Dr. Granville Moore’s Brickyard officially opened its doors this weekend, and with much avail. Located at 1238 H Street NE, this Belgian influenced pub has a great deal to offer, which was obvious with the number of people who showed up for the “soft opening.” Chris Surrusco, formerly of Rustico’s in Alexandria, is a proprietor and the beer connoisseur. He had estimated about 50 or so covers each night and was pleasantly surprised to see…

One of our favorite questions to ask local musicians is what they think of the local music scene — is there a community here? On Friday night, as we spotted Hamilton Leithauser and Ian Svenonius in the crowd, it was refreshingly clear that no matter where your music career takes you, D.C. bands come back to support one another. Two bands with deep local roots were taking the stage. The Childballads, led by the…

FRIDAY: >> DCist favorites The French Kicks are at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight with The Childballads (the Bon Savants cancelled). $13, 9:30 p.m. >> Exotic Fever Records is keeping the spirit of the D.C. underground scene alive almost singlehandedly, and this weekend they’ll celebrate their seven year anniversary with an ecclectic festival to showcase their artists. Tonight it’s Mass Movement of the Moth, New Idea Society, Den of Thieves, Kathy Cashel, Worn In…

>> Following the footsteps of Beck, Middle Distance Runner sent out an e-mail announcing a secret show tonight at DC9. They’ll be playing with Cloud Cult and Hot IQs as part of the DAM! Fest Hangover party. Festivities start at 9 p.m. >> We’ve got wood. Today the Capitol Christmas tree started its journey from Washington State to D.C. where it will be adorned with 3000 kids’ crappy hand-made ornaments. Even Mom knows when it’s…

FRIDAY: >> The fine folks at the Black Cat are throwing themselves a 13th anniversary party tonight, and bully for them — it can hardly be an argument that the bar and music venue has become a nightlife mainstay for those of us who like our drinks cheap and our juke boxes funky. The convergence of two unlucky symbols (13 and black cats) isn’t lost on the staff, who are encouraging you to go ahead…