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Saturday, September 27, 2008

Clarendon Day





















Despite a battering of rain earlier in the day, the outdoor festivities of Clarendon Day took place. Three stages for live music with dozens of musicians filled the crisp air while vendors set up stands selling crafts, jewelry, posters, and baked goods. Many of the local restaurants including Hard Times, Eleventh, and Liberty Tavern sold mobile versions of their meals. Entertainment for the kids included a moon bounce, bungee trampoline, and a skate park.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Everyone But Pete @ Iota

I got into Clarendon too late to catch Rome In A Day open at Iota tonight. Pretty disappointed about that as they are quickly becoming one of my favorite local bands. Everyone But Pete played afterward to a packed and energetic house.

And now I have a serious problem - both Minus The Bear and Broken Social Scene are playing in the DC area on the same night! That is one tough decision to make.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Charlie Maddox @ Big Meadows Lodge

I had the chance to escape the urban cityscape this weekend and camped out in the Shenandoah Park. It was beautiful weather at Big Meadows campground, which is a park ideal for a city goer like me because they offer full facilities like showers, bathrooms, fire pits, and a lodge with a restaurant and bar.

While taking advantage of the latter I caught some live folk music by veteran Shenandoah musician Charlie Maddox. Charlie specialized in pre-1920s mountain folk music played on guitar, banjo, and the ancient mandrake pictured here.

I'm not big on folk tunes, but I really enjoyed his talent and appreciation for the origins of the music. His piano-like melodies of the mandrake created some beautiful British isle songs.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Minus The Bear coming to 9:30 Club

Can't wait until Oct 22nd when inspiring tunes of Minus The Bear makes its way to DC again! This time they are coming to the 9:30 club.

While browsing for some of their awesome music videos, I stumbled upon this compilation of a fan playing guitar taps of some of their best songs. Now I really want to learn how to tap like this: