One of the most beloved and influential institutions in the history of local independent music, Teenbeat Records marked its 26th anniversary on Saturday night with a concert at the Black Cat that showcased four of the best bands in its stable: Unrest, Versus, The Rondelles, and Bossanova. Founded by Mark Robinson and friends at Arlington's Wakefield High School, the label is now based in Cambridge, Massachusetts -- but its DIY ethos and sonic signatures remain indelibly tied to D.C.'s rock-music heyday. Civic pride seemed to mix with sheer aural enjoyment amongst the large, enthusiastic audience, making for a festive, celebratory atmosphere. more ›

If you made it out to Mission of Burma's show at the Black Cat on Saturday night, it's likely you're still hearing those songs running through your head. If that's the case, it's probably because you can hear little else. The band may now be firmly entrenched in middle age, but don't tell them that there's a mellowing process that's supposed to go along with reaching your 50s. Saturday's show was quite possibly the loudest we've ever heard at the Black Cat, as Burma showed all the young 'uns just how to blow the roof off a venue. Fans close to the stage would have done well to ask guitarist Roger Miller to borrow an extra set of earplugs. more ›