Monthly Archives: May 2011

Entertainment, Music, We Love Music
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We Love Music: James Blake @ Rock and Roll Hotel, 5/8/11

blake1
Courtesy of James Blake

If you want some idea of what James Blake’s show sounded like on Sunday night at the Rock and Roll Hotel, do yourself a favor and listen to this broadcast of his SXSW set while you read.

I was beyond excited to get a chance to see Blake on his first US tour, at a venue as tiny as the Rock and Roll Hotel, at a show that sold out within minutes. He’s one of the rare artists who pushes the boundaries of popular music, creating something familiar but unclassifiable. (I’ll refrain from using the phrase “post-dubstep” in this review.) Blake is preceded by groups like How To Dress Well and The XX, who create dark, atmospheric, slow pop songs that use sparse instrumentation. This emptiness gives the songs enough breathing room that you can fill in the space yourself. After making a name for himself by producing dubstep, a dark, bass-heavy style of dance music from England, Blake mixed in his soul-singer-like vocals to craft his debut album last year.

As a singer/songwriter/producer, James Blake’s set could’ve gone in several different directions. I was wondering if he would stick to solo piano pieces. Or maybe he would eschew his voice in favor of playing straight, rhythm-focused dubstep tracks from his early days. We ended up getting a good mix of songs off his debut and electronic explorations old and new. Oh, and it was one of the best-sounding shows I’ve witnessed at the Rock and Roll Hotel.

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History, The Daily Feed
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Smithsonian Snapshot: Joe Louis’ Boxing Gloves

Photo courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

For this week’s Smithsonian Snapshot, we take a look at the sport of boxing. Worn in his first historic bout with German boxer Max Schmeling in 1936, Joe Louis’ boxing gloves represent a very special chapter in American sports and social history.

While the 1936 match was a heartbreaking loss for Louis, the two boxers met again in 1938 in Yankee Stadium. After that match, Louis was declared the victor in what is considered one of the greatest sporting moments of the 20th century. The historic win cemented Louis’ place in the country’s collective memory, seen as a symbolic contest of American ideals versus those of the Nazis. By easily defeating Schmeling in the first round, Louis became a national hero.

This object is one of more than 1,000 artifacts, works of art and specimens that are on view at Smithsonian Affiliates across the country, and one of 137 million in the Smithsonian’s collection. It is on public display at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh through October 2011 in the exhibition “America’s Best Weekly: A Century of the Pittsburgh Courier.”

Featured Photo
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Featured Photo


‘your turn’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Wildlife photography: the art of taking photographs of wildlife. I’ve had the impression that it is generally underappeciated in the digital age of photography. But when you really look at it, this is an incredibly difficult art form. You not only have to find fascinating subjects, but you also have to learn how a specific species will behave. This is important so that you have an idea on what they will do next, unlike with humans.

Phil demonstates many of the key skills of a good wildlife photographer with this shot. He’s been following the osprey, which take up residence at this nest in Belle Haven VA, for years. He also patientally waits for the bird to get into a dramtic, noble pose. And lastly, he aims for the eyes. This last point is most key for wildlife shots, for the same reason it’s important for human shots: we’re drawn to the eyes and it’s a window into the soul of the animal.

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Food and Drink, The Features
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Second Buzz Bakery Opens Today in Ballston

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

There’s a new bakery on the block in Ballston. Buzz Bakery is opening its second location today, and is offering samples of baked goods and MadCap Coffee at the new location.

While some of the offerings will be the same, there are several noteworthy changes and additions at the new location. For starters, there will be new breakfast pop-tarts, waffles, quiches, house-made ice creams and popsicles. Plus, you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth at home with Buzz’s take-and-bake options of frozen cookies, scones, as well as sausage and cheese biscuits, that you can bake at home. Additionally, the bakery has a new and exclusive coffee supplier, MadCap Coffee, a small company based out of Michigan.

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The Daily Feed
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Hot Ticket: J Roddy Walston & The Business @ Rock & Roll Hotel, 5/12/11

On Wednesday night, Baltimore rockers J Roddy Walston & The Business play the final date of their 4-week residency at Rock & Roll Hotel. Former We Love DC music critic and founder of DC Rock Live, David Hintz describes J Roddy Walston & The Business’ sound as “real honky-tonk fun that is hard not to enjoy…for Americana/rock’n’roll fans”.

Live music residencies can be tricky things for bands to pull off successfully. A string of shows in the same venue can be an endurance test for a band and an audience. For the band the test is making each performance unique enough to rise above appearing as a simple house band. For the audience it is a question of how much exposure to the same band is too much. Residencies are usually either triumphs or abject failures, there is minimal middle ground for a band to play it safe on.

It is a showing of confidence for J Roddy Walston & The Business to book this residency. Even more so when research online reveals that they are doing similar residencies in other cities too. Everything I have heard about this band is that they are straight ahead rockers that bring the party like nobody’s business. Word on the street about their shows over the past 3-weeks at the Hotel is that they are tearing the place apart every time. I highly recommend checking this one out. J Roddy Walston & The Business’ final residency show is going to be a blow-out bash.

J Roddy Walston & The Business
@ Rock & Roll Hotel
5/11/11 – 8pm
$15

The Daily Feed
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A chance to tell the White House what you think

Photo courtesy of
‘White House’
courtesy of ‘giantminispacegoat’

This Wednesday, the White House wants to know what you think.  They’re sending Michael Blake from the Office of Public Engagement to lead a Town Hall event at All Souls Church in Columbia Heights for two and a half hours this Wednesday.  If you want to go, the event is free, but requires an RSVP.  Want to know if President Obama is going to barter away any more of your freedoms to avoid further concessions to the Republicans? This would be a great place to ask.  Want to know if the President actually supports local autonomy for the District? This would be a great place to ask.

See you Wednesday at All Souls!

We Love Music
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We Love Music: Toh Kay/Timothy Bracken @ Iota, 5/7/11

Photo courtesy of
‘Streetlight Manifesto – Tomas Kalnoky’
courtesy of ‘Evan Wohrman’

On Saturday evening Toh Kay rolled into the Iota Club in Clarendon for a show with Timothy Bracken. The small audience of loyal Toh Kay fans waited patiently for the one man band and his 6-string. The show started about a half hour late – the bartender said they were waiting for the place to fill up. It didn’t. But this space added to the intimacy of this already homey venue, with only 40 or so people scattered about the room. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Police Week Starts Today

Photo courtesy of
‘We Know It’s Raining’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’

If you noticed a few more law enforcement people than usual here in DC today, good eye. Police detachments from all over the US are going to be in DC this week for National Police Week.  Thursday is the early arrival day before the big candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square, but a memorial service is set for 11am today.  Yesterday’s 16th Annual Law Ride ended at the memorial site.  Starting Friday, there are a series of events at the FOP DC Lodge (2nd & H St NW), as well as an Honor Guard Competition, a Pipe Band demonstration and other festivities.

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Friday Happy Hour: Triple Crown Cocktails at The Source

Horse races are sporting events I can get behind: Gambling, hats, and over in two minutes. Also, each of the American Triple Crown races features a traditional official cocktail.

At The Source by Wolfgang Puck, the bar team decided to honor the equestrian traditions by adding each of these three cocktails to their lounge menu for a limited time. However, as an Asian fusion restaurant, the classic mint julep (Kentucky Derby), black-eyed susan (Preakness) and Belmont breeze (Belmont) seemed a bit too domestic, so they decided to add pan-Asian flavors to their interpretation of each.

Upon reading this, I was curious – and maybe just a hint dubious. These are such iconic American drinks, the julep in particular. How would spruced-up Pacific Rim variants work out?
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Capital Chefs, Food and Drink, The Features
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Capital Chefs: Eric Brannon of Ted’s Bulletin (Part 2)

Photo courtesy of
‘Walk of shame burrito from Ted’s Bulletin’
courtesy of ‘bonappetitfoodie’

We’ve all had a Saturday morning where we’ve woken up parched, head throbbing and stomach gurgling for something heavy and delicious to cure a bad hangover. Granted I tried Eric Brannon’s breakfast burrito for dinner (who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?), but I’d imagine on a weekend morning hungover or not, this burrito would really hit the spot. It’s easy enough to make, and certainly don’t feel obligated to eat it before noon. You’ll find the full recipe after the jump.
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Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Tweet of the Week: El Centro D.F.

Photo courtesy of
‘Yummy lunch at Surfside’
courtesy of ‘Joe in DC’
(Note those delicious tacos aren’t from El Centro D.F., but now I really want tacos.)

I think it’s the combination of it being Cinco de Mayo week and my love for Mexican food that has El Centro D.F. as our Tweet of the Week winner.

So far it has less than 150 followers, but the restaurant is only one day old! It’s a good number if you look at it that way. El Centro D.F. (or @ElCentroDF)bills itself as DC’s “Premier Taqueria & Tequileria,” and according to my friends who tried it out yesterday, it just might be.

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Crime & Punishment, History, Life in the Capital, The District, We Love Drinks
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Breakin’ the Law: Prohibition in DC

Garrett Peck
Garret Peck (photos by the author)

Wednesday night I attended a talk on Prohibition in DC by local author Garrett Peck. He’s got a new book on the subject, developed as a result of his research for his first book, along with the knowledge he’s amassed leading the Temperance Tour. Much as it is now, DC was a playground for politicians who wanted to try out new rules. Prohibition was thus imposed on the District in 1917 by politicians who, privately (and sometimes publicly) didn’t themselves care much for or about the law.

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Capital Chefs, Food and Drink, The Features
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Capital Chefs: Eric Brannon of Ted’s Bulletin (Part 1)

Photo courtesy of
‘Eric Brannon of Ted’s Bulletin’
courtesy of ‘bonappetitfoodie’

Eric Brannon serves up more than your average meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Since Ted’s opened a little more than a year ago, the chef has been serving up comfort food reminiscent of mom’s cooking but with more flair at Ted’s Bulletin in Eastern Market.

“I’m cooking food that gives you memories,” he says. “It’s so rewarding to have people come up to you and say, ‘This is like how my mom made it.’ It pays homage to folks at home.” For Brannon, his cooking is about revamping the simple and attainable classics, which is still a challenge.

The restaurant’s homemade pop tarts and adult (read: liquor-laced) milkshakes have generated worthy buzz around the city. This year the restaurant was nominated for a RAMMY as one of 2011’s Best Neighborhood Gathering Places, one of the few public vote categories. And he says new milkshakes, pop tarts and some fun entrées such as a Texas style brisket will be making their debut on the menu this spring.
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The Daily Feed
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The end is coming! (But probably not soon)

Photo courtesy of
‘The End Is Near 91.7 FM’
courtesy of ‘pasa47’

I was driving down New Jersey Avenue yesterday around lunch, lost in thought, stopped at the light right before 395, when a disheveled man tapped on the window glass. I was expecting it to be one of the panhandlers that usually frequents that block, but I was surprised to find instead a man in a white wifebeater undershirt with a hastily stenciled message about the end of the world on May 21st.  The green light saved me from response and I drove onward.

The group is part of the Family Radio Network, a Christian fundamentalist radio network lead by Harold Camping, who set the date for the end of the world on May 21st, 2011.  The Post has a detailed story, including a hysterical anecdote from a person employed by the Department of Homeland Security who has taken a leave of absence until the 23rd of May.

You may see these folks on the street corners here in DC for the next week or two, but let ’em just be. I suspect they’ll be pretty disappointed come 6:01pm on May 21st, when the world hasn’t ended. That’s punishment enough. Though, a friend tweeted yesterday, if they’re right, at least we won’t have to deal with them constantly reminding us they had it pegged.

The Daily Feed
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Pinkberry Opens in DC

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_0153’
courtesy of ‘A. L. Huber’

The “crackberry” phenomenon has finally made it to DC proper. Last night, hundreds, if not thousands of devotees lined Connecticut Avenue to get a taste of the west coast’s favorite frozen yogurt, Pinkberry. According to Pinkberry, their new DC store handed out around 2000 free samples of their tangy brand of fro-yo that had people lined up down the block and around the corner.
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Sports Fix, The Features
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A Little Brains, Heart and Nerve: Say Goodnight, Washington Capitals

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_1503.jpg’
courtesy of ‘bridgetds’

I could wile away the hours,
Conferrin’ with the flowers,
Consultin’ with the rain,
And my head I’d be scratchin,’
While my thoughts were busy hatchin’ …

The Bruce Boudreau Era is done.

Make no mistake about it. Heading into the postseason the question was not so much about how far the Caps would go but more about how they performed once they got out of the first round. “Does Boudreau lose his job if the Caps do not make it to the Stanley Cup Finals” was an unfair question. The Stanley Cup is perhaps the hardest trophy to win in all of American sports, outside of the horse racing Triple Crown.

Washington just needed to play respectably, up to its potential and level of talent. No choking, no dramatic series losses after being up big. From the Eastern Conference semifinals on, if the Caps played well but got beat, that would have been an acceptable outcome.

That is not what happened.

Getting swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning was simply appalling. There is no excuse for it. It looked like Washington had found a way to win in the playoffs after the New York series. They were motivated, they played tight defensively, were opportunistic when they needed to be and, most importantly, they looked like they were focused and playing together. Sheer talent and determination should have been enough to get them through the semifinals.

A very good friend of mine, Erin, said that the Caps would be swept. She is an evil genius. Most pundits picked Washington to win anywhere between five and seven games. Myself, I thought Washington could eke it out in seven. I was not going to be one of those writers who dismissed the Lightning as too young or too raw. Tampa has a superbly talented hockey team not to be underestimated.

What I did was overestimate the Washington Capitals.

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Entertainment, The Features, We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Cyrano

(L-R) Eric Hissom, Chris Genebach, Todd Scofield, Richard Ruiz, and Dan Crane in Cyrano at Folger Theatre, through June 5, 2011. Photo credit: Carol Pratt

If you’re expecting to see Folger Theatre do the traditional over-three-hours-five-acts-cast-of-hundreds production of Cyrano (and yes, having been brought up on Derek Jacobi’s brilliant RSC Cyrano, I was), forget it. You don’t need the caffeine, it’s already built into this lightning fast adaptation by Michael Hollinger and director Aaron Posner. Nine actors play multiple roles over two acts in a translation that may lose some of the poetry but none of the verve.

Or rather, the panache.

Thanks to its constant reinvention in popular culture ever since its debut in 1897, the plot of Edmond Rostand’s play about the swashbuckling 17th-century soldier with an enormous nose and a heart to match is well known enough that slicing and dicing the text isn’t viewed as too sacrilegious. Hollinger’s new translation tosses the Alexandrine couplets in favor of a less formal tone, and the cuts he and Posner made streamline the action to its most essential elements. Sure, I missed a few of my favorite bits and the lusciousness of the Anthony Burgess translation, but that didn’t mar my enjoyment. This adaptation is whistling sharp, like a rapier. Or as a friend put it afterwards, “It’s the Cliff Notes version… if Cliff Notes were actually really good.”

What is the beating, raging heart of this production? Eric Hissom’s Cyrano de Bergerac. Completely believable as both a scathing poet and a dashing fighter, his self-loathing whips him on to acts of self-destructive bravery and selfless love. Battling a hundred knights on the bridge? I bet he could’ve handled a thousand.  Continue reading →