Don Zientara and Joshua Palace at Galaxy Hut

Don Zientara is a legend and a true hero of Washington DC. The founder of Inner Ear Studios, Don has recorded and produced for DC luminaries such as Fugazi, Minor Threat, Scream, Lungfish and countless others.

Joshua Palace is a singer-songwriter from the outskirts of DC in the vein of William Basinski, Brian Eno, Belong and My Bloody Valentine, fused with the soul of 70s rock and 80s post wave. Palace aims to challenge and uplift the soul through songs of isolation and hope. Having released his first full-length debut in 2018, Palace is now currently recording a new album with producer Don Zientara at Inner Ear.

Justin Trawick at DC9

Local musician Justin Trawick is performing a show at the DC9 in Washington, DC on Wed Feb 13. Justin has been an extremely busy and prolific musician, touring with his own music, his band The Common Good and founding The 9 Songwriter Series. He also is co-founder of “The Circus Life Podcast" with guests such as Kevin Eubanks, Chris Thomas King, Ernie Halter, Yarn, and Snuffy Walden.

This Wednesday will be a special night of music as Justin Trawick will be giving us a solo performance with Louisa Hall opening up the night for him. Music starts at 8pm. $12 in advance or at the door.

Furlough Fridays at Board Room

The Board Room in Clarendon is supporting those who are off work due to the government shutdown by opening at noon on Friday and having specials until 4pm. 25% off all food, $8 taster flights, $12 pint flights and free game rentals.

The DCist has a solid list of music and food venues nearby that are offering discounts to federal employees during the furlough.

NYE Back in Time at Mister Days

Turtle Recall is performing live at Mister Days for this New Years Eve on Monday, Dec 31. The DC pop/folk/rock band play mashups of top 40, rock, oldies and country frequenting in the DC and Baltimore area.

Mister Days just finished celebrating their 40th anniversary and are looking to throw a huge New Years Eve party with 20 big screen TV's showing NYC's Time Square Countdown. Tickets are $35 (goes up to $40) and includes a drink ticket, midnight champagne toast and party favors.

ATown Last Sunday Funday Onesie Party

Photo credit Anna Fowler @anna_fowler87

This Sunday Dec 30 will be the last Sunday Funday party that Ballston's A-Town is famous, or infamous depending on your option, for on a weekly basis since 2012. Like all the previous weekend parties, this last Sunday will include brunch buffet, a packed dance floor, lots of shots and bottle service, and plenty of antics and even some party goers arriving in onesies.

While A-Town will say goodbye to Arlington nightlife when its lease ends Jan 1, 2019, its owners are not leaving the scene. Unlike other recent sad closings of Clarendon venues, Scott Parker and the other owners are closing A-Town on their own terms and are planning a renovation with a new concept and new lease. We are all looking forward to what they will bring to Ballston, as Parker has been successful with venues like Don Tito, GOAT and Barley Mac recently.

You will have one last chance to say goodbye to A-Town as they host their 7th annual New Year's Eve party. Tickets are available here that include drink tickets, table service, champagne and more.

Board Room Beer Birthday Celebration

The Board Room VA is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary in Clarendon on Sunday November 18. They are going to break out their first batch of their own beer brewed on site on Garfield street at 3pm.

For The Win at Clarendon Grill

It's the final weekend of music at Clarendon Grill! After 22 years in business, one of my favorite bars and music venues will be closing on Saturday October 27.

The last week of the Grill's schedule consists of Salsa dance class Monday, Trivia Kings on Tuesday, then Friday with Bryen OBoyle acoustic from 8-10pm followed by the talented Laura Lea and Tripp Fabulous at 10pm. Finally, the high energy cover and party band For The Win will rock out the Grill one last time with a Halloween themed party.

Halloween at The Lot Cancelled

The Lot has cancelled their weekend Halloween party due to expected rain. Clarendon will have to wait again for the opening of the open air beer garden.

The Lot beer garden is planning on opening just for this weekend for a huge outdoor Halloween bash! The Clarendon Graveyard Party will happen this Friday Oct 26 and Saturday Oct 27 at 3217 10th Street, on the corner of Wilson Blvd and 10th Street. Tickets are free with RSVP here on Eventbrite, which gives party goers free entry plus $5 towards food or drink. Rebel Taco food truck will be on scene to provide munchies. Also advertised is a costume contest and photo booth.

Another Loss For Live Music As Clarendon Grill Closes

Today's a sad day for Clarendon live music scene as another venue announced it is closing. Clarendon Grill, which has been a local mainstay for 22 years, confirmed that the August rumors were true and they will be closing in October.

Here is their Facebook post from today announcing their upcoming closure:
"So Long, Farewell...



It’s been an amazing ride. Our hearts are heavy as we share that the doors of the Clarendon Grill will be closing for good at the end of October. We were not ready, but sometimes things happen to change the course.

Some of you were around when the doors of the Clarendon Grill first opened back in the 1996 and some of you may not have been born yet. Either way we have truly enjoyed being the go to place for live music in Clarendon. When the Grill first opened there were few bars and fewer customers. As Clarendon grew in popularity, so did The Grill. We were extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of a community that has since blossomed into a vibrant collection of local businesses.

One of the most unique aspects of the Clarendon Grill is the staff. From our General Manager, to our bus boys, to our bartenders-the staff has remained the same for close to 20 years. That is a reflection of the unique culture and values that went well beyond a typical neighborhood bar. The Clarendon Grill was not just burgers, beers, and live music; it was a family to it’s staff and a “Night Out” for the community.
One of the many things we can be thankful for is all of the memories we have helped create, whether happy, funny, sad or forgettable (purposely or not). Thank you all for your support over the past 22 years.

It’s been a great run, but alas all good things must come to an end. There will be other bars, but none quite like the Clarendon Grill. Some things are replaceable like burgers and beers, but other things are intangible and we will argue that the staff and the experience we provided, will not be matched.

Cheers!

The Clarendon Grill Staff"

Alex Parez at Galaxy Hut

Local favorite Alex Parez is playing this Sunday, Sept 30 night at Galaxy Hut. Music starts at 8:30pm, $5, 21+. Come help us celebrate the first year of his band Alex The Read Parez And The Hell Rojos album's existence! Guest performance by Derek Evry.