Juniper Lane at Iota

I fell in love with the band Juniper Lane in 2008, and now the Washington DC based group is returning to Iota this Saturday July 26. Juniper Lane is one of my favorite local bands ever since I learned about them from when they opened for Coldplay. Front woman Vivion Smith will mesmerize Iota's audience Saturday with her vocals, keyboard skills and stage presence. Opening up for them will be Against Grace and Stella Mira. Shows start at 9pm with a $12 cover for all three bands.

The Circus Life Podcast at Iota

This Friday July 25 local musical genius Justin Trawick hosts a live podcast taping of The Circus Life at Iota. The Circus Life is a series of interviews, stories, and live performances by local and national acts such as this week's The Common Good, Kevin De Souza as Uptown Boys Choir and funk band Ten Feet Tall. Music starts at 9pm and only a $10 cover gets you in for all three performances.

Double Down and DJ Saam at A-Town

This Thursday, July 24 A-Town is hosting live music in its main room. Usually known for debauchery and crazy Sunday Funday brunches, the reggae band Double Down should provide a different type of entertainment from 6-10pm. After 10pm the DC based DJ Saam takes the spinning booth and keeps the music going until close.

Eureka California at Galaxy Hut

This Sunday July 20, Georgian based indie rock band Eureka California is rocking Galaxy Hut's cozy space. The spontaneous duo is touring the east coast and playing this weekend in Clarendon with the British Good Grief.

Eureka California is celebrating their second album in less than two years, with music that is like being "Torn between rocking out and giving up, their live show blurs the line between comedy and tragedy in a way that borders on performance art, a band who appreciates the dumb jokes as much as the funny ones, and yet on a good night they're one of the best bands you could ever hope to hear."

Music starts at 9pm and cover is $5.

DJ Squirrel at Clarendon Ballroom

DJ Squirrel is returning to Clarendon Ballroom this Friday July 18. You can get a preview of his pop/rap/top 40 mixes on Soundcloud. DJ Squirrel does a good job of reading the crowd and taking request, while always keeping the beat going with variety of popular songs highlighted by music videos on two projectors.

Hopefully Ballroom's massive rooftop will open at 4pm if it doesn't rain again. The main level dance floor opens at 5pm, and happy hour goes from 4-8pm with specials like $2 Bud Light bottles, $3 Yuengling cans and $3 Blue Moon drafts. It's free admission before 10pm, then the main floor music and $5 cover charge start after 10pm.

O.A.R. at Clarendon Ballroom

You now Maryland based O.A.R. from songs like Peace, and now is your chance to see them live at Clarendon Ballroom this Thursday July 17. Of a Revolution is known for their live performances especially in the summer, so this early show starting at 1pm is not to be missed. The catch is you can't buy tickets. Instead, you must listen to local radio stations 94.7 FreshFM and 106.7 The Fan to win tickets to this special show by calling 877-947-0947 when you hear the on air cue.

This Weekend in Clarendon pics

Instagrams from Clarendon, Va from this weekend

Lindsey Buckingham Palace at Iota

DC local 4-man hard rock Lindsey Buckingham Palace returns to Iota this Friday, July 11.  The band has played at Iota several times recently and is welcoming a new drummer Made Ployamornrat to their crew to fuse various music styles of power pop, rock and roll, and metal. Even though the band is relatively new since forming in January 2013, two of its members Mike Hill and Mark Giaimo have been friends since their teenage years. The combination of old and new faces to this band should result in intense and face melting performances.

Also playing with them Friday is folk/bluegrass Hearts & Spades as well as Chris Swallow opening for the night at 9pm. Cover for all three shows is $10.

Start saying your goodbyes to Jay's... again

Jay's Saloon is still serving cheap beer and eats as Clarendon's defacto dive bar, but its no surprise to anyone that their days are numbered. Since opening their doors in a converted house in 1993, Jay's owners Kathi and Jay Moore have kept it an unpretentious neighborhood bar that contrasts sharply with Clarendon's popular night life spots like Spider Kelly's, Ballroom and Mad Rose. Ever since their landlord would not renew their lease and have been on a month-to-month arrangement there has been rumors and talk of Jay's closing.

This summer is no different, as progress to raze Jay's and the neighboring car dealerships is progressing slowly. Clark Realty recently submitted an updated plan on what they want to replace the 3100 block of 10th street with. The new development is now named 10th Street Flats and will feature mixed use buildings with 136 apartments and thousands of square feet of retail and office. It will also include 9 strange live/work units, similar to those in the Garfield Park Apartments that are still vacant.

While the new development might help bring more much needed foot traffic to 10th street, the news should really server as another reason to visit Jay's outdoor patio at least one more time this summer.

Invisible Witches debut at Iota

On Sunday July 6, the newly formed Clarendon based band Invisible Witches makes its debut show at Iota. The ferocious and filthy new noise-rock trio includes Joshua Padgett formally of The Chance on bass and vocals, David Barker on guitar, and the Simon Ley playing drums. This will be the first time the three perform live as their new band and will be joined by Harness Flux, who recently played at Galaxy Hut down the street. Show starts at 8:30pm and cover is $10.

Midtown Liberty Bar Tour in Dupont Circle

Start the celebration of this year's Independence Day early with the Midtown Liberty Bar Tour in Dupont Circle, DC on Thursday July 3rd. The bar crawl organized by Lindy Promotions starts out at Mackey's with registration from 5-10pm.

Tickets are $10, and National Military Family Association will be on site collecting donations with Lindy Promotions matching what they take in. Use my promo code NIGHTS to get 20% off your tickets online.

Ticket price includes drink specials at 18 DC bars including Mackey’s, Public, The Front Page, Rumors, Recessions, Fiesta, James Hobans, The Mighty Pint, Madhatter, McFadden’s, Irish Whiskey, Bread & Brew, Sign of the Whale, BlackFinn DC, Bottom Line, Buffalo Billiards, Black Rooster, and Barcode. Specials include 2 Coors Lights, $3 Redd's Apple Ales, $3 Blue Moons and $4 Bacardi drinks.