J. Forte (of BYT’s previously featured LeJeune) and his Secret Pop Band are in the process of unleashing their first EP this week (listen to Sunday’s Hard Rock Fall here) and playing not one but two shows this weekend: first one at Ft. Reno tonight (with Julie Ocean and Aquarium) and the second one at Velvet on Saturday (with The Break Ups, Mirror Script and Boy Genius). That is a whole lot of love they’re going to give you this weekend so we asked them to share in on it, with everyone’s favorite “alphabet of DC adoration” column.
Take it away, men:

Alcohol – A pretty predictable way to start! But seriously, there are many great spots to catch a drink in DC. U Street’s Saloon (particularly during Octoberfest), Bedrock Billiards (an oasis in the madness of Adams Morgan), and Fox and Hounds (whose stiff drinks have inspired many high and low points) are personal favorites. (J.)

Big Planet Comics – The best comic shop in the area! Besides their stellar selection of books and easy-to-navigate shelves, Big Planet’s DC location is a good place to run into fellow DC-musician and bassist for The Jet Age, Greg Bennett (who was also Big Planet’s first-ever customer many years ago and now store manager!). (Greg)

Washington City Paper - Most people I know have a big beef with the City Paper. They don’t like the editorial or Darrow Montgomery’s photos… Personally, I enjoy the read and the ads. You just have to get past the punny headlines (Purge Overkill? Really?). (Ody)

Day Job – Every rocker in DC I know has one. At my librarian gig, I daydream of a life of rock-n-roll excess. (J.)

Epicurean and Company – Personal favorite place in the city for great sushi. This Van Ness cafeteria-style restaurant is somewhat odd, offering a breakfast and lunch hot food buffet, a bar with happy hour drink specials, an on-site convenience store, that previously mentioned great sushi, convenient location to a metro stop, super-friendly staff, and live jazz? (Greg)

Fitzgerald Tennis Center - The SPB are big tennis fans, so around August, you’ll find us at Legg Mason to see some top 10 players in the hottest conditions on the US Open circuit. Go Marat. (Ody)

Gyros – My preferred spot for getting a gyro fix is Zorba’s in Dupont Circle. I would also like to give Zorba’s a special commendation for serving a generous-sized pitcher of brew. Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. (J.)

Harris Teeter (Ad Mo / Col Hghts) – Finally. I will never have to set foot in that Columbia Road Safeway again! (Greg)

Insane traffic - Because of this, I get to listen to my favorite DC bands over and over on my car stereo. (Ody)

Juan Dixon – Former Washington Wizard, but more importantly the former Maryland Terrapin shooting guard who led the team to the 2002 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. I was lucky enough to catch one of their games at the Verizon Center during their championship run in the tourney. (J.)

Kite Festival (Smithsonian’s Annual) – Kick ass kites for more than four decades! Need I say more? (Greg)

Loud-ass clubs - There are a wide variety of DC area venues where you can leave with a nice ring in your ears. (Ody)

Metro – The mode of transportation that everybody loves to complain about, but is essential to the city. Metro has allowed me to live car-free for many years. I was going to pick Malcolm X Park (the neighborhood where I live), but Ris Richards beat me to it! (J.)
Nora – “America’s first certified organic restaurant.” A great place for a delicious, organic meal – perfect for a special birthday or anniversary dinner. Just don’t try to order a Diet Coke! (Greg)

Out To Lunch - This Jewish deli in Bethesda has pastrami on rye so good, you might refuse the Heimlich maneuver. (Ody)

Pelecanos – My favorite area writer is hard-boiled detective master George Pelecanos, whose novels take place in DC. 1997’s King Suckerman is a particularly fun read that chronicles a drug deal gone wrong in the late 70’s. Special props to Pelecanos for his fine work on The Wire. (J.)

Capital Q – Bar-B-Q Pulled Pork Sandwich. And just one of their (enormous) sides should do the trick. (Greg)

Rick Whitehead - This jazz guitarist has been playing around DC forever, and that’s a good thing because he’s an inspiring reminder that we rockers only think we can play guitar. (Ody)

Steady Diet of Nothing – While most Fugazi fans would probably cite Repeater or 13 Songs as their fave record, I’ve always been partial to 1991’s Steady Diet of Nothing. I have vivid memories of spending a summer break driving around listening to “Reclamation” and “Nice New Outfit” on cassette (pretty old school!). (J.)

Toledo Lounge – The best-grilled cheese and onion rings you will find for hundreds of miles. I reserved the top mezzanine area for a birthday party celebration on a weekend night and the staff was very accommodating. Great beer selection and even better jukebox! (Greg)

Underachieving sports teams - We love our Skins, Caps, Wizards and Nats even though they rarely go far in the playoffs (if they get there at all). (Ody)

Vegetables – If you are looking to impress a date, head over to Rasika and order the Palak Chaat, a crispy spinach appetizer that is so good you will need to lie down and rest after eating it. (J.)
Washington National Airport – Easiest airport in the country. No 45-minute drive to the airport or pain-in-the-ass ride to the terminal on those strange Dulles trailer houses. (Greg)

X-rock stars - DC has its share of one-time heroes. So even though we don’t have an alt. rock hall of fame, I’m glad I can hang out with former members of Velocity Girl, Poole, etc… (Ody)

“Your Serene Saturday Night” – Fine opening cut from DC band Lejeune’s 2007 record For Club and Country. I must confess I played on this tune. (J.)

Zorba’s – See “G” above! (Greg)

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