Written with DCist contributor Amy Maxmen As we’ve mentioned before, big changes are underway at the Velvet Lounge, the hole-in-the-wall music venue near the corner of 9th and U Streets NW. Soon change will also spread next door, to the burnt-out remains of the after-hours bar formerly known as Kingpin (not as an extension of the Velvet Lounge as was originally rumored, but as a separate, new bar). But rather than profiting off the wave…

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…