Music Roundup
There are bits and pieces of music info floating around out there that we thought you should know about, dear readers. At first we'd thought we'd try to put them together in some sort of organized manner, but then decided we were too lazy for that. So what follows? Just some tidbits about events and news that we threw together in a random fashion. Because we love you like that.
>> A couple of performances that are not-to-be-missed are taking place this week. First up, this evening we've got the Extra-Action Marching Band from San Francisco at the Warehouse Next Door. Reasons to go see them? They're, like, a billion-piece marching band; they've got a scantily-clad, energetic "flag squadron"; and they play transcendent, fun, and totally weird music that mixes everything from big-band to funk. Other local burlesque acts will be opening. 8 p.m.
On Thursday at Iota, you've got Asylum Street Spankers, Texans who play an eclectic mix of acoustic blues and early jazz. Their exceptional live performances contain everything from washboard playing to kazoos and sing-alongs. 9 p.m., $16.
Also on Thursday, former Dismemberment Plan frontman (how long until we don't need that description?) Travis Morrison returns to Fort Reno as with the Hellfighters. If the weather stays as it is, everyone will be a sweaty, disgusting mess -- just the way we like our Reno. Pagoda and Federal City Five open, and DCist will definitely be in the house praying Travis does his cover of "What's Your Fantasy". 7:15 pm, free.
>> Do you love children? Do you love indie rock? Well, first off, we'll point you to Kidz Bop. Second, we'll recommend you head to Staccato on Thursday night for another edition of Indie Rock Karaoke. Bring $5 and a CD of the song(s) you'd like to sing along to, and yell your little rock 'n roll lungs out (The Ghost of Gordon Sumner makes some recommendations for song ideas here). All donations go directly to Washington Children's Hospital Foundation. 8:30 p.m.
>> iPod Jukebox night is different this week -- first off, it's on a Thursday instead of its normal Wednesday. Take note. Secondly, they're having a contest sponsored by Zipcar. According to the Jukebox DJs, "Anyone who plays transportation-themed sets is eligible to win a prize from Zipcar. We have also picked two transport-related 'secret songs.' If you play one or both, you'll win a prize." Our choice to play? Definitely Radiohead's "Killer Cars." Thursday, 6 p.m. - 9:30. Saint-Ex.
>> And finally, on the local music front, two excellent acts have recently released CDs: Meredith Bragg and Bob Mould (whom we interviewed earlier). Both are receiving very positive reviews (see here and here); we just want to say congrats! and recommend that you all check out their tunes post-haste.
(Image from extra-action.com)