The DC Write-Up

The D.C. area has long been a hotbed for musical inspiration, spawning popular folk bands like The Lovin’ Spoonful and The Mamas & the Papas in the ’60s and several seminal hardcore punk and emo groups in the ’80s with groups like Bad Brains and Minor Threat. The spirit of those eras still lives on in the city today, and visitors and locals alike can be a part of it by checking out a show at a local venue. Here are some to add to your list.The Rock and Roll Hotel is a unique venue on H Street that combines the thrill of live music with the comfort of private hotel rooms. Visitors can rent out their themed rooms for the evening for parties and other events. The Hotel prides itself on being 15 minutes from everything, so its easy for hoppers to start at another club and make their way over. Some notable groups appearing later in the year include Deer Tick, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, and Lou Barlow of Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh fame.Black Cat is an all-ages club, although it still follows the D.C. Curfew law. The venue opened in 1993 in an effort to revitalize the live music scene in DC, and also helped the U Street Corridor to recover after a period of urban decline. The Red Room Bar is a no-cover area of the club where you can always find music, movies, or poetry going on. Legends Cap’n Jazz are playing a sold-out show on the 23^rd.The 9:30 Club is a historic spot that’s been around in various guises since the 1970s, when it hosted a variety of New Wave and punk groups. With a capacity of 1200 people, the venue caters to both local and major touring groups like Bob Dylan and Radiohead. NPR’s program All Songs Considered broadcasts live concerts from the club by hit groups like Animal Collective and Neko Case.