Think that there isn’t a middle ground between highbrow cultural esthetics and the baser pleasures of reality TV? Well, there’s a new kid on the DC arts scene that wants to prove otherwise. Barrelhouse, a DC-based, independent literary magazine straddles the line between popular culture and literary criticism very well. Their first print issue is a mix of poetry, fiction, essays and an interview with the lovely Emmylou Harris. Barrelhouse does literary the way we like it, engaging, unpretentious, with a sense of humor and plenty of OC references. As well as putting out two issues a year, Barrelhouse publishes original pieces online on a regular basis. Head over there now and you’ll find work from local authors and artists.

The magazine celebrates the publication of its first issue with a launch party on Saturday at The Big Hunt, from 8 to 10 p.m. The evening, the editors promise, will include short readings, some humorous mishaps and plenty of booze. Proceeds from the event go toward offsetting the significant cost of printing a substantial literary journal. Welcome to the neighborhood, Barrelhouse, we’re glad to have you.