America's Got Talent coming to DC

Local musicians and entertainers have a chance to make it on TV with America's Got Talent is coming to DC this weekend. Auditions are being held on Novemeber 5 and 6 at the DC Convention Center. For your 90 seconds of fame register here and the chance to win the million dollar cash prize.

Mister Days Halloween costume contest

Mister Days staff from the 2007 Halloween party

I'm planning on braving this unusually cold night and hitting up Mister Days for their Halloween party tonight. There is no cover, DJ Rizzo will be spinning, and there will be a costume contest with a $1,000 prize. I'm hoping that the freak snowstorm earlier today doesn't put a damper on the nightlife scene tonight.

Fright Night at Frontpage Saturday night

Halloween parties continue Saturday night in Arlington at the Frontpage in Ballston. Costumes aren't required, but there are cash prizes including $300 for first place. There is no cover charge to get in, and DJs Pat Premier and Clinton Matthews start playing at 8pm.

Also on Saturday night, EatBar is hosting their Funkadelic Halloween party beginning at 9pm with costumed cover band Parliament Funkadelic, aka P-funk.

DC101 Halloween Bash at Clarendon Ballroom Friday

Costumes from 2010 at the Ballroom
via eitmshow.com

This Friday Oct 28 the Clarendon Ballroom will throw its annual Halloween Bash with DC101 and Elliot In The Morning. The Ballroom is one of the best places for costume people watching around Halloween. There is sure to be a line around the block of fun and scandalous costumed party goers late at night.

The Halloween Bash's doors open at 5pm and music starts at 8pm. Be sure to get there early, as the cover goes from $15 to $20 after 10pm. The night also features a costume contest with a $3,000 grand prize.

If you can't make it Friday, here is a listing of other adult Halloween parties in the area this weekend.

Brittany Jean at IOTA Tuesday Oct 25

Make sure you drop by Iota tomorrow, Oct 25, for a special show featuring an array of different musicians. The 9 Songwriter Series is a great deal, as you get to see nine local musicians perform live for only $10. The group was founded in 2008 by local favorite Justin Trawick, who also performs tomorrow.

One of the artists performing is Brittany Jean, whose acoustic guitar playing and strong voice makes it worth going just to see her alone.

Arts for Autism Gala at Clarendon Ballroom Saturday

This Saturday Oct 22 the Clarendon Ballroom is hosting a gala for autism. The Arts for Autism is a fundraiser to benefit the Austism Society of Northern Virginia's Intervention Assistance Fund that helps pay for treatments not covered by state services. Admission tickets are $75 and the schedule for the night is:

7pm – Private Gala Reception

8pm – Arts for Autism Gala : Talent Showcase, Community Awards and Silent Auction

8:30pm – Runway Show

Open bar until 10pm

Fashion Week at Clarendon Ballroom

Photo via dguides.com

The third annual NOVA Fashion Week is happening next week from Oct 24 to the 28th at Clarendon Ballroom. Several of the world’s leading fashion designers will showcase their Spring 2012 collections. Also student designers will be showing off their creations at the kick off runway event on Monday night Oct 24, where the proceeds are donated to scholarship programs.

Thanks to Dguides, Yelp and Facebook for the details.

Half off Clarendon Grill via Whats The Deal

Photo via sowhatsthedeal.com

Local coupon site What's The Deal is currently offering up a half price deal for a meal at our local Clarendon Grill. For $10 you get a $20 coupon for lunch or dinner at the Grill, which has some tasty sandwiches since they remodeled and unveiled a new menu last year.

Also, if you use the code CLARENDON1258 at checkout you will get another $1 off!

Follow What's The Deal on Twitter for more local deals.

Must See Music in DC

Not only is October my favorite month due to the craziness that is Halloween, there are many must see bands coming to the DC area soon:

Wednesday Oct 19

One of my all time favorites Minus The Bear is rocking 9:30 again. When I last saw them three years ago, they were just as talented and energetic live as I hoped. Get your tickets quick before they sell out!

Saturday Oct 22
The very multi-talented Exit Clov has played here several times over the years, and I'm really looking forward to another show of unusual instruments (cowbells anyone?) and catchy lyrics. Don't miss their show in Clarendon this Saturday at Iota.

Monday Oct 24
9:30 club is also hosting another old favorite of mine, the insanely upbeat and fun Brazilian rock that is CSS.

Thursday Oct 27
I have not seen We Were Promised Jetpacks in person yet, but very much an anticipating a great show based on the talk about them. The indie rock band from Scotland comes to the Black Cat at 8pm

Monday Oct 31
Panic! At The Disco! At 9:30 club! Even though I thought of them more of a one hit wonder with I Write Sins Not Tragedies when I first heard it years ago, they have stayed popular with the teen vampire trend.

Week of Bacon at Restaurant 3 starts Thursday

A bacon infused entree from last year's Bacon Week

It's that time again for the 3rd annual Bacon Week at Whitlow's own Restaurant 3. They will start off with a Patio Pig Roast on Oct 13 which will feature $5 pulled pork sandwiches and American craft beer specials.

Restaurant 3 is offering a Bacon Curing Class on 10/16 at 3pm. Then throughout the week, you can stop by their "Bacon Stand" where you can try a complimentary taste of their house-cured Bacon-to-Go. Until Oct 22 they will offer a daily Bacon Happy Hour, where guests can feast on bacon bites such as the new bacon cheese dip over bacon dusted chips or thebacon on a stick and enjoy $3 craft beer draft specials.

Juniper Lane at IOTA

Photo via Meg Linehan

The always magnificent Juniper Lane played at Iota again last Saturday, Oct 8. The talented five piece band led by vocalist Vivion Smith, who mezmerizes the audience with her strong voice and beauty. Tonight was their CD release show for their latest album Standing On The White Line, of which they played some of their new matterial from. I personally love their older songs like "Take Me Home." I also really enjoyed their cover of a Modest Mouse soung!

Here is a nice Flickr gallery cateloging their performance. Thanks to Meg Linehan for taking these, as my camera is out of commission now.

Arlington Arts Center Happy Hour on Oct 13

On Thursday October 13th, the Arlington Arts Center will showcase their new exhibit Fall Solos 2011 along with a happy hour featuring wine, snacks, and music. October's happy hour is sponsored by Cafe Caturra, a newly opened wine bar in Arlington. They will be providing four wines, as well as artisanal cheeses, spreads, and cured meats. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.