This Friday at American University, campus radio WVAU is hosting a Washington, D.C. student-band showcase as part of it’s Capitol Punishment concert series. The show starts at 8:30 in the basement of the Kay Spiritual Life Center and is free to all. Nine-piece afro-jazz band, The Neologians headline with dream-pop group Western Affairs and singer-songwritter, Max Tani opening. RSVP to the Facebook event here and check out the listing on BYT.
–Emily White
Note: Starting this Wednesday, we’ll be featuring an event or artist weekly in a new segment called: The Limelight.
A super-sneak peak from later in the season with Sarah's 'yet to be-named' band!
By: Emily
So far in Season 5 we’ve got: Sarah and Gwen in a LDR, Davis ‘switching teams’ at camp, a budding romance between Robin and Tamsin…and Sarah holding auditions for the teenage essential: a garage band. There’ll be more on Sarah’s yet-to-be-named band later in this season but until then, here are my all-time Top 5 Made-For-TV Bands:
5) My So-Called Life – Frozen Embryos
The quintessential 90′s grunge TV show: My So-Called Life. Alas, Jordan Catalano’s band Frozen Embryos didn’t get much screen time since the series was cancelled– but we did get to see dreamy Jared Letto singing “I Wanna Be Sedated.”
4) Freaks and Geeks – Creation
Jason Segal on drums, James Franco on guitar, and Seth Rogan on vocals = a total supergroup. Freaks and Geeks is another one of those cancelled-too-soon, intense cult-following TV shows and is pure 80′s teenage magic. The tentatively named ‘Creation’ also had another teenage band essential: Groupies.
3) Fraggle Rock -Fraggle Rock
Ok, I don’t know if this counts as a band– but Fraggle Rock was awesome. It’s a live-action puppet musical television show. And they had albums, so it totally counts. The theme song give clear instructions to dance your cares away, and let the music play.
2) Gilmore Girls – Hep Alien
Lane Kim’s band Hep Alien was the bomb (especially back when Adam Brody was on Gilmore Girls before ditching for The O.C.) Sebastian Bach of Skid Row actually replaces him in the band as guitarist later in the series. Also, the soundtrack for that show was always very alt. and they had great guest appearances from The Sonic Youth, The Shins and The Bangles.
1) Doug – The Beets
The Beets are probably the greatest fictional band of all time. Doug and Skeeter are huge fan’s of the band who hail from ‘Liverpool’….Try listening to Killer Tofu without singing “Ah Ee Oohhh, Killer Tofuuu! Ee Ah Ee.” All. Day. Long.
After watching Madonna’s long-awaited Superbowl performance, I realized that she is pretty much a mystery to me even though I can recite the lyrics to about 90% of her songs. She is one of America’s greatest musical icons and has transcended time with her ever-evolving image, and yet, no one really knows who is behind those incredible biceps, bleached blonde hair, and gap tooth. With that said, I thought it would be a fun exercise to see what I could dig up on the musical legend. The following are some findings:
Her full name is Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone.
She is the oldest of 8 children.
Her mother died of breast cancer in 1963.
Madonna is Italian and was raised Roman Catholic.
Madonna married actor Sean Penn on her birthday in 1985. She divorced him on New Year’s Eve in 1988.
Madonna won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role of Eva Peron in Evita.
Madonna is ranked fourth in the list of best-selling artists of all time, right after Michael Jackson.
She has been nominated 68 times for an MTV Video Music Award and 28 times for a Grammy Award.
Madonna does NOT have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was nominated for one, but turned it down.
It’s summertime, but Gwen is oh-so-very cold. Sarah keeps calling, but Gwen has been totally dodging her calls for WEEKS. Her super shady, or as we like to call it, “up to no good behavior”, is getting worrisome. How dare she pass off her phone-tagging duties to her no-so-enthused NYC roomie! Going camping?! What is that all about? What is she trying to hide? What’s in the cards for Gwen + Sarah…?
This episode displays a prime example of life: ups and downs. We go through the joys of love at first sight and we go through the woes of loveless fights. We’ve been through the beginning and nearly the end of Gwen and Sarah’s relationship. The sun must set eventually, no matter how beautiful the sunrise is.
It’s a new day and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to seeing what’s in store for one of our favorite couples.
Don’t let this discreet “Mom and Pop” small Mexican restaurant fool you. It’s delicious. It may seem ordinary from the outside, but Super Tacos is home to traditional Mexican food that will melt in your mouth without melting your wallet. The food is cheap and the owner is friendly and, as an added bonus, totally cute. The restaurant also has a full bakery offering up traditional cakes and pastries all week long.
*Tip: Super Tacos sells Orange Crush. In the original bottle. Can’t get more old school than that.
I can’t remember if I’ve ever included Founding Farmers in a Weekend Walk-In’s edition. Regardless, it MUST be mentioned. The restaurant is far from a best-kept secret in D.C. Pretty much everyone knows and loves this restaurant, but for the unique few that are reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, allow me to enlighten you. Founding Farmers is the Mecca of restaurants in D.C. It’s chic, sophisticated, has a fully stocked bar, and is packed every night of the week. The food is amongst the most delicious I have ever eaten. Mind you, I’ve eaten food from over fifteen different countries- Founding Farmers is just that good. It’s a little pricey, but absolutely worth it. Make a reservation and take the person you like the most out to eat. Or just bring your mom. Just kidding. Love you, Mom.
*Tip: My personal favorite is the Skirt Steak Enchilada. It’s so incredibly epic.
Do you think your love life has a gone a tad bit awry? Well, join in the company of some eccentric characters as they navigate the complexities of their attractions in this weekend’s performance of Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy produced by Generic Theater Company in Foggy Bottom. Pick a night and be sure to catch one of the four performances this remarkable cast will be putting on tonight and tomorrow night in the Lisner Downstage.
*Tip: Special shout outs to my wonderfully talented friend and fellow actor, Matt Rist! Break a leg, Barfee!
I always like to include an alternative to going out on these blog posts, just in case you’ve had a particularly tiring week and want to lay on the couch for an eternity…or just for a couple of hours or so. If that’s the case for you this week, I have brought you a special new treat: Pinterest.com. I discovered Pinterest back in October and have wasted countless hours on it ever since. The website acts as a virtual pin board where you can collect, organize, comment, and label images for yourself or on other people’s accounts. It’s like Google images meets Facebook meets . Whether you’re planning your wedding, redecorating your home, painting your nails, organizing your office, looking for date outfit ideas, cutting your hair, need a new dessert recipe etc. you can find it on Pinterest. Check it out. You will have a blast.
*Tip: When you’re starting out on the website, you have to be put on a “waiting list” before you can get a Pinterest account. Don’t be discouraged. It only takes a couple of days and then you’ll gain access. Patience is a virtue.
My roommate and I would constantly notice the ornate exterior of this Georgetown restaurant every time we went for a walk around town. Finally, we decided it was time to make a reservation and find out what the interior looked like. We got all dolled up for a girl’s night out and to little surprise, we discovered that Bodega was precisely the right location for a classy night in D.C. The restaurant is richly decorated in dark tones and decadent wallpapers and the tapas compliment the décor with their bold flavors and interesting combinations. The New Year deserves some adventurous new cuisine, and I suggest you start off with Bodega.
*Tip: The Arroz Meloso al Azafrán con Gambas, or the creamy saffron rice with grilled shrimp tapas plate was our favorite. Perhaps it will be yours too.
It is my personal favorite time of the year because it is AWARD SEASON. With the Golden Globes this Sunday, and the Oscars soon to follow, it’s time to catch up on this year’s best films, television shows, and performances before they announce the winners of those coveted golden statues. My personal favorites for this year include The Help and Midnight in Paris. What were yours?
*Tip: For those teens reading this that will be going to prom in the spring, the best inspiration comes from award shows. Pay attention to the star’s dresses, jewelry, shoes, bags, makeup, and hairstyles. It is way easier to develop your own look with a little inspiration and the award shows can give you HOURS of it.
The New Year
We are already a full two weeks into the New Year. Perhaps it’s the optimist in me, but I think the New Year is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your life’s course and change some things that may not be beneficial to you and your well being. Whether it’s a change in jobs, a new hobby, revamped eating habits, more exercise, a new haircut, or any other form of change, the time is now for a terrific new year.
PR at Partners Salon and Spa
If your New Year’s resolution is to revamp your look, you should head over to the PR at Partners Salon in Foggy Bottom. I recently visited the salon to correct a botched hair-dye job and I could not have had a more pleasant experience. The hair stylists take the time to discuss with you your concerns, desired look, hair type, and management time before they touch anything. Aside from haircuts and coloring, the salon also does hair removal, facials, and other spa services. There are 14 other locations throughout D.C. and Virginia. This salon and spa also specializes in rejuvenating clients’ entire looks, from their hairstyle to their makeup and clothing through makeup and stylist consultations, perfect for New Year makeovers. For more information, check out their website.
*Tip: Jonathan was my hairstylist at the K Street Salon. He was fabulous, extremely receptive, and most welcoming. He walked me through every step of the process, answered all of my questions, and was full of conversation. Plus, my hair looked excellent when he was finished. I highly recommend him.
As a frequent Metro customer, I am always overhearing conversation. One reoccurring topic among the older generation tends to be about how things were different when they were growing up. Their stories tend to start with the phrase “Back in my day” and then they go on to recollect about life in the 40′s, 50′s, 60′s etc. But, I cannot venture that far into the past, so I will reminisce on what i remember growing up in the 90′s.
People rented VHS’s not DVD’s.
Rugrats, Hey Arnold and Doug were among the most popular cartoons.
Gas cost approximately $1.16 in 1995.
Kickball was the game of choice.
You used a walkman to listen to music.
$4.23 was the average price of a movie ticket.
It was cool to have shoes that lit up.
Road Rules was a big hit on MTV.
Bill Clinton was President.
You did not have a cellphone, but a pager.
Children had a digital Tamagotchi pet.
…These are just a few of the things I recall whilst thinking about my childhood.
Bowie’s b’day was yesterday, fyi. And the thin white duke has the distinct honor of being 1 of 300 people, to decline HRH, the Queen’s offer of knighthood. In Ashley’s words: “How rock & roll of him”.
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this leads me to #2 this week, which is…
#2 a helluva album cover
#2 DIAMOND DOGS
The awesomeness speaks for itself.
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#3 Manba, cover image via Japanese magazine "Egg"
#3 MANBA… all hail the Japanese street look of the 90s
How cool are they? The whole taking of Western surf culture…peppered w/ Ken & Barbie… and then, taking it to the EXTREME. Turning it into a pastiche. It’s just brilliant.
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and speaking of pastiches… have you seen this?
#4 Muppets mock Twilight. win.
#4 MUPPETS POSTER — aka Muppets mock Twilight
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#5 teen dreams and beauty queens. the ep
#5 TEEN DREAMS & BEAUTY QUEENS — the Beach Week EP is here
and it is great. You can have a listen and grab it for yourself at either CD-baby or iTunes. (yes ma’am/sir, those are hotlinked).
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#6 Thunder & Lightning. live.
#6 THUNDER. LIGHTNING. the way you love me is frightening.
OJBG favorite composer and person, Mr. Brent Katz, has a show coming up. So to those of you located in NYC, I highly recommend that you check out his upcoming show at the Glasslands.
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#7 OJBG’s upcoming EP
Yes, this is TRUE! I was actually in the recording studio — of the very kind and talented music-guru, Ben Ozeki — just last week. I was there with the lovely Ms. Ellen Winter (aka Sarah Roberts). I am extremely excited. There will be 3 songs on the EP — all tracks written & inspired by tracks composed by Brent Katz, and then performed by members of the cast. There is even a song called “Me, I’m Afraid of Nothing” and it sounds like a Hawaiian/Western. It is my favorite.
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#8 Geek Chic, via etsy BongaChopShop
#8 The FACT THAT THIS DRESS EXITS
It is made by “Bonga Chop Shop” (found on etsy). And all hail the New Orleans based designer who makes these charming and adorable finds. I wish I had known about her sooner. The wallets she makes would have made great stocking-stuffers.
I’ve been on a kick lately — watching coming of age movies from Down Under. The above still is from the wonderful movie “Looking for Alibrandi”, which is based on the eponymous book, “Looking for Alibrandi”, written by Melina Marchetta. Marchetta is absolutely amazing. Her book “On the Jellicoe Road” was one of the favorites that I read last year.
(*And PS if you haven’t seen Peter Weir’s “Picnic at Hanging Rock” from ’75 –then I suggest you go see it… run, NOW. It’s a staple of Aussie cinema. And it’s that good.)
And now for some “Honorable Mentions from OZ” :
#9 tomorrow when the war began
The above still is from the movie ‘Tomorrow When the War Began” (which is based off John Marsden’s best-selling book/series of the same name). Some reasons why it is great: Post-Apocalyptic survival story. Bad-Ass female lead. Coming-of-Age element. Lush Scenery. Strong Action Sequences with compelling cinematography.
#9 cont'd: "Puberty Blues"
And of course there is “Puberty Blues”. I know, I know, the name is kind of cringe-worthy. But, don’t be fooled by the slightly-sacharine name. The movie explores the extreme darkness and light of being 13, in the ’79 Sydney suburbs. The movie is (like the others listed in #9) based off a book of the same name. Incidentally, the book created quite a stir when it was published (mainly because the authors were only 18 when it was published, and also because the book was a candid auto-biographical account of their experiences being 13, and dealing with sex, heroin, and surfing).
#9 cont'd more "Puberty Blues"
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#10 SEASON 5 of Orange Juice in Bishops Garden HAS BEGUN!
Hip, hip, HOORAY!
Watch the trailer here…
I hope that you like, comment, & enjoy. The first episode of Season 5 starts THIS FRIDAY! And new episodes roll-out weekly from then on — always new, always Friday. xoxo
With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, I have turned to scouring the Internet in search of inspiration for an incredibly wonderful and original outfit to kick off 2012. My manic search has resulted in hundreds of photographs of Hollywood’s leading ladies at the height of their careers, dressed to the nines and looking absolutely stunning. So, I know those of you who may be reading this will ultimately have varying ideas of what you would like to wear as you welcome in the new year, so consider the following just some more inspiration that I have also discovered for myself, not just for your look on New Year’s Eve, but for every day and night of this new year. Goodbye to 2011 and cheers from OJBG with all of you to 2012- a year to look simply smashing!
1. Don’t be afraid to change your hair color.
Rita Hayworth began her career as a dark-haired beauty and eventually dawned every hair color possible, from platinum blonde to fire engine red. If you are debating whether or not to go for that lighter or darker hue, be like Nike and just do it. Hair is about having fun and playing with your personal style and appearance. Just be sure to consult with your hair stylist beforehand to see which shade of that particular color is best for your skin tone and eye color. Worse comes to worse, you can always dye your hair back to its original color. It’s worth the risk.
2. Find that “it” outfit.
Marilyn Monroe was pictured wearing one of the most iconic dresses of our lifetime, and through this, she taught us that a great dress, or a great outfit overall, is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Keep a look out for that stellar dress that highlights all of your curves, that sleek tuxedo that hugs your body like a glove, or that head wrap that makes you shine in a packed room. Once you find that outfit or item that you absolutely adore, buy it immediately and never let it go. Oh, and of course find an equally killer pair of shoes to finish it off.
PS: Today, I fell in love with biker cut-off gloves encrusted in fake jewels and bought them on the spot. My mother thought I was ridiculous. I don’t really care- it’s love.
3. Groomed eyebrows are essential.
Vivien Leigh starred in over 15 feature films throughout her extensive career. Regardless of her role, one factor remained constant: her full, arched, and groomed eyebrows. Eyebrows do not only frame your eyes, but your entire face, so it is imperative that they are nicely shaped. Unlike the pencil-thin trends of the 70s and 90s, 2012 prefers a much fuller eyebrow, so don’t be afraid to rock some Brooke Shields brows. Experts have said that fuller eyebrows keep women looking youthful well into their 80s. If you have fallen victim to the pencil-thin trends of the earlier decades and your brows are looking a little skinny, grab a brown eyeliner pencil or some brown eye shadow and gently work it into your brows for a fuller look. If you’re having trouble, there are hundreds of tutorials and articles on how to do this on YouTube and Google.
4. Embrace your curves.
When Sophia Loren stepped onto the Hollywood scene with her full bust and hips, she was not turned away. Instead, she was admired and well received for her fierce beauty and feminine mystique. Loren wore pieces that hugged her curves rather than hide them away or box them in. If you have a fuller bust, some excellent hips, or a fine behind, show it off. Other women will respect you, and some may even envy you.
5. Quirky is cool.
Our favorite funny lady, Lucille Ball, taught us one major lesson: it’s never okay to be a bore. Don’t put yourself in a dull box. Feel free to be funny and quirky whenever you want. I have noticed that some women, especially younger women, feel the need to suppress their personalities if they are in new social situations, like a job interview or dinner with some girls they met in their class at college. In fact, those are the exact situations in which you should let your personality take the stage. Everyone loves a girl that is confident enough to crack a joke.
Another rare bit — an old casting notice for “Kids”
"seeking ravers and club kids"
I actually remember that club, Tunnel. I went there a couple times in the very late 90s and very early 00′s. It was also nick-named “Bridge & Tunnel” b/c it had a sort of different (Lon Geiland & Noo Joisey) vibe, and was considered B-list to Twilo’s global-underground cache, Limelight’s notorious club-kid history, & Life’s extreme-beautiful-people. Ugh, those days were weird.
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