All American Bar Crawl June 28

Watch out Clarendon, there is yet another huge bar crawl coming to our neighborhood. Last year's turnout for the All American Bar Crawl was huge with thousands of party goers enjoying the hot weather in red, white and blue crazy attire.

On Saturday, June 28 Project DC has convinced over a dozen local bars will participate in the 2-9pm event with drink and food specials. Included in the $15 ticket ($20 day of) will be a mug, beads, raffle ticket, and $2 Bronx pizza slices (cheese only, with toppings are $3 or $4 per slice). The party starts with registration at either Clarendon Ballroom, Velocity 5 or Mad Rose. There will probably be huge lines like last year so come early.

With all the recent controversy surrounding bar crawls and the debauchery it can bring to the neighborhood, it will be interesting to see how this summer's giant party works out.
    

The Fire Tonight at Iota

Electric piano trio The Fire Tonight are rocking with their 8-bit inspired tunes at Iota on Friday June 27. Joining them are well known DC folk/rock band. The Beanstalk Library. Out of coincidence,Ryan Walker of The Beanstalk Library and Stephen Russ of The Fire Tonight share the same birthday. Because of that, with your $12 cover you also get a free copy of The Fire Tonight's latest album How Could Anyone Do This? Philadelphia based tinmouth will start the night out at 8:30pm.

Erica Paul Fabulous Fundraiser at Clarendon Ballroom

Clarendon Ballroom is hosting the 4th Annual Erica Paul Fabulous fundraiser event on Saturday, June 21. The night begins with a rooftop happy hour at 5pm and then food, dancing and a fashion "dress up bar" by Current Boutique and The Tailored Man. on the main floor 6 to 9pm. Drink specials include half price beer, wine and rail drinks. Tickets are $30 online or $40 at the door.

At the age of 26, Erica was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. Instead of letting the devastating news stop her in her tracks, Erica began her fabulous journey of hope and activism. Through the many procedures, treatments, and surgeries, she always managed to flash that brilliant, fabulous smile. She began sharing her story in the hopes that others would not be stricken with such a terrible disease. On March 6, 2011 Erica lost her battle and passed away from the disease. In her honor, the Chris4Life foundation launched the Erica Paul Memorial Fund. 

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.

Margot MacDonald at Iota

Margot MacDonald is back from touring in Europe and is ready to stun crowds again in Clarendon on Saturday, June 14. Margot is well known for her amazing live looping performances, like this rendition of Teardrop in Clarendon four years ago. On June 14 she will play again at Iota along many other female musicians like pop-rock Haley Bonar and America Hearts, lead by two girl guitarists. Show starts around 9pm and cover is $12.

Photo credit to  Denuine.

Laura Baron at Iota

This Tuesday, June 10, DC area musician Laura Baron is playing at Iota. The Frederick News Post reviewed her music as "the most complex form of easy listening" and that it "perfected the formula... of tolling the line that blurs soft-core blues and jazz with acoustic guitars, sentimental flavors and an inherent beauty that only few can truly portray." The night starts out at 8pm with opening set by Lea followed by the Australis brothers. $12 cover for all three acts.

9 Comedy Series at Iota

Tonight, Sunday June 8, Iota is hosting a unique comedy night with nine different comedians. The 9 Comedy Series is similar to the 9 Songwriter Series created by Justin Trawick. Tonight's show features nine comedians starting at 8pm for only $10. The lineup is:
Rebecca Steinhoff
Ryan Schutt
Natalie McGill
Michael Foody
David Carter
Nate Johnson
Johno Cain
Andrew Bucket
David Coulter

Darna Memorial Day Block Party

This Sunday, May 25 Darna is taking advantage of the forecasted beautiful weather and celebrating Memorial Day weekend outdoors. Darna's Block Party starts at noon and features specials like $3 beers, $5 Fireball shots and $5 BBQ items until 8pm. Four DJs will keep their patio active with DJ Heat, DJ Vicious, DJ Pouria and DJ Brad Piff. Darna is also furnishing a dunk tank!

Rhodeside Grill Cocktail party

This Wednesday, May 21 Rhodeside Grill is parting hard with plenty of whiskey. They are throwing a Hudson Bourbon barrel aged cocktails release party Wed night, with lots of bourbon filled drinks like the "Hudson Manhattan". Rhodesides' own Paul Trahan Taylor will be on hand to mix the drinks as well as providing bourbon inspired cuisine to match the still cocktails. Who can turn down a bourbon doughnut?

Rhodeside keeps this week exciting with an electronic dance party in their basement Thursday, karaoke on Friday, and no-cover live music by Box Cartel on Saturday.

Nine Songwriter Series at Iota

This Tuesday May 20 the super talented We Are The Nine group returns to play at Iota. Starting at 8pm, The Nine Songwriter Series will include performances from nine local musicians including:

Justin Trawick
Ben Seidl
Jason Masi
Finley Martin
Nicole Eaddy
Annie Sidley
Emily Henry
LEA
Brittany Jean
The Nine Songwriter Series has been touring the nation for the past six years since Justin Trawick founded it in 2008. The night will feature nine solo singer/songwriters performing together in a unique and captivating format, telling stories, and often sitting in with each other and making up music on the spot. It's a great value to see all this talent for only a $10 cover.