by the punk band The Damned almost 20 years late.  A couple of the Prune’s tunes ended up on the soundtrack of the classic film, Easy Rider.

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-667-7960

The Ram’s Head in Annapolis brings a powerhouse, a fun singer and a forgotten member of the Beetles.

• Rock powerhouse Wishbone Ash inspired the aggressive sounds of band that would come years later, such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. And was a staple of my high school record collection, with other bands like Uriah Heep, King Crimson and Deep Purple. Check out this 1973 clip of the band playing one of their classics, Blowin’ Free. Monday, May 5, 7:00 – $23.50
• Singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard had a breakthrough when she was featured weekly performances on the hit television series Ally McBeal. Wednesday, May 7 – 7:00 & 9:30 – $35.00
• If you’re a Beatles fan, the band’s original drummer, Pete Best, was replaced in 1962 by Ringo Starr just a couple weeks before the band’s first recording session. For a few years he tried to recapture the magic of a new band, but failed. He worked as a government worker for over 20 years before deciding to get back into music.  He then formed The Pete Best Band and plays the classic early 1960s Liverpool sound. Thursday, May 29, 8:00 – $23.50

If you’re a Beatle’s fan, check out The Beatle Invasion, another great b5media blog.

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-268-4545

And finally, the outdoor season opens at Wolftrap at the end of the month.

• The fast-footed Celtic dancers of Riverdance start things off with a bang. Thursday – Sunday, May 29 – June 1, Lawn – $20.00, Reserved seats – $40.00-$65.00 – 8:00, plus 2:00 shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182 (map it)

Images – Gin Blossoms, Leo Kottke, The Electric Prunes, 

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Post from: The DC Traveler

A few of the highlights include performances by The Duke Ellington Orchestra, a special tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and its “Tribute to Quincy Jones”.

Check the Big Band JAM schedule for performance information.

Venues include:

• Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• Sylvan Theater at the Washington Monument
• Voice of America Stage (Auditorium)
• Smithsonian Institution
• Grace Episcopal Church
• Blues Alley at 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Dates – April 18-27, 2008

Tickets – Many concerts are free, some will have a cover charge.  Advanced reservations may also be required for both free and paid concerts.  Check the schedule and policy for each performance.

Images – Flickr – trumpet, sax player, Army band,   

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Post from: The DC Traveler

At the Birchmere, in suburban Arlington, VA, there’s jazz, country, a 1960s folk icon and a bit of comedy:

• Smooth jazz saxophonist Candy Dulfer brings her cool sounds to the Birch – Thursday, April 3, 2008 – $39.50    
• Flamenco guitarist Otmar Leibert will play solo and host a conversation with the audience – Sunday, April 6 – $29.50
• Country music legend Roy Clark – Sunday  April 20 – 45.00
• Jazz from The Rippingtons with Russ Freeman on Wednesday, April 23-  $39.50
• 1960s era folk music icon Judy Collins – Friday. April. 25 – $49.50
• The always funny comedy of Paula Poundstone – Saturday, April 26 – $39.50

Judy Collins – “Both Sides Now“

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

Over at the The State Theatre in Falls Church check out the classic reggae and a Led Zeppelin tribute band:

• Don’t let the “Pressure Drop” on your “Punky Reggae Party” with Toots and The Maytals – Thursday April 17 – $26.00
• The all-girl tribute band, Lez Zeppelin – Friday, April 18, 2008 – $16.00

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300 (map it) 

At Blues Alley in Georgetown:

• The classic big band sounds of The Duke Ellington Orchestra – 2 shows nightly, Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20 – $37.75    

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20007 (map it)

9:30 Club is hosing some fun and unique sounds, including:

• The BoDeans – Wednesday, April 2 – $25.00 
• “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” Joe Jackson – Thursday, April 10 -$40.00

BoDeans – “She’s a Runaway”

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-393-0930

At the Black Cat in DC’s U Street district:

• Chicago alternative rock band Urge Overkill. Their remake of the Neil Diamond’s hit “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” was featured in the hit movie Pulp Fiction – Sunday, April 27, $15.00

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-667-7960

A couple sets of brothers, plus more are playing at the Ram’s Head in Annapolis, MD:

• Alan Parsons Live Project, Tuesday, April 1 (two shows) – $79.50

Alan Parsons Project – Time Machine

• The folksy sound of The Bacon Brothers  (yes, actor Kevin and his brother Michael), Saturday, April 5 (three shows, including a 2 p.m. all ages show) – $49.50
• 1960s flashback counterculture comedy and folk duo, The Smothers Brothers, Monday, April 14 – Wednesday April 16 – $79.50 (retro is getting expensive)
• A personal favorite, virtuoso rumba flamenca guitarist Jesse Cook, Sunday, April 20 – $33.50

Jessie Cook – “Rattle and Burn”

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-268-4545

Images – Flickr – Paula Poundstone – mjkmjk, Candy Dulfer – bartjanvanvugt, Bacon Brothers – Steve Lacey

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The “Ambassadors of Goodwill“® have been entertaining basketball fans for 82 years. 

The Harlem Globetrotters
Verizon Center
601 F Street, NW, between 6th and 7th Streets, NE
Washington, DC 20004 (map it)

Patriot Center
George Mason University
4500 Patriot Circle
Fairfax, VA 22030  (map it)

Date and Time - Saturday, 2008, 1:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Tickets – Verizon Center – $17.00 $140.00, Patriot Center – $20.50 – $123.50 and are available online through Ticketmaster.

Nearest Metro subway station – Gallery Place / Chinatown (the Metro station is part of the Verizon Center) – Red, Yellow and Green lines or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – limited street parking in the area, but various paid lots and garages are within a short walk.

Images – Flickr – team, Special K, Just Resting

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Post from: The DC Traveler

It’s the 5th Annual Congressional Blues Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.  And the lottery for FREE tickets starts tomorrow morning.

This year’s free concert includes performances by:

• The Robert Cray Band,
• Elvin Bishop – “Fooled Around and Fell In Love”,
• Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion,
• Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, and more.

5th Annual Congressional Blues Festival
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – South Plaza
2700 F Street, NW
Washington DC. 20566 (map it)

Date and Time – Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Tickets - The performances are free, but tickets are required. Obtain tickets through an online lottery system starting Monday, March 10th at 8:00 a.m. Tickets include complementary food and drinks as well, complements of the U.S. Congress. 

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom/George Washington University station (23rd and I St.) – Blue and Orange lines, then a 3-block walk.

There is also a free Kennedy Center shuttle bus that available daily every 15 minutes on Monday – Friday from 9:45 a.m. until Midnight, Saturdays 10:00 a.m. until Midnight, and from Noon until Midnight on Sundays.

Parking - limited parking is available at the Kennedy Center for $16.00. Area garages and street parking is also available.

Images – Flickr – guitar, Robert Cray, Elvin Bishop
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Post from: The DC Traveler

At the State Theatre in suburban Fall Church, Virginia:

• Johnny Winter and his “Rock N Roll…Hoochi Coo” sound.  Saturday, March 22, 2008.
• Pat Metheny Trio, with Christian McBride & Antonio Sanchez – It’s unlikely that he’ll bring his 38 string Pikasso custom guitar, but 6 stings is enough to make his unique jazz sound. Friday, March 14.
   

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300

At the Birchmere, in Arlington:

• The Robert Cray Band  – Robert Cray is one of my favorites “she broke my heart, I messed up, but I still love you, please take me back baby” rockin’ blues singers. I first saw Robert Cray in Austin in 1986 immediately after he released Strong Persuader, a CD that catapulted him to mainstream music.  He puts on a great show. Tuesday, March 4.

Robert Cray Band – Right Next Door

• Robin Trower – Rock guitarist Robin Trower started his career with Procol Harum in 1967. After he left the band, his album Bridge of Sighs became an huge hit. Saturday, March 9.
• Cut the Cake with The Average White Band – Thursday & Friday, March 14 & 15.
• Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy has influenced  guitarists from Jimmy Hendrix to Eric Clapton. Wednesday & Thursday, March 26 & 27

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

At Blues Alley in Georgetown:

• Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan brings his two-handed string tapping to play melody and chords simultaneously in a solo show.  Thursday through Sunday, March 6-9, two shows nightly.

Stanley Jordan – Eleanor Rigby

• Argentine jazz tenor saxophonist Gato Barbeie had one of the most popular jazz CD ever released, the 1976 album, Caliente. It included the romantic cover of Carlos Santana’s Europa. Friday – Sunday, March 214-16, two shows nightly.

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

9:30 Club is hosing some fun and unique sounds, including:

• The Hives with the Donnas – From Sweden, probably the best dressed garage band in history. Dressed in black and white suits, they are touring to promote their latest CD, The Black and White Album, with about half of the tunes shifting from their garage band roots into a more experimental sound.  Saturday, March 8 – UPDATE – THIS SHOW IS NOW SOLD OUT.

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC
202-393-0930

At the Black Cat on 14th Street:

• The Cribs – The 3-piece indie post-punk band from England recently backed-up the Sex Pistols at their November comeback concerts. Wednesday, March 19.
• If you were to blend the 1960s  Philly sound of The Ronnettes with rock pioneer Buddy Holly, and then add a dose of The Velvet Underground, you might come up with the two-part harmonies and driving beats of The Raveonettes. Also joining them will be Black Acid and Glasvegas, Saturday, March 29.

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 
202-667-7960And finally, at the Ram’s Head Tavern in Annapolis, check out some of the more eclectic range of performers.

• Dave Mason – Legendary rocker Dave Mason, grew up in the influential band Traffic, with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood.  His big hit, “Feelin’ Alright” became a rock anthem, made popular by Joe Cocker, among others. Here’s one of my fav Mason tunes. Monday & Tuesday, March 3-4.

• Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes -
  the Jukes set sound for a bunch of later Jersey shore soul and R&B bands. Friday, March 7.
• Davy Jones – Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees!!  Davy Jones was the British lead singer of The Monkees, (probably the the first TV-created band).  Along with Peter, Mike and Mickey, he became a huge teen idol in the 1960s. Sunday, March 9.

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-268-4545Images – Johnny Winter,  

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Post from: The DC Traveler