Derek Evry and Middle Distance Runner at Iota

Local musician and Iota favorite Derek Evry will be performing in Clarendon with His Band Of Misantropes on Saturday, June 21 to celebrate their new album. The EP release show at Iota celebrates their album "Down to the Wire"and their alternative rock songs inspired by Alkaline Rio, Jimmy Eat World and Green Day (which Derek Evry did an excellent job channeling Billie Joe Armstrong at the Classic Albums of 1994 party).

Starting at 8pm two other bands will start off the night, including one of my favorites Middle Distance Runner. I loved their rendition of The Unbeliever when I saw them live at Iota in 2010. Afterwards Dr Robinson's Fiasco will keep the crowd moving until Derek Evry takes the stage. Cover is only $12 for all three bands.

Margot MacDonald at Iota

Margot MacDonald is back from touring in Europe and is ready to stun crowds again in Clarendon on Saturday, June 14. Margot is well known for her amazing live looping performances, like this rendition of Teardrop in Clarendon four years ago. On June 14 she will play again at Iota along many other female musicians like pop-rock Haley Bonar and America Hearts, lead by two girl guitarists. Show starts around 9pm and cover is $12.

Photo credit to  Denuine.

Laura Baron at Iota

This Tuesday, June 10, DC area musician Laura Baron is playing at Iota. The Frederick News Post reviewed her music as "the most complex form of easy listening" and that it "perfected the formula... of tolling the line that blurs soft-core blues and jazz with acoustic guitars, sentimental flavors and an inherent beauty that only few can truly portray." The night starts out at 8pm with opening set by Lea followed by the Australis brothers. $12 cover for all three acts.

9 Comedy Series at Iota

Tonight, Sunday June 8, Iota is hosting a unique comedy night with nine different comedians. The 9 Comedy Series is similar to the 9 Songwriter Series created by Justin Trawick. Tonight's show features nine comedians starting at 8pm for only $10. The lineup is:
Rebecca Steinhoff
Ryan Schutt
Natalie McGill
Michael Foody
David Carter
Nate Johnson
Johno Cain
Andrew Bucket
David Coulter

Darna Memorial Day Block Party

This Sunday, May 25 Darna is taking advantage of the forecasted beautiful weather and celebrating Memorial Day weekend outdoors. Darna's Block Party starts at noon and features specials like $3 beers, $5 Fireball shots and $5 BBQ items until 8pm. Four DJs will keep their patio active with DJ Heat, DJ Vicious, DJ Pouria and DJ Brad Piff. Darna is also furnishing a dunk tank!

Rhodeside Grill Cocktail party

This Wednesday, May 21 Rhodeside Grill is parting hard with plenty of whiskey. They are throwing a Hudson Bourbon barrel aged cocktails release party Wed night, with lots of bourbon filled drinks like the "Hudson Manhattan". Rhodesides' own Paul Trahan Taylor will be on hand to mix the drinks as well as providing bourbon inspired cuisine to match the still cocktails. Who can turn down a bourbon doughnut?

Rhodeside keeps this week exciting with an electronic dance party in their basement Thursday, karaoke on Friday, and no-cover live music by Box Cartel on Saturday.

Nine Songwriter Series at Iota

This Tuesday May 20 the super talented We Are The Nine group returns to play at Iota. Starting at 8pm, The Nine Songwriter Series will include performances from nine local musicians including:

Justin Trawick
Ben Seidl
Jason Masi
Finley Martin
Nicole Eaddy
Annie Sidley
Emily Henry
LEA
Brittany Jean
The Nine Songwriter Series has been touring the nation for the past six years since Justin Trawick founded it in 2008. The night will feature nine solo singer/songwriters performing together in a unique and captivating format, telling stories, and often sitting in with each other and making up music on the spot. It's a great value to see all this talent for only a $10 cover.

Marymount Alumni Gold Formal at Clarendon Ballroom

Marymount University is throwing a semi-formal "GOLD" celebration to the class of 2014 and to alumni of other years at Clarendon Ballroom this Thursday, May 15. This private event goes from 9 to 11:30pm and focuses on Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) and young alumni like myself.

Tickets are on sale until midnight Wednesday for $20 and include private access to the Ballroom, open beer and wine bar, appetizers, DJ and dancing. $5 of the ticket price will go to benefit the Pay It Forward Senior Class Gift. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Darna 2 Year Birthday

Clarendon's hottest Middle Eastern themed venue Darna is celebrating its second anniversary this Wednesday, May 14. Translating as "our home" in Arabic, the modern lounge has become a second home to many DJs and clubbers in the area.

Even though it may be hard to find for newcomers being hidden off the main Clarendon strip next to a Jiffy Lube and an urgent care, it has greatly increased in popularity since its beginning in 2012. Since it took over the space from the Latin dance club Samba Room, Darna has seen many parties and events including the very popular Cinco De Mayo block parties.

This Wednesday join five spinners to celebrate Darna's fancy drinks, hookah on the deck and super cars in their parking lot with DJ Heat, DJ Khaleel, DJ Vicious, DJ Pouria and DJ Brad Piff.

Wilson Tavern Closing Party

It's sad to say goodbye to any fun bar, but its especially crappy to have a closing party for a great place like Wilson Tavern. The bar has hosted dozens of themed events since they opened in Clarendon late 2011. After expanding to double their size in 2013, they have teamed with local promoters like Social DC PR to throw unique parties like:

"Daisy Dukes and Cowboy Boots"
"Condoms and Candy Necklaces"
"Prevent Cancer 5k Fundraiser"
"How I Met Your Mother Finale"
"No Work Monday Snowday"

Unfortunately Wilson Tavern's days were numbered once Arlington County approved that it could be torn down and replaced with an ugly hotel. So this Tuesday, May 13 there will be one last party before they shut Wilson Tavern's doors for good and VA Tech alumni will have to find another place to get Top Of The Stairs Rails.