By DCist Music Contributor Willie May.

On Friday night, a long line of people of all ages stretched down 14th St. for the final performance by one of Washington, D.C.’s most beloved bands in recent memory. The familiar call of “Black Cat Black Cat!” welcomed locals and the long-traveled alike to bid a rocking goodbye. There was definitely something in the air at the farewell performance of Q And Not U.

The Black Cat was packed to the brim. The show was, indeed, sold out, the second such show of two back-to-back Black Cat appearances, clear evidence of the band’s dedicated hometown following. Several activist groups had set up tables in the back of the club, reflecting the political action that had always been an important facet of Q And Not U’s message (a fitting presence for a band from a very political town).

Thumping dance music filled the room prior to an equally dance-y and highly energetic set from Supersystem, long-time friends of Q And Not U from their days as El Guapo on Dischord. The set was all fun, no filler, spazzy, world-beat inflected dance music. Their bassist doubled as a bad-ass MC/dancer. It was ecstatically delivered, energizing and entertaining.

Once again, bass thumps pounded as the DJ practiced his cut-and-paste spinning skills. The members of Q And Not U executed a subtle, swift sound check, then once again disappeared backstage. After about 15 minutes, the band re-emerged in different clothing, singer/guitarist Chris Richards in Q And Not U anti-war paint, and fellow frontman Harris Klahr clad in a Captain Beefheart t-shirt. The crowd roared as the band played the first notes of “Wonderful People.” The final show was in effect.