The Metro Cafe - Washington DC

SCHEDULE for MAY 2001

< Schedule for April 2001

Schedule for June 2001 >

Date	Show/Event	Additional Information	Buy Online
Tue 1	SHE SINGS presents REBECCA MCCABE KATHLEEN LAGUE CASSANDRA BERNS 8PM $10	Accomplished singer/songwriter Rebecca McCabe started SHE SINGS as a vehicle for women who feel as passionate about music as she does! This presentation is done in a musical round between the listed performers.
Tue 1	T.W. WALSH SPOKANE THE AMERICAN 10PM $7	TW WALSH is from Massachusetts and has supported PEDRO THE LION and IDA. His beginnings were as a drummer. He played in a few bands over the years, and occasionally performed and recorded his own songs as DIRTBIKE. Currently employed as a software engineer. Spokane is Rick Alverson's new "more solo" project. Having been the principal songwriter for Drunk in the course of their four full-length records and two EPs, Alverson has decided to explore a more personal vision with Spokane. He is touring domestically as Spokane this fall and will be performing with Drunk this winter when the group tours Europe and the U.K. The American is a quartet from the Baltimore/Washington area who seamlessly integrate smooth jazz grooves, free improvisation, and edgy rock to create unique, genre-defying mind music.
Wed 2	RAT ALLEY THEATER DOORS 7PM SHOW 8PM $5	Improvisation comedy and short skits from these theatrical pranksters known as RATS.
Wed 2	SUGARMAN 3 THE JANUARIES THE MAYFLIES 10PM $7	Headed up by saxman Neal Sugarman, the Sugarman 3 deliver a sound heavily influenced by the rare-groove funk and go-go that so many love. New York has never produced such an interesting band which is self-described as "heavy boogaloo". Good luck standing still when faced with Adam Scone's scathing B3 whirlwind -- he's definitely the Sugarman 3's ace in the hole. Sugarman himself will make ya sweat, boys and girls. ….and don't forget your go-go boots. You'll thank us later. Speaking of go-go…Los Angeles' THE JANUARIES have been described as Brigitte Bardot meets the Doors or Herb Alpert meets Shirley Manson with their 60s go-go smashed into pop sensibilities. Debbie Diamond (not the porn star) a product of the LA goth scene and now transformed into what some have called a sexy Nico-like persona teamed up with former LOW POP SUICIDE master mind Rick Boston to formulate this newest of pop sensations. Supporting are DC's very own jangle popsters THE MAYFLIES.
Thu 3	GUTBUCKET THE DISTRICT BASEMENT COLLECTIVE JOCELYN MILANES 10PM $7	Gutbucket is a dirty, juke-joint punk-jazz kerzoom! that has been making its mark with some of New York's most exciting performances. Gutbucket's tunes continually challenge - with frequent rhythmic shifts, evolving grooves, funky time sigs, and pushy melodies that still leave room for the group to feature its exciting improvisations. Plus stage antics and audience participation more out of the Big Apple Circus than the Blue Note. Squonk, rat-a-tat, chuck-a-luck, BANG! THE DISTRICT BASEMENT COLLECTIVE (aka THE DBC) are an electropop trio that weaves a multicolored texture stemming from the best parts of Trip-hop, Downtempo and Drum & Bass.
Fri 4	THE FUCKING CHAMPS DRUNK HORSE THE CHERRY VALENCE 10PM $8	THE FUCKING CHAMPS (sometimes sanitized as C4AM95) might just turn out to be the hipsters' antichrist, seeming to possess a breathless fluency in the kinds of music so often denied indie cred. What issues forth is glinting metallic sprawl: funkless, bereft of sarcasm, and whiter than the Air Force. And just to make sure there isn't any incidental two-step, the band's lineup is stripped down to two guitarists, Josh Smith and Tim Green (of DC's own S.O.A.), and drummer, Tim Soete. The occasional Mellotron and Korg keyboard shows up for some space-synth jive, but beyond that, it's pretty much a coldcock right in the geek glasses. Rockin' Raleigh, N.C. act THE CHERRY VALENCE hits D.C. again with their brand of hard-hitting power and energy.
Fri 4
Sat 5	THE WAG 10 PM $3	A 60's night of garage, soul and exotica!
Sat 5	THE WAG 10 PM $3	A 60's night of garage, soul and exotica!
Sun 6	JAI MICHAEL 8PM $7	JAI MICHAEL's self-described "Psychedelic Folk-funk" has thrilled DC audiences for years. He is joined by an all-star lineup of DC's finest in vocalists and musicians.
Sun 6	ANNEX RECORDS SHOWCASE featuring: GIFTHORSE THE TOURISTS (fka THE INTERPRETERS) 10PM $7	gift horse, VA hails from the surrounding areas of Charlottesville, VA. In a territory that praises Dave Matthews Band to the extreme, gift horse, VA provides the antithesis. Guitar-driven, melodic rock n roll! The band is heavy, but not in a moronic rap metal kind of way. Pop savvy--in a good way. Think of the Old 97s, or even bands like Built to Spill/Elvis Costello and that is just the beginning. Intelligent rock n roll with a slight "mountain" edge. Smart rock. gift horse, VA has shared the stage with Jonathan Richman (Modern Lovers), Hefner, Wheat, Dashboard Confessional, Longwave, and the Tibetan Monks (the same ones that performed at the big Beastie Boys sponsored RFK fest. The Tourists (formerly the Interpreters) received a rare "4 star" review in Rolling Stone (for what it is worth) for its debut album a couple of years back. Mod-pop-punk taken to another level. Great live.
Mon 7	OLD SKOOL MONDAYS with DJ Dredd 6 PM – 10 PM NO COVER!	Hang with your extended family and that band from last week at your favorite elegant dive! Just chill…. Spinning the hits and the esoteric! Hosted by our own DJ Dredd. 1/2 price drink specials on entire bar!
Mon 7	HYDRAULIC 10PM NO COVER!	Introducing our new dance party! Hydraulic is Washington's newest electronic music dance party. Come and dance to the sounds of House, Trance, Drum & Bass, Progressive, and the new sounds sweeping the U.K. underground: Garage and Tech-house.
Tue 8	THE PUSH STARS THE CHURCHILLS ARLO 10PM $8	Boston's purveyors of pop-rock, THE PUSH STARS play mild-mannered but clever rock. With jangly guitars, brawny beats and melancholy vocals, this trio rocks live. New York quartet THE CHURCHILLS' indelible melodies and power-packed pop channel the spirit of Badfinger and Big Star but with a lighter accessibility. Based in LA, ARLO has been playing in one form or another for six years. These boys have listened to a lot of THE WHO and THE STONES but also were influenced by GUIDED BY VOICES and THE PIXIES.
Wed 9	DEE SNYDER'S BEST OF UNSIGNED DC BANDS This Month: SUMAC CAPTAIN PARADOX THE MILK MACHINE 9PM $5	Dee Snyder of "Poetry in Hell" fame presents the very best undiscovered talent from the Nation's Capitol.
Wed 9
Thu 10	AN EVENING with OLU DARA 10PM $15	Although he did not play under his own name until 1998, OLU DARA enjoyed a reputation as one of the jazz avant-garde's leading trumpeters from the mid-'70s on. Early '80s records and performances revealed DARA to be a daring, roots-bound soloist, with a modern imagination and a big burnished tone in the style of Louis Armstrong and Roy Eldridge. DARA was born Charles Jones. He moved to New York in 1963, but did not perform publicly until the early '70s, when he became a part of the city's loft jazz culture. He was an intermittent presence on the jazz scene in the '80s and '90s, occasionally leading his Okra Orchestra and Natchezsippi Dance Band. In 1985 he recorded with Pullen, and in 1987 with saxophonist Charles Brackeen; in the '90s he worked with vocalist Cassandra Wilson, playing on her Blue Note album, Blue Light 'Til Dawn. Not much else was heard from him--from a jazz perspective, anyway-until 1998, when Atlantic released In The World: From Natchez To New York, the first album released under DARA's name. The record was only tangentially related to his free jazz work. The music drew upon country blues and African-American folk traditions. In addition to playing trumpet and cornet, DARA composed all of the tunes, sung, and accompanied himself on guitar. Atlantic released DARA's follow-up entitled Neighborhoods in early 2001. DO NOT MISS THIS AMAZING PERFORMER!
Fri 11	WATERSTREET 24FPS LAND OF MALLS 10PM $7	THE BLUE ROUTE from DC reminds one of the better parts of female-led roots rock acts such as 10,000 Maniacs. With non-traditional vocals, an astute rhythm section, accomplished violinist and cellist, 24FPS draws upon a rich musical palette to paint many pictures. Opening is DC's LAND OF MALLS.
Sat 12	VELVET UTRIS THE BLUE ROUTE 10PM $7	VELVET DC/BALTIMORE's much-requested WHFS darlings return to the Metro to promote and release their new CD of world-class emocore. UTRIS - the ever changing masters of songcraftsmanship unleash their pop mayhem as THE BLUE ROUTE from DC reminds one of the better parts of female-led roots rock acts such as 10,000 Maniacs.
Sun 13	EMM GRYNER BRENDA WEILER 8PM $10	Ontario native EMM GRYNER returns to the Metro Café with her unique sound. The sexy songwriter/vocalist/ instrumentalist is a Lilith Fair veteran and most recently DAVID BOWIE's backup tour vocalist. After a new album, that netted a soundtrack single and a tours with THE COWBOY JUNKIES, Emm presents her own brand of pop, rock and blues with a fresh but funky organic sound .
Sun 13	STUART LIPTON & THE CHILDHOOD BALLADS THE LONG GOODBYE 10PM $7
Mon 14	CICERO's LOUNGE Local artist JAMES ATKOCIUS unveils: A collection of paintings from the last decade! 6 PM – 10 PM NO COVER!	Just chill…. 1/2 price drink specials on entire bar!
		Just chill…. 1/2 price drink specials on entire bar!
	HYDRAULIC 10PM NO COVER!	The second installment of Washington's newest electronic music dance party. Come and dance to the sounds of House, Trance, Drum & Bass, Progressive, and the new sounds sweeping the U.K. underground: Garage and Tech-house.
Tue 15	ADAM BRODSKY 8PM $7	Check out THE PUSSY MANIFESTO on BITCH AND ANIMAL'S website and that gives you a pretty idea these "kick-shit-up chicks" mean business. Opening for the duo is the hilarious anti-folkie ADAM BRODSKY.
Tue 15	ILLUMINATI 10PM $7	D.C.'s whacked-out rockin' ILLUMINATI reminds one of what would have happened if 70s prog rock had ran into the Beastie Boys and Korn.
Wed 16	GRETZKIE ONE LEFT PRAYER BOAT EVAN OLSON 10PM $8/$5 w College ID	PRAYER BOAT's latest "Polichnelle" garnered rave reviews on its meticulously crafted pop and melancholic feel. Opening is former BUS STOPPER EVAN OLSON.
Thu 17	GRANIAN JAKE LAUFER 10PM $8	NYC/NJ's GRANIAN plays acoustic rock that sets itself apart from similar acts of the genre with hard-hitting rhythms and strong-hearted songs. Part wry pop, part introspective poet, JAKE LAUFER's brand of "folk disco" is sure to intrigue.
Fri 18	CACTUS PATCH THE TENDER IDOLS THE RED KING 10PM $8	CACTUS PATCH, most recent winners of WHFS' BIG BREAK, provide excellent vocals, a solid rhythmic appeal and clever popcraftmanship. Atlanta's THE TENDER IDOLS have been hailed as one of the best Britpop bands with an American passport. Joining the night is Philadelphia's THE RED KING whose equally infectious sounds have thrilled Metro audiences time and time again.
Sat 19	BLISS! "LOUDER THAN BOMBS!" 10PM $3	An International Pop Dance Party!
Sun 20	MOYE PAUL RUDERMAN 8PM $7	MOYE is an independent act based out of New York City. The band's sound, a quirky mix of the alt-pop style of Wilco, the Beatles, and Counting Crows with the folk sensibility of Bob Dylan, is both extremely catchy and yet impossible to categorize. Fellow New Yorker PAUL RUDERMAN's whimsical grooves set off the evening.
Sun 20	LIQUID SOUL MELLO-D AND THE RADOS BLACK LUNG 10PM $10	Chicago's LIQUID SOUL return to DC with their hybrid of slammin' horns, dynamic grooves and virtuous musicianship all with a respectability that earned in the traditional jazz community. Opening are DC's very own eclectic funksters MELLO-D AND THE RADOS with new school hip-hopsters BLACK LUNG.
Mon 21	CICERO's LOUNGE 6 PM – 10 PM NO COVER!	Just chill…. 1/2 price drink specials on entire bar!
Mon 21	HYDRAULIC 10PM NO COVER!	Washington's newest electronic music dance party continues! Come and dance to the sounds of House, Trance, Drum & Bass, Progressive, and the new sounds sweeping the U.K. underground: Garage and Tech-house.
Tue 22	DOOM CAPITAL PRODUCTIONS presents: THROTTLEROD SUNNSHINE BLACK MANTA 10PM $7	Heavy and hard rock from the Masters of Doom!
Wed 23	CINERAMA BARCELONA HURRICANE LAMPS 10PM $10	David Gedge put the Wedding Present on a shelf since their last gig in January of 1997. Since then, he's concentrated on the classic pop-oriented CINERAMA, centered lyrically around his regular themes of courtship, romance, lust and love. Since Gedge spent the better part of two decades in a band that painted his diverse tastes into a corner musically, it's no surprise that his new work would be just as heartfelt, prolific, and ultimately as enjoyable as that of his former band. A fittingly-titled outfit, CINERAMA has indulged Gedge's love of film music from John Barry to Blaxploitation, as well as the classic songwriting of Bacharach/David and the less dramatic sides of Scott Walker -- a very comfy spot between twee and Tindersticks. Certainly more powerful and gutsy than the former, and not as dark and solemn as the latter. And those familiar with Gedge's gravelly early Weddoes vocalisms should be pleased to discover his steady transformation from rough to smooth. Though primarily a duo shared with mate Sally Murrell, CINERAMA has employed a shifting lineup of collaborators and full-blown members. 1998's Va Va Voom featured the help of the Church's Marty Wilson-Piper and Emma Pollock of the Delgados. Gedge rescued the rhythm section of the disbanded Goya Dress (Terry de Castro and Simon Pearson) in 1999, employing them as members, and former Weddoes guitarist Simon Cleave has been in the lineup since the group's first show.
Thu 24	BOYRACER LANDSPEEDER RABBIT IN RED 10PM $7	Originating from the same fertile ground that spawned THE WEDDING PRESENT, SISTERS OF MERCY, HOOD and others, Leeds act BOYRACER play crazed but joyous pop.
Fri 25	PANIC! 10PM $3	TIM POGO (WHFS) and JIM NOBLE (POPSTARS/HEAVEN) spin your favorite ALTERNATIVEE, BRITPOP and INDIE POP from the 70s to the 90s! Check out the PEEPSHOW by OLLI!
Sat 26	UPSIDE DOWN 10PM $3	Britpop for those who know where it was reborn in DC!
Sun 27	EMM GRYNER CAMERON DEZEN 8PM $10	Ontario native EMM GRYNER returns to the Metro Café with her unique sound. The sexy songwriter/vocalist/ instrumentalist is a Lilith Fair veteran and most recently DAVID BOWIE's backup tour vocalist. After a new album that netted a soundtrack single and tour THE COWBOY JUNKIES, Emm presents her own brand of pop, rock and blues with a fresh but funky organic sound .
	EMM GRYNER CAMERON DEZEN 8PM $10
	MISCELLANEOUS FLUX FLICKERSTICK 10PM $7
Mon 28	CLOSED	We need a vacation!
Tue 29	ROYAL CITY THE TROUBLE WITH SWEENEY THE JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY THE HALOGENS 10PM $7	Evoking the spirits of SMOG, LOW and other indie quiet bands comes the acoustic stylings of somber ROYAL CITY. Combing through the phrasings of WILCO-like stylings, Ardmore, PA's THE TROUBLE OF SWEENEY alt-country sad-eyed songs combine an indie-pop aesthetic with that band's twang and depth. Rounding out the night are DC's THE JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY and Burlington, VT's THE HALOGENS.
Wed 30	SCREAMING PUPPETS THEATRE 8PM $10	IMPROV COMEDY
Wed 30	BAILEY-PARK THE CARLSONICS AVANT GAARDVARK 10PM $7	Rock n roll from the Nation's Capital!
Thu 31	PAPA GROWS FUNK BROTHERS PAST 10PM $10	With a virtual who's who of New Orleans musicians, PAPA GROWS FUNK has emerged as the hottest and most talked about newcomer on the New Orleans funk scene. Anchored around the slinky Hammond B3 grooves of band leader John Gros (George Porter, Jr.), all-star lineup features June Yamagishi (Wild Magnolias) on guitar, Peter V (Cyril Neville) on bass, Jason Mingeldorff (Galactic) and Russell Batiste, Jr. (funky Meters) on drums.