Middle Distance Runner has long been one of DCist’s favorite local bands. They’ve been a Three Stars subject, an Unbuckled band, Unbuckled DJs, interview subjects countless times, recipe contributors and more to the site. And our main source of blog-space enjoyment always came from the wacky and wonderful Mr. Ian Glinka, the band’s bassist. Through a note on MySpace this weekend, he announced that he’s leaving the band. We talked with Ian this afternoon about…

It’s been a while since we did one of these, but our music news feature is back! Here are a few stories buzzing around the local music sphere. >> Rob Curtis has left the Velvet Lounge. The most well-respected sound guy in the city has parted ways with the club, which recently came under new ownership. If you’re not familiar with Curtis or the Velvet Lounge’s superior sound system (which he developed), just take a…