"Cap-City Bar Golf" bar hop on April 13 in Dupont

Coming up on Saturday April 13 is a golf themed bar tour in Dupont Circle, DC. Cap-City Bar Golf is having its 4th annual bar golf themed tour of 11 DC bars with an actual putting green at 3 bars. Complete golf themed challenges and play real mini-golf holes in the bars for great prizes including the chance to win $1,000 cash.
The event lasts from 2-9pm and includes $2 Coors Lights and $3 Blue Moons specials. Start off at Mackey's and end the night at Rumors in DC.

Tickets are usually $10 here, but use my promo-code CNIGHTS 25% off ticket price. Day of tickets are available from 2-6pm at Mackey's (1823 L St NW), but are $15 ($5 off if dressed in golf attire). 

Check out pictures from last year's event here.

Thong tha thong thong thong song tonight at Mad Rose

Sisqo is performing at Mad Rose tonight in a 90's party themed event. Although it is a no cover charge event, they expect long lines and the "cut line pass" for $35 (up from $15 last week) is no longer available. They have also sold out of the $500 "premium seating" private tables near the front of the show.

The event starts at 9pm, but their are rumors that Sisqo won't be on stage until after midnight. I'm not sure what to expect, as people seem divided between being excited to see a throwback show and a live Thong Song performance and those who want to avoid the area and the crowds. Still, this seems like a fun way to kick off the weekend early.

Margot MacDonald and Fuego make NoVA magazine cover

Cover via NorthernVirginia's Facebook

Congrats to local musician Margot MacDonald for appearing on the cover of the most recent edition of NorthernVirginia magazine. I've seen her perform live at Iota many times and am always find her singing and keyboarding mesmerizing. She is show seated at Clarendon's newest nightlife hit Fuego Cocina.

Sitting across from Margot is Chris Bukowski from the tv show "Bachelor Pad". He is planning on opening an new "female-friendly" sports bar called Bracket Room in Clarendon where Burapa Thai used to be.

Nine Comedians at Iota Sunday

Justin Tradwick via facebook.com

Tonight Justin Tradwick's 9 Series is returning to Iota, but not for music this time. The 9 Comedy Series will bring nine comedians to the Clarendon venue at 8pm. Come laugh at/with the following with only a $10 cover:

Randy Syphax
Jason Weems
Derek Every
Emily Ruskowski
David Tveite
Matty Litwack
Tyler Richardson
Mariya Alexander
Gabe Zucker

1979 classic album event at Iota tonight

Iota has been hosting a Classic Albums concert series, with each night being themed around albums released in a certain year. That night local bands play covers of classic groups that released music in that particular year.

Tonight, Thursday March 21, Iota has chosen to channel music from 1979. Four local bands will be playing music from 70s stars the Eagles, the Clash, Tom Petty, Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd. The show starts at 8pm and there is a $12 cover. The lineup includes:

• Harris Face and the Restoration as the Eagles (The Long Run)
• Two Dragons and a Cheetah as the Clash (London Calling)
• The WeatherVanes as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Damn the Torpedoes)
• The Sweater Set as Michael Jackson (Off the Wall)
• Jason Mendelson and the Open Doors as Pink Floyd (The Wall)

9 Songwriter Series at Iota tonight

Tonight the 9 Songwriter Series returns to Iota in Clarendon. This is a great night for live music, as nine different voices take the stage for a single cover price of $10. Tonight's show starts at 8pm and the lineup includes:

Jim Shirey
David Farah
Wes Tucker
Jason Masi
Nita Chawla
Joe Peck
Jason Ager
Joe Rathbone
Justin Trawick

St Patrick's Day at RiRa

Dr Fu

A full day of music at RiRa on St Patrick's Day! Starting at 12pm they kick off with traditional music from William Dicke, followed by music from Nine Mile Circle. Local legends Dr. Fu taking the stage at 9pm. Come and enjoy the music and the best Guinness in town!

Happy St Patrick's weekend in Clarendon

Already a line forming early afternoon at O'Sullivans

Clarendon is full of green party goers today and will probably be brimming with fun and noise tonight. Popular Irish themed bars like O'Sullivan's already had a respectable line to get in Saturday afternoon. Other places that are perfect for bar hoping today are RiRa, Four Courts, Mad Rose, and Whitlows.

Party safe and take Metro, a cab, Uber, or SoberRide home!

Mad Rose St Patrick's party

One of many St. Patrick's day themed events happening in Clarendon is the Lucky Charms party at Mad Rose. All day long until close there is no cover, free bead and mask giveaways and entertainment by DJ Chris Styles, DJ Saam and an Irish Juggler. Hopefully the weather will allow for the festivities to spill out on their outdoor patio next to SoBe.

Andy Zipf with The Beanstalk Library at Iota tonight

I've enjoyed Andy Zipf's shows when he previously played in Clarendon, and tonight he is making a guest appearance with the band The Beanstalk Library. He will be playing a few songs with them at Iota tonight. For the $10 cover, you also get to see performances by Molly Hagen and These Future Saints.

Margot MacDonald plays at DC comedy show tonight

One of my favorite local musicians Margot MacDonald is playing in DC tonight at The Dunes. She is the musical guest for the "Consensual Sext" comedy night featuring five comedians. The show starts at 8pm, and Margot takes the stage with her amazing voice at 10pm for this technically free show but there is a $5 suggested donation. $5 is more than worth it just to see Margot's talent live, yet alone five comic acts!

La Tagliatella to open in Clarendon April 1

I really hope that this is not an April's fools day prank, but the restaurant La Tagliatella is set to open its doors this April 1. It will start serving Italian food on the cornder of North Garfield and Clarendon Blvd left empty by Restaurant 3 last year. They plan on serving lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant is mostly an European chain, with 130 locations overseas and this Clarendon spot being their third in the US. La Tagliatella claims to feature "Italy’s rustic culinary traditions with a menu focused on fresh ingredients and eclectic flavors."

Clarendon Grill Charity Date Auction March 14

This Thursday March 14, the Arlington Young Democrats are having a charity date auction at Clarendon Grill. The auction raises money for Doorways for Women and Families, a local charity that "creates pathways out of domestic violence and homelessness toward safe and stable lives."

The event starts at 7pm and feautres over 30 young bachelors and bachelorettes at the date auction. You can RSVP for the auction on Facebook or Meetup, and you have to buy at least a $10 bid card online beforehand to participate of which half the proceeds are donated to Doorways. You can also bring some requested donated items to reieve two free raffle tickets.

Clarendon Nights blog turns 5

Whitlows is a popular fixture in the Clarendon nightlife
scene, especially after their 2011 rooftop bar addition

After moving to Clarendon in late 2007, I wrote the first review of the area's nightlife after going out on March 8, 2008.  Clarendon Grill was packed that night with an 80s cover band that I think was The Reflex on stage.

Some things about Arlington were different then, and smoking was still allowed indoors and I remember my clothes smelled of it afterwords. I had a blast that night and have been hooked on the local live music scene since. The Grill has since been remodeled, along with many other bars and restaurants coming and going, but I still feel excited about the area and its ever changing skyline.

I'm happy to still be here and celebrating this blog's 5th birthday. Thanks to my readers, the restaurant owners who indulged me and all the local bands I got to discover here.

Sisqo at Mad Rose March 28

Sisqo is performing this month for a 90's themed party at Mad Rose. Famous for his Thong Song of 2000 (close enough for the nineties), Sisqo will be appearing at the Clarendon venue on March 28, and the party starts at 9pm. Tickets are free, but you do have the option of getting a "cut in line pass" ticket for $15 that might include a coat check (space limited). DJ Chris Styles will also be dishing out some over a decade outdated classics.

Thanks to ArlNow.com for the info, it's getting tough to break a story before them!

Shamrocks and Shenanigans party at Rumors March 16

The 14th annual Shamrocks and Shenanigans party will be hosted at Rumors in DC and will celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with Irish-themed band Turtle Recall, contests, drinks specials and more. This is a two day event that lasts from Saturday March 16th 3pm-close and then Sunday March 17th 11am-close. The $5 cover includes drink specials like:

Saturday:
3pm-4pm: $1.17 Coors Lights & $2.17 Blue Moons
4pm-9pm: $2.17 Coors Lights & $3.17 Blue Moons
9pm-12am: $3.17 Coors Lights & $4.17 Blue Moons
Sunday:
11am-2pm: $1.17 Coors Lights & $2.17 Blue Moons
2pm-2am: $2.17 Coors Lights & $3.17 Blue Moons

Leukemia & Lymphomia sold out benefit at Whitlows tonight

So far Whitlows says it will be open tonight, We March 6, despite the threat of a monster snow storm. That's a good thing since they are hosting a 7pm live music show for a great cause. The Strength to Survive event will feature live music from SOJA, Trevor Young, and DJ redemption as they raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 100% of the proceeds goes to the blood cancer foundation. The show sold at quickly, even at $40 per ticket. You might be able to find someone on Facebook or Craigslist that is looking to sell a ticket to the charity event.

"Music Still Happens Here" huge live music show at Iota tonight

Before the impending doom of the "snowquester" buries Clarendon, make sure you get one last live music show in at Iota tonight March 5. Instead of fighting over the last gallon of soy milk at Trader Joes, you should be attending Music Still Happens Here volume 2 release party. This huge event hosts 18 different acts for one low cover charge of $10. In attendance are some of my favorite local voices including Derek Evry, Brittany Jean, and many more. Here is the schedule for tonight:

7:00PM - Tom McBride
7:10PM - Derek Anderson
7:20PM - Gideon Grove
7:30PM - Matt Tarka
7:45PM - Chester Copperpott
8:00PM - Ted Hovis & The Stolen Camaros
8:15PM - Sweet Interference
8:30PM - Brittany Jean
8:45PM - The Stick Mob
9:00PM - Brian Franke
9:15PM - Sara Davenport
9:30PM - Wes Tucker & The Skillets
9:45PM - Pigs From a Gun
10:00PM - Carolyn Crysdale
10:15PM - Mud Rey
10:30PM - A Papier Mache Monster
10:45PM - Norman Rockwell
11:00PM - Derek Evry & His Band of Misanthropes