Three Shows at IOTA

 One of our favorite music clubs, IOTA, is hosting three shows we plan to see next week. Its starts Monday the 14th with a local singer-songwriter showcase featuring regular Justin Trawick and several others. We've seen Trawick and Chris Aaron Behrmann of Bad Luck Blue Eyes a couple times, but this will be our fist time hearing Bobbie Allen and Heather Renee.The following night, The Blasters come to town for IOTA's anniversary party. Can't believe Phil Alvin is still going strong. And finally, Justin Jones & The Driving Rain returns on Friday the 18th to entertain us with his alt-country rocking Americana style. Hopefully we will be able to get a video or two to post on MyJoogTV.

Justin Trawick w/ Chris Aaron Behrmann, Heather Renee, Bobbie Allen - Monday, March 14, 2011 @ 8:30 PM

The Blasters - Tuesday, March 15, 2011 @ 8:00 PM

Justin Jones & The Driving Rain - Friday, March 18, 2011 @ 9:00 PM

The 9 Songwriter Series - Coming Soon to the Galaxy Hut

This coming Monday, January 24th, nine local songwriters will be appearing at the Galaxy Hut, in Arlington (Clarendon) Virginia. The show starts at 9:00 and has a minimal cover charge ($5).  We've seen several of these artists previously - starting with Justin Trawick and Ken Wenzel - who are worth seeing again. Plus, Chris Behrmann, from Bad Luck Blue Eyes.

Justin Trawick * Melissa Branin * Ken Francis Wenzel * Danni Rosner * Chris Behrmann * Bobbie Allen * Alexis George * Joanne Kim * Adrian Krygowski

20 Days in November - Day 9: Bad Luck Blue Eyes and Practically Einstein

The rock flavor continued as I ventured downtown to the Hard Rock Cafe to see a buddy's new band, Bad Luck Blue Eyes open for local rock band Practically Einstein. You would think that a venue like the Hard Rock would provide regularly scheduled live music - but this practice has just really started. One reason is that the restaurant doesn't have a logical area for a band to play - so they clear out the upstairs bar - gets a little crowded but its better than no music. Now Bad Luck Blue Eyes is a relatively new band that is influenced by artists ranging from The Black Crowes to Ryan Adams. Tonight they played a few original tunes as well as recognizable covers - including a surprising version on "Folsom County Blues". Surprising in that it was unexpected - but I loved the change in sound. I'm a bit biased on any coverage - so check out the video to form your own opinion.

Practically Einstein was short a guitar player - but still managed to entertain the audience with some powerful rock and roll. They were a pleasant surprise - frontman Brad Radish made up for the absence with his own guitar playing. I was only able to listen to a few songs - before finding it necessary to start the long trek home - but I plan to follow up with them very soon. And from what I heard from others - the band found some new fans.

Next, The Gibson Brothers / Chester River Runoff at the James Lee Community Center.