Stay indoors to stop COVID-19 spreading

Clarendon completely failed at social distancing this past weekend sadly. Arlington bar goers did not take the Coronavirus COVID-19 virus threat seriously, despite multiple cases already verified in Arlington and the constant warning from the CDC that this pandemic will get much worse soon.

At the present rate, the United States is on track to have the same level of infections as Italy which has been completely overrun with the virus. Unfortunately many 20 and 30 year olds didn't care about preventing our medical services from collapsing and running out of ICU room, but instead prioritized getting a drink on a rainy weekend of March 13-14 as if it was an ordinary time.

Bars and nightclubs are prime ground for the virus to spread, as many young people are infected with COVID-19 and show no symptoms and insist on selfishly socializing in close groups in these critical times. DC government first closed all nightclubs over the weekend, and now have taken the steps to shutter all DC bars at well because of this threat. Arlington County unfortunately is unable to shut down the nightlife venues itself due to the Dillon Rule and have to wait for decisions form Richmond to enforce. The governor has banned all events of 100 or more people as of today, and many bars and restaurants are closing or offering only carryout service to lower the number of infections.

This could be the worst time to try to convince Clarendon venues to act for the greater good and close their doors, as the combination of warmer weather, St. Patrick's day and many outdoor and patio spaces opening last week equal a huge boom to local businesses. Sadly, some venues are still staying open and promoting socializing while other bars have voluntarily closed for this holiday. If you want to support local restaurants and business during a quarantine, please buy gift cards from your favorite bar to redeem later or order take out/delivery from them.

There are still a few innovative options to get live music during a health crisis. Arlington musicians Justin Trawick and Laura LeMunyan put on several Facebook Live concerts that were so successful they attracted the attention of Reuters to interview them. Jasmine Gillison had a live show with Ben Tufts on WERA 96.7 last week. Derek Evry has an Instagram live show at 8pm March 16. All performers have Venmo or Paypal accounts where you can tip them virtually.

The blog, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for Clarendon Nights is going quiet for a long time, as its inappropriate and dangerous to promote large events. I'll probably still retweet events and news about Clarendon. Please check out ArlNow for up to date local news and coverage during these stressful times.

Alex Parez at Galaxy Hut

Local favorite Alex Parez is playing this Sunday, Sept 30 night at Galaxy Hut. Music starts at 8:30pm, $5, 21+. Come help us celebrate the first year of his band Alex The Read Parez And The Hell Rojos album's existence! Guest performance by Derek Evry.

Goodbye Iota

Such a sad day to acknowledge that my favorite live music venue of all time Iota Club and Café will be closing for good on Sept 30 2017. As reported in detail by ArlNow, the owners have decided to pack it up after their lease ends as the building is being remodeled and ending Iota's unique place in Arlington culture for 23 years. Their final lineup so far is Last Train Home on the 28th and 29th.

While nothing can replace Iota, similar spots like Galaxy Hut down the street and Gypsy Sally's in Georgetown will continue to host bands that would have played here.

I have such fond memories of this place and all the wonderful people I've met there, like Justin Trawick, Derek Evry, Alex Parez, Margot MacDonald and Rae Williamson just to name a few. ArlNow has an extensive list of performances that have graced Iota's small stage. Here is a quick list of my favorite shows at the quirky place that kept Clarendon strange:

My first recorded Iota night almost 10 years ago with the fun local band Boxcar Collision.

Matthew Good's oddly quiet show in 2008

The super catchy pop punk Exit Clov bursting with style and cow bells







My first show with Juniper Lane and witnessing Vivion Smith's killer vocals

Ending 2008 on an amazing festive night with Ten Out of Tenn. Might have been the best concert experience ever.

That time Tristan Prettyman sold out her show and the first time I saw a line down the block for Iota. Luckily she came back in 2011.

Reni Lane!!!

Katie Herzig's Hologram song live along with Butterfly Boucher in the same night.

Juniper Lane and Margot MacDonald on the same night in 2012!

The week everything was free at Iota in 2014

Luckily for us the Nine Songwriter Series frequently visited Iota

Derek Evry is awesome. Middle Distance Runner is awesome. And both in the same night!

The unforgettable night with Invisible Witches debuting in summer of 2014.

When Boston based Air Traffic Controller dropped by and forever got their song Hurry Hurry stuck in my head.

Justin Trawick's birthday show in 2015. This is the most musically talented and active guy here.

Derek Evry at Black Cat

Local favorite Derek Evry is taking the stage at Black Cat in DC on Friday March 10 for the first time playing in his own band. Derek frequents many Clarendon and DC venues often and is a huge part of our local music scene. In addition, the $12 show ($10 in advance) will feature more music and burlesque:

LIVE MUSIC from:
Jonny Grave & the Tombstones
Oh He Dead
Derek Evry & the Rhythm Section

BURLESQUE by:
GiGi Holliday of Chocolate City Burlesque and Cabaret
Whiskey Joy of Baltimore, MD

Hosted by:
Jenn Tisdale

This is an exciting time for Derek, as last week was not only his birthday but he also announced his engagement to Emily Henry, also a super talented singer-songwriter. Congrats!

Open Mic Nights at Sehkraft Brewery

This Monday April 18 local favorite Derek Evry will kick off the first in a new series of Open Mic Nights at Sehkraft Brewery!

This open mic will occur every second and forth Monday of the month starting at 8pm, with sign ups at 7pm.

A featured artist of the night will perform at 9pm.

Follow them on Twitter at @shekraftopenmic

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)

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.

Derek Evry's Halloween show at Iota

If live music in a fun setting is preferable than the throngs of wild drunken partiers at Ballroom, come out to Iota on Oct 31 for three live bands. The very talented local musician Derek Evry leads His Band Of Misantropes on Halloween night. Music starts at 9pm with Yum and Short Lives, $9 covers you for all three acts. More info on their Facebook event page.

Beck and Cake tribute show at Iota

Beck and Cake fans take over Iota this Friday, Sept 12 for a tribute show by two great local acts. Alex Vans leads the Beck tribute band The New Pollution starting at 9pm. Also that night, the very talented Derek Evry And His Band Of Misantropes take over that stage with Cake songs like "The Distance". This should be a great performance, as Derek did a phenomenal job back in February by channeling Green Day in the Classic Albums of 1994 night. Cover is $12 for both acts.

If you are the 75th person to RSVP on the Facebook event page and Alex Vans will give you a free high five, as well as singing your name during their rendition of "Debra".

Derek Evry and Middle Distance Runner at Iota

Local musician and Iota favorite Derek Evry will be performing in Clarendon with His Band Of Misantropes on Saturday, June 21 to celebrate their new album. The EP release show at Iota celebrates their album "Down to the Wire"and their alternative rock songs inspired by Alkaline Rio, Jimmy Eat World and Green Day (which Derek Evry did an excellent job channeling Billie Joe Armstrong at the Classic Albums of 1994 party).

Starting at 8pm two other bands will start off the night, including one of my favorites Middle Distance Runner. I loved their rendition of The Unbeliever when I saw them live at Iota in 2010. Afterwards Dr Robinson's Fiasco will keep the crowd moving until Derek Evry takes the stage. Cover is only $12 for all three bands.

These Future Saints at Galaxy Hut

This Monday, Feb 17, local band These Future Saints will be celebrating their one year together as a band at Galaxy Hut. I'm starting to get addicted to their catchy, light and just-the-right-amount-of-energetic indie rock. The show starts at 9pm and the $5 cover also includes a performance by local talent Derek Evry. More info on their Facebook invite page.

Classic Albums of 1994

Tonight, Saturday February 1, Iota is throwing a Classic Albums of 1994 party. Local musician Derek Evry headlines the night channeling Green Day's Dookie, then more than six other acts play covers of famous 90s bands. The night starts out at 8pm and cover is $12, which gets you:

Jason Mendelson and Robert Higgs as They Might Be Giants
Carolyn Crysdale as Jewel
Alex Parez as Tom Petty
Andrew Gaddy of These Future Saints as Jeff Buckley
Taylor Carson as Soul Coughing
The Beanstalk Library as Pearl Jam
Derek Evry and His Band of Misanthropes as Green Day

NYE live music party at Iota

For this 2013 New Year's Eve Iota is throwing its 4th Annual NYE party. The night starts at 9pm with a $18 cover charge, and features three local bands and DJ Sam Snow to keep things moving between sets:

The Beanstalk Library
Derek Evry
These Future Saints

Clarendon Day this Saturday

Clarendon Day is an annual family friendly block party that is taking over the neighborhood this Saturday, September 28 from 11am to 5pm. Streets around central Clarendon will be closed off as dozens of local restaurants and businesses will have tents offering up food, beer, wine, chili cook-off and other goodies. There will also be a ton of live music playing on three stages all day long:

Arlington’s Car-Free Diet Stage

• 11:00 am               Nanny Assis
• 11:50 am               Roosevelt Dime
• 12:40pm                Derek Evry
• 1:30 pm                 Kitty Boy
• 2:20 pm                 Cecily
• 3:10 pm                 The Beanstalk Library
• 4:00 pm                 The Cowards Choir

 Burke and Herbert Stage                 

• 11:00 am               The Unexpected
• 11:10 am               Static
• 11:20 am               Safety Third
• 11:40 am               Jason Masi
• 12:10 pm               Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray
• 12:40 pm               49 cent Dress
• 1:20 pm                 The Microphone
• 2:00 pm                 Diamond Dolls
• 2:30 pm                 The Curbfeelers
• 3:10 pm                 Skip House
• 3:50 pm                  Go Go Symphony
• 4:30 pm                 West Main

ARC Stage                     

• 11:00 am               ReVision Dance Company
• 11:35 am               Ballet Nova
• 12:15 pm               Laura Baron
• 12:55 pm               Adagio Ballet
• 1:30 pm                 The Flashband Project
• 2:10 pm                 Red Light Distraction
• 2:30 pm                 Saffron Dance
• 3:10 pm                 Big Hoax
• 3:55 pm                 O’Neill-James School of Irish Dancing
• 4:20 pm                 Richie Walz & Mo Safren

"Help Ben Tufts" concert at Iota

Derek Evry is organizing a concert September 10 at Iota to help out another local musician Ben Tufts. Ben is a drummer who has played in 20 some bands regularly, but had a large amount of musical instruments stolen from him in DC this past weekend. So to help out a friend and fellow musician, Derek is throwing a huge concert with tons of local talent to replace the lost equipment. RSVP and more info on Facebook here. There is about 20 live acts playing 10 minutes each at Iota starting at 7pm:

7:00 - Rachel Levitin
7:10 - Luciano Lima
7:20 - Tiger Gilliam
7:30 - Andres Gallego
7:40 - Jasmine Gillison
7:50 - Matthew Berry
8:00 - Mary Battiata
8:10 - Jackson Edwards
8:20 - Andrew Gaddy
8:30 - Lauren Calve
8:40 - Justin Trawick
8:50 - Laura Tsaggaris
9:00 - Derek Evry
9:10 to 9:30 - DJ Sam Snow
9:30 - theScapes
10:00 - StarFK Radium
10:30 - Colin Thompson Band
11:00 - The Beanstalk Library
11:30 - The Cowards Choir
12:00 - DJ Sam Snow (All Night)
 

End summer at Whitlow's Pig Roast

Despite many people being out of town for Labor Day weekend, there are still plenty of events going on in Clarendon. Tonight, Sunday September 1st, Whitlow's is having a pig roast rooftop party starting at 5pm followed by a pub quiz at 8pm. First prize is tickets to the October 20th show for the great indie band and one of my favorites The Dismemberment Plan.

Afterword go next door to Iota to see some local DC based musicians Lindsay Buckingham Palace and our own Derek Evry. $10 cover gets you in for both shows that start at 8:30pm. Another choice for spending the last weekend of summer in town is to catch a showing of Fast Times at Ridgemont High starting 8pm at Eat Bar's "Back to School Month" cinema series.

"Tune In, Write Now" at Iota tonight

Tune In, Write Now is a new kind of showcase presented by Arlington local musicians Derek Evry and Molly Hagen. They will be interviewing working musicians and songwriters for insight into the mind and the life of the musician, with the purpose of inspiring upcoming musicians and sharing in the artists work. Tonight will feature a live roundtable with the great talents of local Andy Zipf and Laura Tsaggaris. The $10 show starts at 8pm at Iota.

Tonight in Clarendon

On this Thursday, May 16th in Clarendon you get your choice of a wide variety of live music, from dance to country to indie. Here is the break down:

5:30 - Local musician Derek Evry is playing at Whole Foods, which if you remember now has a bar upstairs.

8:00 - Wilson Tavern is throwing a "Daisy Dukes and Cowboy Boots" party tonight featuring country music, encouraging patrons to wear cowboy attire and short shorts.

8:30 - Live music starts at Iota with Emily Wells taking the stage. Brooklyn-based electroacoustic duo Live Footage also plays tonight. Cover is $13.

9:00 - Round out the night with a CD release party with DJ Saam and King C Lo at Mad Rose Tavern. If the weather holds out, there will be champagne and hooka available on their patio.

"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

Huge CD release event at Iota tonight

Iota is hosting the CD release event "Music Still Happens Here" tonight at 7pm. This is a great opportunity to see SIXTEEN different artists in one night for only a $10 cover. Local favorites including Brittany Jean and Derek Evry and many more will be filling the stage with hours of great music.

7:00PM - Matt Tarka
7:15PM - Addieville
7:30PM - Derek Anderson
7:45PM - Kate Moran Band
8:00PM - Johari
8:15PM - Mr. Forge
8:30PM - Brittany Jean
8:45PM - GO
9:00PM - Sweet Interference
9:15PM - Wes Tucker & The Skillets
9:30PM - Norman Rockwell
9:45PM - Ditched By Kate
10:00PM - Ted Hovis & The Stolen Cameros
10:15PM - Classified Frequency
10:30PM - Irresponsible
10:45PM - Derek Evry