all words and (as always a-may-zing) photos by: Alyssa Lesser
Since the Dance Party are one of my all-time favorite bands to see in DC, it seemed appropriate to kick off my brief homecoming with one of their shows. I knew what to expect: beer stained heels, hi-octane infectious pop, That Freebird Guy, multiple friends getting hit in the head with their guitarist's telecaster, airborne panties, and most importantly, a frenzy of sweaty, bouncy dance moves. I've always loved this band because you can't not dance at their shows. And in a city of rigid powersuits and scandal-ridden monuments, notorious for frigidly crossed arms in rock clubs (ha ha cliché), we all need a little dance. The Dance Party brings it, always.
I couldn't help but notice that in the past few months I've been penned up in New York, the Dance Party's fanbase has multiplied exponentially. Upon entrance to the club, a bro-riffic blondie who emulated every student at my preppy Bethesda high school questioned whether my friends and I were old enough to enter the notoriously all-ages club. He guffawed, and asked if I was fourteen. And while I'm definitely not fourteen, there appeared to be fourteen, thirteen, perhaps even twelve year-old mini rockers in the club to enjoy the show. There were more broners to be found inside, in men who pushed and picked fights with classy ladies. I don't know what happened to the friendly bros who used to buy shots for the band while they were onstage and courteously apologize for accidentally brushing up against/spilling whisky on my rear end, but their namesake has been tarnished. We miss you.
All in all, it was a fun and sweaty night. And if you live in the area, love to dance, and haven't seen this band yet, I urge you to make it out to their next show.
Previously in Live DC:
- 2/14: LiveDC: Sharon Van Etten/ Shearwater @ Black Cat
- 2/14: LiveDC: Die Antwoord @ 930 Club
- 2/13: LiveDC: George Clinton & The Parliament-Funkadelic @ 930 Club
- 2/13: LiveDC: Veronica Falls/ Brilliant Colors @ Black Cat
- 2/13: LIVE DC: Steve Aoki/ Datsik/ Alvin Risk @ Fillmore
- 2/13: LiveDC: The Darkness @ 930 Club
- 2/9: LiveDC: Theophilus London @ 930 Club
- 2/9: Best Weekend Bets
- 2/8: LiveDC: Kathleen Edwards @ 930 Club
- 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
God loves a cheerful giver.
I always love a show when it is shot by Alyssa!
I've seen both these bands (at least) several times but I've never seen them the way Alyssa's camera saw them.
STUNNING.
this was the most funnest night we've ever had in dc. new rock slayed.
alyssa--well shot and thanks for always coming to our jams. the vibe and energy was epic:
byt--thanks for the continued love.
mick
I debated going to this but saw a movie instead. Your pictures are really making me regret my decision.
also...to which preppy Bethesda high school would you be referring? ehhh?!?!??!???
I was looking forward to a more thorough review of this show. For a local band like New Rock Church of Fire playing at the 9:30 club is a pretty big deal and I think they deserve at least a one line mention in this write up...
I'm sorry, I will be the first to apologize about that. Truthfully I go photograph these shows and sometimes write a lot and sometimes write nothing at all, but I don't always cover everything in depth...I did get a few pictures of the band while I was rushing in...at any rate...there were crazy lines outside the club and other issues which allowed me in for only the tail end of their set. What I saw I really, really enjoyed, and definitely danced to and appreciated. I had heard of New Rock Church of Fire before and I think heard them once a while ago but knew nothing about the band and was very impressed with what I heard. They were giving away their new CD for free, which was a nice little recession special, and they also had a ton of fans singing along in the audience, which was really cool to see. Also had a sweet paper mache bear with a fog machine in its mouth on stage.
I also had to miss the first opener, Crash Boom Bang, so if anyone would like to add anything about them...or anything else...please do.
^^^^ Cosign, NRCOF has been putting in serious work this past year, and to finally get a gig and set it off at 930 like that?! Respect due...Expect big things from these guys, in the future...
About Crash Boom Bang...Fall Out Boy called - they want their whole steez back. New Rock killed it.
for new rock church of fire fans:
http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/music/cabin-fever-with-new-rock-church-of-fire/
that night was fantastic!
good luck next month, boys!