Last year we reported on the strong presence the District had at the annual music industry spring break that is SXSW in Austin, TX. This year, in addition to official shows from The Hall Monitors, Benjy Ferree, These United States and, oddly enough, Frodus, there were a number of unofficial appearances as well. The DC Does TX day party returned to Austin for its second year, District-based Exotic Fever Records held a shindig of their own, and a few acts like Laura Burhenn and Wild Fictions had some performances without other locals on the bill. There are always at least 20 fantastic shows going on at the same time at SXSW, so we didn't make it to everyone's performances, but here's a quick look at some of the excellent shows that we did catch. more ›

Middle Distance Runner has long been one of DCist's favorite local bands. They've been a Three Stars subject, an Unbuckled band, Unbuckled DJs, interview subjects countless times, recipe contributors and more to the site. And our main source of blog-space enjoyment always came from the wacky and wonderful Mr. Ian Glinka, the band's bassist. Through a note on MySpace this weekend, he announced that he's leaving the band. more ›

Welcome back, Washington. We hope those of you who celebrate Christmas had a holly and/or jolly one, and that your stock of material possessions has been satisfactorily increased. As you might expect, not too terribly much happened while you've been away. Davis Mulls Eighth Term: Sure, it was published yesterday, but we imagine many of you may have missed the Post's analysis of whether Tom Davis will seek another term as congressman for Northern Virginia's 11th district. Davis's senatorial aspirations were dashed earlier this year when Virginia's Republican party opted for a convention rather than a primary system, which put Davis at a disadvantage and prompted him to remove himself from consideration. Since then observers have been wondering whether the congressman would leave office for a lucrative private sector job. Although the Post article does a nice job laying out the pros and cons he faces, so far Davis seems not to be dropping many hints as to what he'll do. Ready To Say Goodbye To That Tree?: If so, WTOP has you covered. In D.C. and a number of surrounding counties you can simply put it out on with your recycling and trust that it'll be responsibly mulched — if, that is, you've properly detinseled it. Thousands Of Jobs Headed to P.G. County: The Post reports on the soon to open Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center and its considerable staffing needs. The hospitality complex is getting set to hire 2,000 people, and the county government seems understandably pleased about it. There are so many jobs and so much interest that Gaylord will be running a multi-day job fair at the end of January. Briefly Noted: Kid playing with lighter starts fire, displaces several apartments' residents... Charles County considers banning drive-through liquor stores... Medic involved in serious crash in Alexandria while responding to emergency... There was a water main break in Southwest last night... Murder suspect claims gun discharged during struggle... This Day In DCist: One year ago we interviewed Middle Distance Runner and asked them and a number of other D.C. bands what their top albums of the year were. Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user christaki more ›

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The name may be unfamiliar, but the players behind Club Tiger Promotions are highly recognizable to any one who follows the D.C. music scene. Local artists Carol Bui and Jay Smith of Middle Distance Runner have started an all-ages venue, The Lab in Alexandria, which will both give under-age bands a place to play with their more seasoned peers and serve as an environment where, as Bui puts it, "kids feel totally comfortable and safe... more ›

Tomorrow night, two of DCist's favorite bands are taking the Black Cat's main stage by storm. What kind of storm? Well if it's anything like what we've seen from these guys in the past, it'll be a storm of hilarity, energy, and very fancy hair. Because these two bands feature some serious characters with some serious personalities, we asked them to "review" each other's new albums — The Dance Party's Friction! Friction! Friction!, which is... more ›

FRIDAY: >> The Howard Homecoming events could make an entire Weekend Picks feature by themselves, but don't forget to consider some of the less publicized goings on we're recommending as a way to enjoy the fun without the insane crowds. >> Tickets are still available for the amazingly cheap (only $10!) Catalyst Theatre Company production of Kafka's The Trial. Check out our review over here, and get your tickets — did we mention they’re only... more ›

MONDAY >> Were you out of town this weekend, wishing you were home soaking in the goodness that was the DAM! Festival? Fear not. Tonight there is one more show, and it happens to be the festival's biggest. The chanteuse to give all other indie chanteuses a run for their money, Cat Power, is taking the 9:30 Club stage with the Dirty Delta Blues, and a little help from openers Childballads. $25 or your... more ›

>> A singer-songwriter showcase featuring Martin Royle of Washington Social Club, Mick Coogan of The Dance Party and Stephen Kilroy of Middle Distance Runner is being billed by MDR as "Steve, Martin tonight at the Black Cat!" Which is technically true, though we're guessing the show will be a little more earnest guitar playing and a little less Wild and Crazy Guy. Black Cat's back stage. $8, 9 p.m. >> Redskins CB Carlos Rogers... more ›

MONDAY >> The City Veins are a strong local outfit that's been making their debut around town over the course of the past few months. They just formed in March and are already more mature and ready to bring the rock than a lot of bands with a lot more stage time. And hey, they have a blog! See what you're missing tonight at Solly's Tavern on U Street. 10 p.m. >> Do you... more ›

>> Obviously, you'll be attending Unbuckled 6 tonight. Le Loup, XYZ Affair, and a DJ set by members of Middle Distance Runner. 9 p.m., $8. DC9. Do we really have to tell you again? Other acceptable options: From 5:30 - 7 p.m., Joseph Cirincione will discuss and sign his new book: Bomb Scare: The History and Future of Nuclear Weapons, at Busboys and Poets. This ends 2 hours before Unbuckled starts, meaning you can... more ›

The weeks turned into days, the days turned into hours, and now we can all stop anxiously anticipating and start reveling: Unbuckled 6 drops this very night at DC9. As you know by now, Le Loup will headline, seven strong, with an opening performance by Brooklyn's delightful The XYZ Affair. Our friends Middle Distance Runner will set the mood from the DJ booth, and, just because we like you guys so much, we'll have... more ›

MONDAY >> Today's Fort Reno show features local indie poppers Greenland (***) with Statehood and Kitty Hawk. The weather report calls for clear skies, but bring water. 7:15 p.m., free. >> How about another free event? The Black Cat backstage will feature movies about punk rockers Murder City Devils and Anti-Flag. 9 p.m., free. >> This week marks the sixth year of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and... more ›

FRIDAY: >> Maybe you check in with DCist only occasionally to get a few tips on which concerts to see, but tend to stick to touring acts for the most part, and still haven't really exposed yourself to the local rock scene. If so, confess tonight and all your sins will be forgiven. Three of the best local bands are playing a show together on the Black Cat's main stage at 9 p.m. -- catch... more ›

We know this whole mid-week holiday thing can do a number on you, so before you launch into another D.C. summer weekend, mark your calendars for next Wednesday, because that's when DCist is bringing you the sixth installment of our concert series, Unbuckled. We'll convene at DC9 on July 11 to bring you the ebullient sounds of D.C.'s speedy success story, Le Loup, and Brooklyn's more-mature-than-their-years pop rock outfit, The XYZ Affair. Unbuckleds of... more ›

Drumroll please.... Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to announce the sixth edition of DCist's perpetually fantastic concert series, Unbuckled! Without further ado, may we present to you the lineup for this summer's show. From Alexandria, VA and newly signed to Sub Pop's Hardly Art label, Le Loup! Coming down to D.C. from Brooklyn, we've got The XYZ Affair! And finally, providing a DJ set in between, our friends and yours, Middle Distance Runner!... more ›

FRIDAY: >> At 11 a.m. today or noon tomorrow, grab the kids and a box or twelve of tissues and head down to the National Archives for a screening of An American Tail. Part of their celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, they're sharing the story of Fivel and his cheese-paved streets with the next generation. We can only assume they'll watch it over and over like we did, each time hoping Fivel doesn't go... more ›

FRIDAY: >> Don't forget to check out our guide to the Six Points Music Festival as it takes over the town in its second weekend. We're going to once again heartily recommend you head to Iota to catch Unbuckled alums Middle Distance Runner headline a show that also features Unbuckled alums These United States, plus Pittsburgh's Black Tie Revue. Get there early -- this is going to be a packed house for sure. $10, 9:30... more ›

Six Points is underway! We imparted the general DCist wisdom about the bands participating in the first weekend last week, so we're doing it again as the festival draws to a close. Have you been to any shows so far? Planning on going to any? What did you think? Thursday, 4/19 at DC9 Way back in 2005, DCist Tom had this to say about Lejeune: "...it's the half-surf tones of Matthew Richardson's clean, delayed hollowbody... more ›

FRIDAY: >> Friends 'o DCist Middle Distance Runner have had quite a ride since playing our special Unbuckled/Anniversary concert last September. Despite a few bumps on the road, they've gone from little band that could to having their first headlining slot at 9:30 club tonight. We'll say we knew them when. With The Dance Party. 10 p.m., $10. >> Akron/Family impressed the pants off of critics in 2005 with their self-titled neo-folk stylings. They'll be... more ›

FRIDAY: >> You don't need us to tell you any more about local heavyweights Benjy Ferree, Meredith Bragg and the Terminals, or Greenland. But tonight is Ferree's first time headlining at Black Cat's mainstage, so don't forget to show up and lend your support. 9 p.m., $10. SATURDAY: >> Guitarist Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will spin a DJ set at the Rock and Roll Hotel. $10 after 10 p.m., free before. >>... more ›

On Wednesday night, Middle Distance Runner (one of DCist's favorite bands) played a successful show at Arlene's in Brooklyn with The Sketches, Fools & Horses, and Justin Jones. The show only happened by the grace of The Sketches and their borrowed equipment, because earlier that day MDR was greeted by a very unpleasant scene: While parked in front of an elementary school in Brooklyn, sometime between 1:00pm and 5:00pm (the middle of the day), someone... more ›

Call us old fashioned, but we like our year-end backward glances to come after we're done furiously ripping open presents and before we pop the champagne for New Year's. Rather than subject you only to what we on the DCist music staff deemed this year's best and brightest (don't worry, we'll do that too), we asked a handful of our favorite local artists what their favorite albums of 2006 were. A lot of great musicians... more ›

There is nothing slow and steady about Middle Distance Runner. The local pop rockers have had quite an accelerated year of achievement and attention with the release of their debut album Plane In Flames back in June. It was a very promising record from a group of guys who have been playing together for a while but just recently started taking their work more seriously. And as a result, they have produced a collection of... more ›

> > Totally uninformed theory: Wonderland robbery actually masterminded by the mild-mannered members of Norfolk & Western? Just putting it out there... > > Xmas In Washington play to feature Marion Shepilov Barry playing a heroic angel who sings "Stormy Weather" (WTFx10?!?) and comes to the rescue of Katrina evacuees separated from their children. Gloria Hightower says Barry's star turn comes from a desire to make the character "realistic"--which can only mean the following... more ›

>> Following the footsteps of Beck, Middle Distance Runner sent out an e-mail announcing a secret show tonight at DC9. They'll be playing with Cloud Cult and Hot IQs as part of the DAM! Fest Hangover party. Festivities start at 9 p.m. >> We've got wood. Today the Capitol Christmas tree started its journey from Washington State to D.C. where it will be adorned with 3000 kids' crappy hand-made ornaments. Even Mom knows when it's... more ›

As a rather fervent concert goer, I've been watching my October Outlook calendar with alternating excitement and dread as my concert calendar gets more and more crowded. This all came to a head yesterday as I started putting in the DAMfest schedule and noticed a whole bunch of scheduling conflicts in the making. Area indie rock fans are going to have some tough choices to make the last full week of October. Thursday, Oct.... more ›

As we hoped, last night's Unbuckled, starring Middle Distance Runner and the Vita Ruins, was a hell of a show. The Vita Ruins kicked things off with an atmospheric set to a packed DC9 crowd. It's one of the first handful of shows the band's performed, and it went off without a hitch. Middle Distance Runner capped off the evening with an incredibly impressive show -- one that made a lot of fans out of a lot of bloggers. Attractive bloggers. They were tight, energetic, charismatic, and quite simply, they had me at the clap along. more ›

Good morning, Washington. Thanks to everyone who came out to Unbuckled last night — we had a great time and hope that you did, too. Particular thanks to Middle Distance Runner, The Vita Ruins and BlueState, all of whom provided great music throughout the night. We hate to ask anything more of you, but if anyone's got photos that are destined for Flickr, do us a favor and tag them as unbuckled4. Williams Pledges Support For Fenty's Transition: Yesterday we discussed Adrian Fenty's transition plans. Today the Post reports that he'll have the current mayor's support. Anthony Williams is pledging to assist in the presumptive mayor-elect's transition into office, in an effort to avoid the difficulties that plagued the early days of the Williams administration as it took the reins from Marion Barry. Ehrlich & O'Malley Square Off: Yesterday saw the first debate between the candidates vying for Maryland's governorship. As WTOP reports, sitting Governor Robert Ehrlich and Democratic challenger Martin O'Malley faced one another Thursday in a debate that frequently revolved around the state's seemingly neverending utility woes. The prices may have stabilized, but the blame is still fresh! The one thing that the candidates could agree on? Not to eschew negative campaigning. Montgomery County Voting Problems Explained: As you read the Post's interview with Paul Valette, you can't help but start to like the guy. Valette is stepping up to take responsibility for the election problems that plagued the county earlier this week — apparently the problem rested with electronic voting machine keycards that were meant to be distributed to election officials, but weren't. The mistake was discovered about 45 minutes before polls were supposed to open. After experiencing a morning like that, it seems to us like Valette's probably suffered enough. Times Technical Trouble?: We probably shouldn't be the ones to cast stones when it comes to server woes. But, um, this isn't right, is it? Briefly Noted: Maryland utility commissioners reinstated... D.C. EMS management questioned by new report... Flare gun fired in front of Supreme Court... More area priests in trouble... Examiner really, really, really thinks you should reconsider eating that spinach... This Day In DCist: A year ago today we were sticking up for Dremo's, reviewing CityZen and getting ready for our first birthday party. more ›

By now, you and your entire network of friends, acquaintances and enemies have made plans to meet at DC9 tonight to take in the glory that will be Unbuckled 4: DCist's Official 2nd Anniversary party. Right? Well, just in case you haven't been sold by our lineup alone (and don't forget to check out our reviews of Middle Distance Runner and The Vita Ruins), let us give you 5 more reasons that Unbuckled is the... more ›