AVL's THE COOLOUT

I wasn't able to make last Sunday's soft opening but mark your calendars for 5/31 as Austin Hill is back and is treating us to another summer season of great get togethers.

5/31 on the Beacon Rooftop. Pray to the weather gods for sunny skies!

Some Medicinal Music: Royksopp's IN SPACE

Enjoy my little sugarplums!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Wg6hFDf6U

Prodigy

Many 28-year olds go through what's called a "quarter life crisis" and, in an attempt to cling onto the last few strands of reckless and irresponsible behavior, find themselves regressing and engaging in activities that border on inappropriate for their current ages and so-called maturity levels.

On Monday night I did exactly that...

I remember listening to the devilish sounds of Prodigy during my early years of high school. I regularly blasted the sounds of "Climbatize" and "Breathe" in my car while skipping class because I was such a rebel (please note the sarcasm here).

Fast forward 10 years....

While I was sitting at my office a few weeks ago and trying ever so hard to procrastinate and avoid my daily tasks, I logged onto the 9:30 club's website to check out upcoming shows. To my surprise, Prodigy was playing on 5/18.

With a scalped ticket in hand, I walked into the club in my wannabe hipster fedora and was ready for a cold beer and some good music. The band started at 10pm and the boys hadn't changed a bit. Loud Music. Dark Lyrics. And a sinister vibe. I dug it.

I met my friend and killer bartender, Jon Harris, last night for drinks at St. Ex. While we were catching up, he asked what I had been up to and when I responded that I checked out the Prodigy his response was priceless ---he said, "are those guys still around?"

I guess I am getting a little old for this....

To catch upcoming shows at 9:30 club: http://www.930.com/

SEXY MUSIC FOR A SEXY GIRL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiT38fuYQS0&feature=PlayList&p=61CEECAA3D6C4BAF&index=7

Hear those waves crashing? Sun, sand, summer smokes, and suntan here we come!!

Deadmau5 "Not Exactly"

Not from the LizMey collection but a goodie nonetheless (also recently performed at the 9:30 club):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTwGElgiCoo

Springtime Music: Chuck Love "Something Right"

Finally some agreeable weather. For those of you battling spring fever and trying to sit still in the office, listen to this gem! Also on Cielo Paradizo! xoxoxo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGJtySuhhYs

An Irish Band and Scottish Men

As an Irish gal three things warm my heart-- 1) a good lager 2) a cosy Irish pub and 3) a killer band. Last Thursday, as I was walking past Fados on 7th I overheard a band that absolutely rocked. Scythian has been hailed as DC's best Irish band and the lads did not disappoint in last week's performance. Brothers Alexander Fedoryka and Danylo Fedoryka along with Mike Ounallah and Josef Crosby brought the house down with traditional Irish folksongs. The boys also managed to revolutionize some of the Celtic tunes by adding hip-hop influences and rapping some of the lyrics (with an Irish rouge of course!). The place was packed and the crowd was having a ye olde grand time. Plus, the band attracted a crowd from across the pond as there were some very good looking Scots in for a golf tournament (how I love the UK!).

Please visit http://www.scythianmusic.com/ to find a show near you!

Sleepy Music for a Sleepy Day

Dayvan Cowboy by Boards of Canada. A Scottish duo of brothers. -- kisses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lEsLcGB7Vo&feature=related

Another Treat: Air Modular Mix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSp5AZIbi1o&feature=related

I am in an especially good mood today-- Enjoy! xoxo

OMAR: Lauch of the "Soul Britannia Party"

Pure Soul. The Warehouse & Loft opened its door to a host of good local DC DJs and the event was headlined by OMAR. Coming from the UK, Omar's music is a mixture of soul, R&B, and Latin jazz. And the mix works (Stevie Wonder is one of his biggest fans) and from the looks of the crowd, everyone seems to agree, this guy rocks. During the show a local artist was creating a mural off the vibes of the music and the crowd.

Best music that I've heard in a long time.

Check it out and listen to his new single, "Sing:" http://www.omarmusic.net/

A Must See: In the Tower Philip Guston

While viewing the modern art collection at the National Gallery last weekend, I stumbled upon a small but wonderful exhibition in the Tower in the East Wing.

Guston hailed from Montreal and painted during the Depression era. His style changed dramatically over the years as he began as an abstract expressionist painter working alongside his school friend, Jackson Pollock, and receiving accolades and critical success in the art world; however, in the end his painting became so esoteric that he was shunned by many of his colleagues as his painting were deemed nonsensical and not relevant.

I've included examples of his early works and his works later in his career. The first work, "To Felleni" was completed in 1958 and the second "Ladder" was completed in 1978. The differences between the two are dramatic and one can see how far he strayed from the acceptable style of the times. He was a rebellious and pioneer. Now his later works are celebrated in today's art world for their originality and message.

The exhibit only skims the surface as Guston also painted political pieces (i.e. "Rug") as well as some of his works that were inspired by the comic strips of the day.

While at the exhibit be sure to view the 6 minute video footage where you can see the late Guston at his studio as he explains some of his most famous works.

Guston in the Tower at the National Gallery of Art February 1–September 13, 2009.

Be sure to go!

Happy Song for a Happy Day!

Goldfrapp Hairy Trees.... xo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DszS3ACWbbk

Your Daily Treat: Mylo's Muscle Cars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7geCioVvQU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI53QFxB_NY&feature=related

Enjoy the two versions as well as my favorite muscle car (Shelby Ford GT 500)-- weekend here we come!

Mogwai's Auto Rock

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XHNd16PGM8&feature=email

Off the Beaten Path: 411 New York Avenue, NE

It's retro, unique, different, dangerous, and a bit illicit but a good time nonetheless. If you can find it, check it out. It's well worth the search.

Just for Fun: Royksopp's Epie

For your viewing and listening pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl4rwMZWATs

Please View: Robert Frank The Americans

The National Gallery of Art is currently exhibiting the works of Robert Frank. His photography series, "The Americans" is comprised of 83 photographs ranging from 1955 to 1956. Frank's works portray the grim side of life as he captures average Americans going about their day-to-day activities in their natural environments. Frank's subjects include ordinary people eating in a diner, to a woman gazing out a window, and people convened at a gas station.

It has been said that Frank's intent with this series was to illustrate the angst, loneliness, and alienation of the average American life, and he succeeds. His photographs are haunting as his subjects depict ordinary people mired in their monotonous and lonely existences with a quiet desperation and wanting to get out of their circumstances (perhaps resonating with today's Americans and the many uncertainties we face today).

Quite powerful and a must see-- National Gallery of Art, January 18–April 26, 2009.

Things We Like: Policy

In a word, refreshing-- a great addition to the Logan Circle neighborhood. Two-week old Policy Lounge opened its doors for its official grand opening last Saturday to a handful of locals to preview the space.

The entrance is illuminated with a bright yellow lights a la the entrance to the Hudson in NYC. The first floor is very sexy, dimly lit, modern, and minimal. It is mostly tables for eating, with a small bar area, and a few tables for lounging (only libations were consumed that night and so will have to report back on the food items).

The best part of space is undoubtedly the second floor. It is one of the most prolific designs in Washington DC (at least among the more mainstream venues)-- chandeliers hang from the ceilings, graffiti art on the walls, multi-level tables for lounging, and for the most part an open space with a good amount of room for dancing and mingling.

One complaint: the DJ needed some help.

Please visit this new little gem -- 1904 14th Street, NW

When the Action Moves On?

In an article, Alex Williams includes a quote from Michael J. Petruzzello, a prominent Washington public relations consultant that reads, “I think the city that never sleeps definitely needs a nap. Washington, not Wall Street, is where all the action is right now. We have the money, power and the celebrities. We own all of the banks and financial giants. The Obamas are the hottest power couple on the planet.”

It is if the ugly stepsister was finally let out of the house and could go to a party.

In a word: Ridiculous.

If you feel like reading this silly little article please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/fashion/18york.html?pagewanted=2&_r=3

The Honey Brothers

Apparently there is something big happening in town in the next few days.

Back On-Line

Yes, we are officially back.....

I apologize for such a long lag in posting. I can't believe I've neglected the site for over a year now but I must be totally honest, I got bored with our city and didn't want to turn this "blog" (and I detest that word) into another Dr. Diary of another "insert random girl's name here" and have people scratching their heads and thinking, "Why exactly do we care?"

So now that I sit at my desk listening to Live Sessions by Bonobo, over a year after I got into this whole "blogging" (also a word I detest) mess, I've finally found a purpose for this quirky little website.

Thank you again for your patience while I took time to refocus. It's good to be back.