Uganda Benefit Concert at Jammin Java Thursday

If you can't make it to Clarendon to see Margot MacDonald this Thursday June 30, then drop by Jammin Java in Vienna for the Freedom in Creation Benefit Concert. This fundraiser for war victums in Uganda will feature musicians Marie Miller and Alex Mejias. Listen to some great music and make a $15 donation to this good cause that helps increase access to the therapeutic qualities of art, education, and clean drinking water wells.

Margot MacDonald at Iota Thursday

Margot MacDonald is returning to Iota this Thursday June 30 for a performance that I'm looking forward, along with other local bloggers like Arlington Nightlife. Margot is a Clarendon native who took home the "Artist of the Year" crown during the 25th annual Washington Area Music Awards, held in February at the State Theatre in Falls Church. The win marks the 19-yr-old's seventh Wammie, underscoring her hot streak that began with the 2007 "New Artist of the Year" award.

Last September she performed in Clarendon and did a one woman rendition of Massive Attack's Teardrop that "strips it down and rebuilds it with live loops of her own award-winning voice and subtle heart."

Mad Rose Groupon

Groupon is currently hosting a $15 discount for food at the new Mad Rose Tavern in Clarendon. I have only been to the inside and outside bars at Mad Rose, but have been meaning to try their menu out and this deal provides even more motivation.

Stuffed Burger at Eleventh

I had dinner the other night at Eleventh, a favorite late night destination for me that I had not yet tasted their menu. The red walled lounge was empty at dinner time, except for a couple folks at the bar and a massive table of athletes fresh fromt he neighboring Potomac Crossfit.

I chose wisely with the Stuffed Burger and a side of mixed fries. The patty was perfectly filled with bacon, cheese and diced tomatoes. I actually think it was the best burger I've tasted in a long time. The sweet potato fries mixed with regular ones sprinkled with Old Bay was a perfect suppliement.

I'm going to be very sad when Eleventh and the neighboring businesses on that block of Highland and Washington Blvd are eventually torn down and replaced with a 10 story office building. So I'm using that as an excuse to visit the techno music filled lounge as often as possible!

Bobbie Allen @ Iota

Poor cell phone pic of Bobbie Allen

Friday night started out with a dose of drama in Clarendon, as someone was seriously injured in the stairwell leading up to Whitlow's rooftop. I'm not sure on the details, but it appeared to be the result of a fight between two patrons. One lane of Wilson was full of police and emergency vehicle activity, and one person had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance.


The drama did not prevent the beautiful Bobbie Allen from taking Iota's stage around 9:45pm. She had many fans in the audience, including some who were enthusastice enough to bring signs cheering Bobbie on. She played an energetic set with her four piece band for most of the time, and also did a few solo acoustic numbers. I'm looking forward to finding her songs on iTunes later.

Must See Music this Weekend in Clarendon

Bobbie Allen

Vivion Smith from Juniper Lane

Iota is rocking Clarendon this weekend with back to back must see lineups. On Friday June 17, the very talented and heart stopping Bobbie Allen returns to Iota for a show at 9pm. She mixes folk and pop with her hypnotic vocals and acoustic guitar .

One of my favorite local acts Juniper Lane is showcasing at Iota Saturday night, June 18. I really can't say enough about this veteran band (they have been rocking for over 10 years), as I've seem them perform several times over the past 3 years in Clarendon and have always been impressed. Vivion Smith consistently mesmerizes me with her vocals and the band's tunes are always energetic and catchy. It's no wonder why Coldplay asked Juniper Lane to open for them in 2008. Don't miss out on them this weekend!

Larry's Homemade Ice Cream opening

According to the sign posted on 3018 Wilson Blvd in the new Clarendon Center development, a new shop called Larry's Homemade Ice Cream should open today.

I'm planning on walking by there tonight, and their website has a coupon for a free ice cream scoop today only (June 15) in appreaciation of service men and women.

Ann Taylor Store opening in Clarendon this Saturday

This Saturday June 18 a new retail store is having its grand opening sale from 1 to 5pm. Ann Taylor Concept Store is coming to Clarendon's Market Common, and is hosting a 30% sale (see the flyer to the right).

Technically the second Ann Taylor store in Clarendon (the other one is no longer an Ann Taylor - it's now a different LOFT brand), this "new Ann" store differs from the existing one as it "features a more discernable fashion point of view with a runway of mannequins running down the middle of the store styled in Lisa Axelson’s (head of design) favorite looks of the season."

Harry's Tap Room brunch

Once again, I had an excellent brunch at Harry's Tap Room in Clarendon today. Surprisingly, this time our service was just as good as the food for a change.

Pictured here is the crab cakes with an extra side of bacon. As I've mentioned before, Harry's flavorful bacon could be the best around. The crab cakes, which rested on muffins with poached eggs atop, were delicious and filling alongside of the tasty home fries. I'm wondering how Harry's crab cakes compare to the similar dish at Marvin's in DC (thanks BitchesWhoBrunch).

Air Force Cycling Classic this Saturday

This Saturday June 11 Clarendon will host the annual Air Force Cycling Classic event once again. Several bicyle races will be zipping around Wilson and Clarendon Blvds Saturday morning, following this schedule:

8:00am   Amateur Races for licensed racers (USA Cycling license required)
10:05am  Women's Pro/Am National Race Calendar (NRC) event
11:35am  Kids Race
12:00pm  Clarendon Cup Pro/Am Invitational NRC

Many streets around Clarendon will be closed, including these from 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
• Wilson Blvd. from 10th St. to Barton St.
• Clarendon Blvd. from Washington Blvd. to Barton St. .
• Washington Blvd. from 13th St. to N. 10th  St.
• Highland St. from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.
• Garfield St. and Fillmore St. from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.

I recommend Liberty Tavern, Mexicali Blues or Whitlows as great spots to watch the races.