all i ever wanted, all i ever needed.

I love seeing shows at Rock & Roll Hotel because it is literally a block away from my house. I sauntered in just as opening band, Baywa (NYC), finished up. What I heard was good, and I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get there earlier to see their set. Laughing Man was next and as usual they mashed up a very eclectic collection of rock tunes to get things started.

Tennis System was my favorite part of this particular night because I can always count on them to be interactive and LOUD. They even handed out earplugs before they started. I especially liked when Patrick and Ken of Ra Ra Rasputin joined them on stage for a high volume percussion breakdown. The only thing that would have made it better is a smaller venue. It's easy to get into Tennis System and mosh and dance, but there was only a small contingent in the front who were participating. [DC audiences need to bring it harder for good rock shows.]

I always look forward to seeing and supporting Ra Ra Rasputin because they were the first local band that I really started to follow. The highlight of their set was an ambitious cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence". Those who recognized it seemed to be into it. They also brought members of the other bands on stage for a rousing collaboration to close things out. All in all, it was a really fun show. It is great to see so much cameraderie between all of the DC bands and I love all-star lineups where impressive bands get together. It is an exciting time in the music scene right now with so much going on.