An acoustic show at The Dougout, a DIY venue in Northeast D.C. Photo by Matt Cohen.

One of the biggest complaints I hear about D.C. (at least from people who are new or newish to the area) is that there is no music scene. This is not only completely false, but something of an insult to the hundreds of terrific and talented bands in the D.C. area that bust their asses making music and playing shows.* The fact of the matter is that there’s a lot going on musically in this city, and it doesn’t take much effort to sniff it out.

And now, it’s even easier with the launch of a new web site, Homestage DC, which aims to inform and connect people with the city’s thriving DIY music and art scene. The site not only lists all upcoming house shows and whatnot, but gives the opportunity to get involved by volunteering at shows, organizing events, promoting shows, and/or volunteering your home or space for shows. Here’s Homestage DC’s mission statement from their website:

Just a community of people trying to nurture the already-blossoming house-show scene DC. We are supporting the years of great work hosting live in-home entertainment by people like the Paperhaus and the Electric Maid. Our aim is to make great things happen outside the traditional venue spaces, including music, art, film, and salon-style discussion. There are many obstacles for individuals trying to host excellent entertainment in non-traditional spaces. Our mission is to leverage the resources of the community to overcome those obstacles.

So now all your arguments that “D.C. has no music scene” is invalid. Go see some shows.

*Editor’s note: Of course, I’m a bit biased considering I also play in a band that’s part of and heavily indebted to D.C.’s DIY music scene.