In a city known for transience, Wild Flag's Mary Timony is a rara avis: a D.C. native who still calls the city home. We talked with Timony about her love for the District, her dream local show and her various projects in advance of Wild Flag's sold-out show at the Black Cat. more ›

Mary Timony's Ren-Faire grunge shtick has always looked effortless. Since she came into her own with Helium in the mid-90s and through a number of incarnations of the Mary Timony Band since, she has documented her travels through a Xanax-tinged Xanadu, weaving dark power pop and magical narratives. It's only when she shares the stage that it's apparent how much work it takes to sound so indifferent. more ›

After the Washington City Paper acknowledged the Black Cat near the top of the pack in its 2008 best-of category for dance clubs — right up there with monosyllabic sweat-halls Town and Love — the Cat had a crisis of conscience. For some time now, most Friday and Saturday nights have been guaranteed to be themed dance nights with names like Mousetrap, Bliss, Homo/Sonic, Cryfest, and CATatonia. That means choice weekend slots not reserved for acts like Edie Sedgwick, Civilians, Buildings, Medications, Equinox — District rock 'n' roll groups. Could the Cat spare a little change for D.C. bands? more ›

Amy Domingues is busy. Aside from being a full time cello teacher, and aside from being the go-to cellist for local musicians (having played on records by Fugazi, Bob Mould, Ted Leo, Jenny Toomey, and Benjy Ferree, among many others), Amy also has her own band, Garland of Hours. The band is a shifting cast of characters; past players include Brendan Canty, Devin Ocampo, Jerry Busher and Mary Timony, and pretty much any of... more ›

Fort Reno, the long-running summer concert series that dates back to the days when Marion Barry wasn't dodging indictments, gives D.C.'s indie and punk faithful welcome respite from dark, dimly lit clubs, and everyone a chance to enjoy some great local bands during the long summer evenings. The stage has witnessed many amazing performances by a who's who of local luminaries including Fugazi, Q and not U, Ted Leo and Mary Timony, and was to... more ›

If you're a regular at the Fort Reno summer concert series, one thing you may have noticed over the years is the increasing presence of strollers, toddlers, and assorted children running around the field on Monday and Thursday evenings. Observant smokers in the Black Cat's velvet roped sidewalk "smoker's lounge" may similarly notice luminaries of D.C.'s hardcore punk past pulling up in - *gasp* - minivans. Punk rock is all grown up, and the formerly leather-jacketed youth brigades have started families of their own. But what's a progressive and musically astute parent to do when perusing children's entertainment is usually an exercise in avoiding cloying purple dinosaurs and shiny happy annoyances? more ›

FRIDAY: >> We'd be remiss if we didn't note that tonight will be the last time that Kathryn of Kathryn On will host one of her famous Blogger Happy Hours. It starts at 7 p.m. at Lucky Bar. Fans of the regular happy hour shouldn't fear, however, as Kathryn says she has "a couple of fledgling social chairs waiting in the wings." Thanks for all the hard work you've put in, Kathryn, to making the... more ›

Summer is here and with it comes wholesome outdoor entertainment for the whole family. The spotlit evening baseball games, campground marshmallow roasting, and of course, the subversive DC rock concert series that is Fort Reno. Boasting no alcoholic beverages but a lot of teens and a few strollers, the free concert rocks atop the highest point in DC every Monday and Thursday from 7:30-9:30 throughout the summer. During the civil war, the Parrot heavy rifles... more ›

So, it's kind of a slow week for music in D.C. Labor Day weekend is beckoning, 9:30 is dark most of the week, and Black Cat is closed for a few days to make repairs. But give DCist lemons, and DCist makes lemonade, unearthing these gems for this last week of August. MONDAY: >> The early 1990s were full of quasi-generic melodic soft rock acts. We won't say that Toad the Wet Sprocket stood head... more ›

So, DCist saw "The Aristocrats" this weekend. Bob Saget is a dirty, dirty man. Seriously, you'll never look at Full House the same way after this flick. It's no wonder the Olsen twins ended up the way they did. Also, the guys behind South Park are geniuses. Now, to the music: Monday: We're tempted to send you guys to Fort Reno tonight. It's another Dischord smashup with songstress Mary Timony headlining, possibly or possibly not... more ›

>> Hit up Fort Reno to catch performances by Partyline, teenage popsters Lemonface (at right), and Five Four. Things get started at 7:15 p.m. more ›

Can you believe it's December already, DCists? Neither can we. Crap. We should use these weeks before the holidays to buy our friends and family thoughtful, meaningful presents. Hmm. Or, we can go out and do fun stuff! >> More than 40 authors including Cokie Roberts, William Rehnquist (though we suspect the Chief Justice may sit this one out), Bob Edwards, and John Feinstein will be at the 15th annual Meet the Authors Night &... more ›