We are, of course, still pulling for any ban on all ages shows at bars to fail miserably. But we always support the idea of alternative, non-bar venues putting on shows as well. So we were happy to learn this week that Murky Coffee, the independent coffee shop in Clarendon that many area residents claim boasts one of the best cups of coffee in town, is going to start hosting bands.

The schedule is likely to be irregular, so you’ll have to keep tabs on the calendar. Carol Bui, local musician and one of the organizers of Murky’s music schedule, said of the series, “Because this is entirely volunteer-based, we’re booking only 1-3 shows per month depending on our personal schedules. That means we’re only working with bands whose music we like. BUT…we’re pouring our hearts into this new project, making sure each show is carefully planned so that everyone, including the bands, will have a good time.”

As far as we’re concerned, an irregular schedule of acts handpicked by Bui, along with Miguel Lacsamana (of local acts Stamen and Pistils, Metropolitan, and Person) and Murky staffers Juliet Han and Nick Cho is probably better than a heavier schedule of just anyone they can get to play, so we’re pretty excited about the new venue.

Communities of musicians and independent-minded business owners coming together to present live music is a longstanding tradition in this town. It’s always good to see a new one spring up, so hopefully everyone will turn out to support the bands. All shows are all-ages, and only $5 to get in (a nod to yet another longstanding D.C. tradition). With a door price that low, you can actually afford a cup of Murky’s famous $5 hot chocolate. Not to go all Vincent Vega or anything, but that is just milk and chocolate, heated up, right?

The series opens this weekend, headlined by local noise-dance-punk favorites Bird Noises, who have a new EP out funded by Dischord Records in conjunction with Ruffian Records as part of the DC Free Recording Project. Opening up are Complicated Shirt, the danceable punk of Black Powder Fuzzbox, and Elevado, a band that has been receiving favorable comparisons to the all-too-short-lived free-jazzy punk of the Black Eyes.

Photo by flickr user dcjohn.