Here’s an interesting FREE symposium on Monday for musical theater lovers…Where are you taking me?: What’s next in musical theater?

This free, day-long symposium with musical theater practitioners from both DC theaters (Signature Theatre, Arena Stage) and from around the country, will participate in a day long event, that lets the theater-going public the opportunity for a behind the scenes trends, strategies and challenges of creating and producing a new musical play.

The symposium includes:

• Roundtable discussions of trends, challenges and best practices in developing new American musicals – 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Performance of  over ten songs from up-and-coming musicals currently in production – 8:00 p.m.

Where are you taking me?: What’s next in musical theater?Gonda Theatre/Davis Performing Arts Center
Georgetown University
37th and O Streets, NW
Washington, D.C. (map it)

Dates and Times – Monday, November 10, 2008, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., musical performance starts at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets – FREE, but required. Contact Arena Stage at 202-488-3300.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Dupont Circle – Red line or Roslyn  -Blue and Orange line, then take the GU GUTS bus to campus (runs every 10-20 minutes) or the G2 Metrobus from the Dupont Circle Metro station.  

Parking – Metered street parking (free after 9:00 p.m.) and paid campus garage parking ($3.00/hr.) is offered at two university garages about 2 blocks from the theater, located on both Canal St. and Reservoir Rd.

Images – Flickr – performers _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

The Rippingtons with Russ Freeman
Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007 (map it)

Dates and Times – Thursday, October 30, and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2. Two shows nightly at 8:00 and 10:00.

Tickets – $45.00 and are available online.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom – Orange line, then about a mile walk or take the Circulator using the Georgetown – Union Station route.

Parking – Street parking is available but can be tough in Georgetown. There are several garages close by, including across the street from Blues Alley at The Shops at Georgetown Park. The fee for parking for over 4 hours is around $12.00.

Image – Flickr – band photo 

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Artisan breads, gourmet cheeses, high-quality produce and case after case prepared foods, desserts, and other gourmet items, make this small grocery store with a neighborhood feel seem much larger.

The well-stocked wine hall in the rear of the store, has a wine expert on staff to help you with your selection or with suggested pairings with your meal. They also offer free wine tastings (four to five wines) every Friday evening.

A large number of their prepared item are available in small quantities. From beef tenderloin to crab cakes, you can plan a gourmet meal, a romantic dinner or a casual picnic from the dozens of entrée options.

One of my favorite sections is the cheese counter, that offers a wide variety of cheeses from around the world, many that you don’t normally see at your neighborhood grocery store. 

Another personal favorite is that they offer three types of anchovies – Mediterranean, salt-packed, and my personal favorite – the white anchovy. All I need is a loaf of crusty French bread, a chuck of cheese, and a glass of wine and I’ve got the perfect dinner.

Their selection of individual pastries is huge, I counted over 20, allowing everyone to get their own decadent dessert. Their bakery’s quality allows them to easily compete with just about any classic European pastry shop.

If you love to cook, don’t miss their 400+ online recipes.  Their cookbook, The Dean & Deluca Cookbook, is also a classic and one I often reach for when cooking classic dishes at home. And at under $20, it’s well worth it.

Dean & Deluca
3276 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007 (map it)
202-342-2500

Hours - Daily – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom – Orange and Blue lines, then a 1¼ mile walk or cab ride or use the DC Georgetown Circulator which stops just a couple blocks away.

Parking – Free and metered street parking and paid lot parking is available in the area. If you park on M Street, look up and down the block for one of the green parking meters.

Images – from personal collection   © 2008 – Jon Rochetti 

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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

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

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

Now it’s  Georgetown’s turn.  The 2nd rated Hoyas won their regular season Big East crown for the second year in a row. But later lost to the U of Pittsburgh Panthers for the title.

Tonight the Hoyas play the local, 15th-ranked UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County).  The UMBC Retrievers (24-8) won its first America East championship this year.

The Retrievers’ high scoring offense may have a tough time scoring against the top ranked Hoyas’ defense.

Georgetown is favored to win by 17 points.

The game is televised on CBS this afternoon, at 2:55 p.m.

Images – Flickr – Hoyas #5 Rivers, Hoyas vs. Pitt Panthers, Dunk

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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

Yet that success hasn’t gone to Tim’s head. Asked if winning awards adds pressure to be even more innovative or if it lets him relax a bit, he stated that a chef can never relax, especially with DC becoming such a Mecca for top chefs and great new restaurants. Tim changes his menu seasonally to keep things fresh, having just introduced a Vietnamese focus for Autumn 2007, that followed seasonal menus that each highlighted China and Japan.Tim tries to focus on all-natural and sustainable ingredients, when possible, as well as using some local ingredients. Some of his favorites include rockfish and Maryland crab that he successfully blends with Asian-influenced flavorings. His spicy chili crab cakes that I’ve tried before, are some of the best in DC with added flavor that you rarely find in a traditional crab cake.He was preparing a tasting menu for some diners and offered me some of his red curry mussels that are on the list of starters. They were tender, plump and bathed in a rich and spicy coconut milk and curry broth that was creamy enough to be a soup.  The slight hint of lemongrass and just the right amount of curry heat made me want to order more. Just make sure you have extra bread on hand just for dunking in the delicious sauce. Even the New York strip steak has an Asian flair with Cashel Blue cheese, truffled mushrooms, roasted peppers and crispy tempura onions. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Tim serves up a special sushi menu with about a dozen tasty offerings. I had a chance to taste his special sushi with seared foie gras wrapped in Kobe beef carpaccio. It had fantastic flavors that emphasized the creaminess of the foie gras and the richness of the beef.Mie N Yu has an extensive wine list (over 300) and a nice list of more exotic martinis including a favorite Moroccan Delight that combines mango Vodka and liquor, with orange and white cranberry juice.Mie N Yu seats about 185 people in several rooms separated by gauzy tents filled with relaxing pillows in rooms reflecting the styles of a Turkish tent, a Moroccan bazaar and a Tibetan lounge. Seating ranges from small tables with leather stools to The Birdcage, the centerpiece table for larger groups.Mie N Yu offers wine tastings and other special events about once a month, such as a recent whisky tasting paired with select dishes.The long bar is popular (packed) on weekends, yet during the week is a great place for a relaxing drink and sampling a few of Tim’s appetizers.Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid a wait and ask for a table served by Spencer, one of DC’s most friendly waiters. It can get a bit noisy when crowded, so ask for a booth if you want a more intimate experience. Just don’t miss the curry mussels.Mie N Yu
3125 M Street, NW
Washington, D.C. (map it)
202-333-6122Dinner Entrees – $20 – $50.Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom, Blue and Orange lines, then a 7 block walk.Parking – Metered street and paid garage parking is available._________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

I must admit, that I sadly agree with her. I recall Georgetown as a cool, fun place with funky shops, eclitic nightclubs and independently-owned resturants. But many of my favorites have closed over the past 5 years and have been replaced by franchise chains. Unfortunately, it’s turned into what I call “the suburbs in the city”. Similar to a suburban shopping mall with all the typical mall stores (Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s, etc.), but with tougher parking.

While there are still some great clothing stores on Wisconsin Ave. north of M St. (Stoller Shoes for men is a favorite of mine) and some fun resturants in the area, the neighborhood has been taken over by coprorate outlets that you can find at any American mall.

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The Worst Thing About My City

Washington, D.C.: Georgetown

Some city neighborhoods start as funky, hip alternatives to the mainstream, but as rents in attractive spots go up, their magnetic qualities often disappear. Decades of high-class residents and boutiques have taken their toll on Georgetown, shutting out all but a few quirky shops in the once-independent port city that predates Washington, D.C.

Georgetown today is mostly a difficult-to-access riverfront and pricey outdoor shopping mall. Although the shops are encased in some of D.C.’s most historic architecture, the selection of stores on M Street N.W. is largely the same as you might find at home, with horrid parking to boot.

Your best bet, if you choose to go to Georgetown, is to walk through the cobbled side streets, then across the Key Bridge into Virginia, where you’ll get a stunning view of the rocky Potomac and lower D.C.

But if you seek authenticity, leave Georgetown to the tourists and dive into a nearby neighborhood like Dupont, Cleveland Park or Adams Morgan to visit one-of-a-kind shops. Or skip air conditioning altogether and pop over to Eastern Market on Capitol Hill for fresh veggies, inexpensive antiques, and hand-made cards on the weekends.

—Rachel Lianna Davis

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Photos: Georgertown street photo – Flickr, Third Edition – personal collection.

Post from: The DC Traveler