If you went to Georgetown ten years ago, you would have just traded in your acid-washed jeans for plaid flannel shirts, and would be rocking hard to Nirvana. If anything, Georgetown today is more Avril than Kurt; the only plaid on campus exists in the form of miniskirts.
Though former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl lives in Los Angeles, he retains his status as the “elusive silent partner” of the Black Cat. Go this Friday night to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this little piece of Nirvana still lingering in the District.
Since its founding in September 1993, Black Cat has served as the primary concert venue for the District’s fertile underground rock scene.
Friday’s party will feature performances from nine bands, including the City Goats, Aquarium, Tradition Dies Here, The Rude Staircase, and a special reunion performance of Black Cat owner Dante Ferrando’s band Gray Matter.
The monthly home of several themed dance parties including the wildly popular “Mousetrap” brit-pop dance night, Friday’s celebration features the first ever “Battle of the Sexes” themed dance, featuring the First Ladies DJ Collective versus the Corruption Boys.
In the 10 years since the Black Cat opened its doors, the U St. corridor has undergone extensive gentrification. Some have gone so far as to attribute this growth to the influx of indie-rock kids who regularly frequent the Black Cat and other local establishments. Last fall, Black Cat moved three doors down from its old digs in a former car dealership to a larger, better venue.
Definitely get out to the ‘Cat on Friday-you’ll definitely learn a little more about the local underground scene while snagging some free goodies and maybe, just maybe, you’ll flirt with that cute guy at the bar while your best friend graciously makes small talk with his inevitably gnomish sidekick.
Black Cat is located at 1811 14th St. N.W. Doors are at 8:30. Tickets are $8.
