Ben Tufts tribute to The Who at Iota

Tonight at Iota is going to be a huge musical event marking the 45th anniversary of the recording of one of the greatest live performances of all time--The Who's 1970 performance at University of Leeds! Local legends Ben Tufts and Derek Evry lead a huge array of musicians and a 33 song performance this Saturday February 28. Doors open at 8:30 with only a $12 cover. A portion of the funds from the event will be donated to The Craig Tufts Educational Scholarship Fund. The nights' lineup includes:

Derek Evry
The Beanstalk Library
Nayan Bhula (of The NRIs)
Matt Berry (of Classified Frequency)
Erik Bradford (of Short Lives)
Nicole Morris (of Accidents)
Scott Price (of Ten Feet Tall)
Tony Porreco (of Black Checker)
Seth Morrissey (of westmain)
Selena Benally (of More AM Than FM)
Dan Cohn (of The Grand Candy)
Aaron Mason
James Colvin
John Penovich (of Cravin' Dogs)
Anthony Moreno (of Projected Man and Mud Rey)
Mark Miller
Chris Martin (of Jon Miller Band)
Howard Rabach (of The Grey A)
Ed Zigo (of westmain)
Tom Helf (of Cravin' Dogs)

Fat Tuesday at Guarapo

Update: The parade is cancelled again due to snow. Mardi Gras parties are still happening tonight though.

The annual Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade returns this Tuesday, February 17. After being delayed and finally cancelled last year due to weather, the 2015 family friendly parade is set to make up for lost time starting at 8pm. The parade party starts at Bayou Bakery and continues at Guarapo with an extended happy hour, half price wine bottles and free beads.

Saturday Giant and Derek Evry at Galaxy Hut

One man indie band Saturday Giant is playing at Galaxy Hut this Monday February 16. Phil Cogley is from Columbus, Ohio and started touring the country in 2010. Phil layers bits of guitars, drums, keyboards, vocals and beat boxing into catchy songs like his "When Death Comes" title track on his new EP.

Opening for him is local favorite Derek Evry that Monday night starting 9pm with awesome alt/pop rock guitar playing. $5 cover for both musicians.

DC Limo Scavenger Hunt

It's time again for Lindy Promotions DC Limo Scavenger Hunt! This huge event is on Saturday February 7 and consists of teams of up to 10 people competing in a 3 hour scavenger hunt while being chauffeured around the district in luxury stretch limos. There are crazy items to find, puzzles to solve, landmarks to visit, bar stops to visit, and challenges to compete in, in an effort to win prizes. Tickets are usually $600 per team, but with my promo code NIGHTS you save $50 off your limo purchase through January 17.

Drink specials at various DC bars include $2 Coors Lights and $3 Blue Moons and/or Redd's Apple Ales.

1-3pm
Pre-Party and Registration at The Exchange Saloon
3-6pm
Scavenger Hunt with bar stops at Blaguard, Bullfeathers and Po Boy Jim

6-8:30pm
Post-Party and Awards at The Exchange Saloon





Free wine tasting at Oby Lee

This Thursday Feb 5 Oby Lee is throwing a free wine tasting from 7-9pm. Wine sampling from Hugues Beaulieu as well as discounted wines by the glass. Oby Lee is one of the few venues around that have self serve wine by the glass machines.

The small family owned shop is also a bakery with crepes, desserts, and great gluten free treats. On Wednesdays, Oby Lee has a deal to get 50% off a sweet crepe when you buy 2 savory crepes.

SER opening in Ballston

An exciting new venue named SER is getting ready to open this week in Ballston. Spanish for "to be", SER wants to be a small neighborhood restaurant serving up authentic, mouth-watering comfort foods from Spain in a casual and friendly environment. I'm really looking forward to the modern and stylish venue opening next to Melting Pot and Booeymonger at 1110 N. Glebe Rd.

Earlier this year, Christiana Campos won the Ballston BID Restaurant Challenge and began a Kickstarter campaign to fund a new Arlington restaurant. SER is under final construction now and is set to open Wednesday February 4, and is looking to hire staff here.

Super Bowl XLIX in Clarendon

Almost all the local bars are having specials for the upcoming Super Bowl this Sunday, February 1. Here are a few of those:

Guarapo has an extended happy hour and $1 wings.

Bracket Room should be popular and has prizes and giveaways during the game.

Mexicali Blues has beer specials with $2 12oz cans, $3 16oz cans and $10 48oz pitchers.

First Down is taking pre-orders for carryout of their famous wings.

Grateful Red is offering a free wine and Super Bowl snacks pairing party on Saturday from 1-4pm

Mister Days is selling tickets for $25 for their party that includes an All You Can Eat Tailgate menu 3-6pm and prizes.

Hunan Number One offers $5 all you can eat buffet along with their usual awesome huge mug happy hour special.