Drama drama everywhere, not a drop to spare.

Things have been exploding in major ways.

1) Bake Sale didn't happen.

2) I officially have two awesome cute awesome roomies.

3) I'm going to this event tomorrow night with new awesome gear (it's just a puffer) courtesy of a cool friend.

Who might or might not think I'm a creeper....yeah. Not going into that even though I opened the door cause I'm a meanie like that.

The event will be my dear friend and constant sparring partner Brad Linde, in his self titled quartet (...the Brad Line Quartet..............bet ya didn't guess that......) featuring pianist and composer Dan Tepfer at Twins Jazz (for two sets). Facebook event here, buy tickets here, and come buy me a drink cause this weekend is retaliation for the last relaxing and drama mama-free weekend I had. DUH.

Oy vey.

xxoo

PS, a shout out to the Facebook group Jazz in DC and Gio Russonello and his speedy notification of THIS EVENT GO NOW.

-Sorry I couldn't get to this sooner, Gio. Life is fucked, I'm fucked, but I'll be ready to post another of Capitalbop's AWESOME SPECTACULAR events next time and ALWAYS.

Oh man updates UPDATES.

I'm moving up from Marylannnddddd to (wait for it…) U STREET. WHAT. WHAT. Aren't you jealous/relieved that now I have absolutely NO excuse to give you coverage of all that's great and spiffy about DC(other than AHEM monetary reasons…)? Be it under less than desirable circumstances, I'm still excited and enthralled and bewildered.

Back to business, no? Well, On Saturday night, I found myself at the Goethe Institut in Chinatown----yeah, I know, not really a happening/expected place huh?

But see, it was no ordinary Saturday night---it was a night featuring an event called

Natural Selections: An Interactive Audio Installation (or, err, LIKE A MILLION), which is their annual major event.

The reason why I don't have many photos is because you've got to go to one of these events to really capture what it's about. Trust me, this needs to be experienced in the flesh.

The event was done by the DC Listening Lounge: a group that organizes experimental radio and audio events, and really focuses on the art of audial stimulation (and has been doing so since 2004)

^ Awesome right?

OH AND THEY HAD FREE BEER. So I would pop into the DC Listening Lounge webpage every once in a while to see what may be happening next. I might/might not be up to much this weekend, since the moving and craziness---but hell, I'll be all moved in on U Street 

by Friday night….so we should have something up our sleeves by then.

OH WAIT, I ALMOST FORGOT SOME 

FORT RENO/BOHEMIAN CAVERNS JAZZ ORCHESTRA PICS.

I know, this is an oldie----but solid goodie.

If you live in DC and haven't heard of Fort Reno, you should slap yourself upside the head cause it's FREE, it's in an AWESOME PARK, it's METRO ACCESSIBLE and IT'S NEAR FUCKING WHOLE PAY-CHECK (Whole Foods).

Usually some really good bands (and some amateurs who aren't really THAT bad…), some pretty chill people (except for the teenagers flailing about and being plain silly) AND you've got an ice cream truck right on the curb. Closest to the Tenleytown Metro (not even 5 mins).

THURSDAY, YES, THIS THURSDAY IS THE LAST SHOW UNTIL NEXT SUMMER. Get on this shit like your life depends on it---it's a great time, I promise.

Phew, okay Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra is on every Monday night for $7 in advance or at the door. A nice, chill environment with amazing music from greats (and personal friends) like Brad Linde (baritone sax, co-band leader) and Elijah Jamal Balbed (tenor sax AND RAISING MONEYS (YES, MONEYS) FOR HIS ALBUM ON KICKSTARTER SUPPORT THIS HE IS A GREAT MUSICIAN AND AWESOME DUDE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPORRRRRTTTTTT).

….Yeah.

No, but seriously, this is exactly what the doctor ordered after a super lame Monday working and being pummeled by daily life restarting after Sunday. 

And hey, good cocktails too.

OKAY, now I'm done. Bookmark them links, SUPPORT ELIJAH'S ALBUM ON KICKSTARTER, and stay tuned for what the hell I might be up to Friday night after I've moved in…hopefully I don't get too hammered, hah.

xxoo

Okay, back from Hiatus.

Sorry about the absence, but as you know, Silverdocs has given me a ROUGH ride.

*That's what she said*

….

But now, I'm refreshed after the long, sparkling, very liquored weekend, ready to head to some cool spots in DC. I've got several options, and they will all be surprises.

But Sunday night, I'm heading over to the wonder DC Jazz Loft @ The Red Door for their free jam session and show. Lax, simple, and awesome is what I've described this place, and I can't wait to see some good friends and the brains behind CapitalBop.com (the authority on Jazz in DC), Giovanni Russonello --- the sweetest and best host you'll ever have <3

And now a few little reminders and  tidbits.

Check out my links on the right---I have a new one! It's HotToddyPhotography.tumblr.com my own photography blog. Yeah I know I have HotToddy365, but that's not my full repertoire, and I want you guys to have the most while not having to look at Flickr all the time (especially since I haven't upgraded it…whoops…)

ALSO, if you're from/live in/traverse into Silver Spring, MD, YOU MUST FOLLOW THIS BLOG called Silver Spring, Singular. Sligo is a great voice for this amazing community that I live and work in, and he does a far better job covering it than I do. 

Then again, my focus IS DC. So meh.

Happy Friday darlings --- and see you after our hangovers.

xxoo

Holy crap, Darius Jones Trio + The Decemberists, and friggin awesome kettle corn.

Well, my lovely people, I've finally returned with NEWS. YOU KNOW, LIKE ACTUAL NIGHTLIFE REPORTS? THE ONES I'M SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN DOING FOR THIS BLOGGITY BLOG RELIGIOUSLY?!

Again, I apologize for the admittedly shitty attendance to the events/timely posts I had promised, but I can only chalk it up to being overworked, underpaid, and underpaid, and also underpaid.

Yeah.

*Sigh* now on to the good stuff….

I present the Darius Jones Trio @ DC Jazz Fest's last performance at the 

DIY venue DC Jazz Loft (a.k.a. Red Door).

THIS BASSIST. I don't mean to be vulgar (actually, I really do mean to be vulgar), but I would definitely sleep with him after seeing him play. Hush up, you would too.

Mr. Jones knows how to play his horn to heights and audial contortions that make you giggle and stare in wonder. (Which is exactly what I did.)

I'm sorry, I may be biased but there is just something about Jazz and DC. They go together perfectly. The music just…permeates throughout the sketchy back alleyways and seedy chinese takeout places that have no seats and bulletproof glass….and the Darius Jones Trio, although hailing from Brooklyn (respect), recognized and respected that.

I know it's unfair to say that--but screw it, I have way too much pride in my hometown to back down. It may make me unwise---*shrugs*---
which wouldn't be a surprise to anyone that knows me well. ;-]

I got a kick out of seeing him, and the rest of the trio, get so into the music.
It was truly a religiously musical experience.

The last performance in the DC Jazz Loft series WITHIN the DC Jazz Festival was honestly breathtaking. I must thank FOREVER AND EVER Gio of CapitalBop…I bought a ticket for  last Sunday, and couldn't make it, so he fit me into this show. I am forever grateful.

I can say that this was the second best show I've seen this spring/summer season
(Sharon Van Etten and CAKE both tying for #1,
and Warpaint being 3rd, and now fighting for that spot.)

WANNA KNOW WHY?

The Decemberists, that's why, bitches.

Well okay, seats weren't 'in your faise' I admit. But they were fucking free. FREE.

I have good friends.

A little bokeh for your pleasure?...

…To make you forgive me? Hm?

Come see the full album here!


I profusely apologize for lateness, once again. A whole lot has been going on, but don't you worry---this weekend and this coming week will be a killer tidal wave of awesome…stuff.

(Where was I going there?)

Tomorrow is the CLOSING NIGHT of VitaminWater Uncapped Live--meaning sickness to the sick of sickdom. And no, I don't mean migraines. NO MIGRAINES. I mean good music, lots of gin & tonics, and lots of dancin to burn up dem calories.

Then EXTENSIVE Silverdocs Film Festival coverage. I'm serious. Conference pics? You got it. Famous faces? Eh…we'll see. I may work there, but I'm not a magic worker…actually, scratch that, someone told me I was when I was at the office today, BUT STILL--we shall see. Overall fabulous pictures and coverage of smiling faces, awesome documentaries,
and great panels? You bet your ass you got it.

See you later, my dear lovely readers.
I thank you so much for your readership in the field of reading readable content…in this….vicinity.

My lord, I must get some rest.

xxoo.

D.C. Jazz Loft: DCJF preview show

It's a DIY venue.

$10 donation appreciated (so you might as well pay, and not be a stingy asshole), and BYOB (WHICH I THROUGHLY THINK IS GREAT).

All ages, great jazz, and I might have my new Nikon by that time if I rip the pain of paying $20.95 for 2 day air shipping.

I think I will, cause I LOVE DIY venues and the entire concept of them. AND jazz. And lots of people enjoying jazz.

I'm excited. I hope the nonexistent :,(  readers will go, too.

Go here to RSVP on Facebook. It is a Sunday, but whatever, deal with it.
Mondays are crap anyways.