Valentine’s Day got you down? No date this year, again? No need to worry, there’s plenty going on in D.C. this weekend for singles like you! So grab some friends, get slizzard and head out on the town to beat these mid-February doldrums.
On Friday, the Black Cat will be hosting its traditional Valentine’s Day Dance Night. The club’s backstage will feature DJ Glenn and DJ Handsome B. Wonderful on the wheels of steel, spinning some hot rock music for the lovelorn youth of the D.C. area. You may just meet your future spouse there, but probably not. In any case, it’s free, so check it out.
The Black Cat gets even hotter on Saturday, when the Mainstage features Cry Fest, a Cure vs. Smiths Dance Party. If you’re bummed that your previous night’s Valentine left the next morning without even leaving a note or a vial of blood, then just head back to the club for a freaky-ass depressing dance extravaganza.
After Morrissey goes off about his failings, regret and personal incompetence, you can shake your booty to The Cure’s own gloomy sensibilities. You can debate with your friends whether Morrissey or Robert Smith is more androgynous (though Smith beats the Smiths every time in my book). This event is particularly timely considering that The Cure’s first single was called “Killing an Arab,” which is exactly what our president is trying to do. Indeed, there will be many reasons to cry on Saturday at the Black Cat.
Then there’s our old friend, the 9:30 Club. While Ludacris’ visit looms, other acts might garner your interest in the meantime. However, if you’re heading out to the Cry Fest on Saturday, then this weekend’s lineup of fratty/jam rock might not be for you. On V-Day, ska/rock veterans Fighting Gravity will hit the stage. Out of Richmond, Va., Fighting Gravity has been doing the East Coast bar/club scene for about a decade now with strong indie record sales. Why hasn’t the band hit it big? Well, ultimately, it’s pretty average. But if you dig a night of visors, khaki pants and down-home frat rock, then Fighting Gravity is for you.
Saturday night, Southern rockers Government Mule will hit the 9:30 featuring saxophonist Karl Denson. Fronted by Allman Brothers and Phil & Friends guitarist Warren Haynes, “The Mule” has toured relentlessly over the past five years, working with everyone from the Dave Matthews Band to the Black Crowes to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Following 1999’s Summer Session tour and a performance at last summer’s hugely successful Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn., Government Mule has developed a strong following among the jam band set, but any band that’s toured with the singers of “That Smell” is worth a look in my book.
So just because you’re single and cold on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean your life in the District sucks. And if you really do think your life sucks, then I definitely recommend a night with Robert Smith and Morrissey.
The Black Cat is located at 1811 14th St., N.W. The 9:30 Club is located at 815 V. St, N.W.
