Why am I doing this? At 21 years old, most of the LIVE MUSIC I had seen was chamber music. Kind of strange, now that I think about it, but no doubt it informed my ear and showed me how emotionally and intellectually moving MUSIC could be. Way back in 1992, I was introduced to "The Grandsons"
(formerly Of The Pioneers, seriously litigation was threatened and they had to truncate their name.) The Grandsons had hooked me with their dirge-like gospel-like arrangement of the song "Sixteen Tons" by Merle Travis and a fairly traditional version of a song that my Gramms had on Victrola that she would croon to me when I was upset, 'Cool Water' by the "Sons of the Pioneers".

At that time, I would not have thought it possible that there were people my age arranging these CLASSIC SONGS, had I not heard it with my own ears. Based on these two tunes, "The Grandsons" became "My Band"' and 'Chief Ike's Mambo Room' in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC, '"My Bar".

The Grandsons, made up of John Danforth, Rick Jordan, Alan MacEwan, and Chris Watling at this point, played a regular gig at the "Mambo Room" for years, in fact it probably was four years. What began as a nostagic infatuation with two songs, has grew into a do it yourself music education. Still, while The Grandsons openers and guests play with them, I pretty much never was adventerous enough to go see these other musicians and their bands.

It was not until 2001 that I realized the error of my ways. In 2001, The Grandsons, Now made up of originals Mac Ewan and Watling, drummer, Matt Sedgely and one other piece from a revolving cast, often either 'Bassists': John Young, Eric Bowers or Steve Sachs, picked up a new semi regular gig at Visions Lounge Cafe and Movie Theatre in Dupont Circle Washington, DC.

One Friday evening they sold me a CD that changed my life, or is starting to anyway. It's "Americana Motel" and was produced by Peter Fox (who correct me if I am wrong, is also partially responsible for giving Washington, DC the institution of the Burrito Brothers restaurant). Now if you looked at that link you will see 18 traks, by 18 different 'bands', but as I have finally heard a number of the participants say when plugging the CD at their live gigs 'It's more of a COLLABORATION, than a compilation'. Well even from the outer circle, I can tell you it's also a history lesson, personal memoir and a promise for more great music in the future of the DC metro area.
There was a CD release show at The Birchmere in November of 2001, where just about everyone that made it on the recording performed LIVE.

Since that show I have been determined to support live and local music. In keeping up, I have realized it is not just about Americana, Alt-Country, Roots or what-ever you want to call it, although that is where a grand portion of my time and expendable money goes. In keeping this blog I hope to tell you about the Pop, Rock, and Punk shows I go to as well. This scene is so vibrant, if I don't start keeping track of what and where I am listening to, something may slip thru the cracks. Just ask a musician around here, just because you are a 'certain kind of band', it's o reason not to respect and shout out to the other ahrd working talent in this city, past and present.

If there is some fine point I am missing, or have have spun the facts or spoke out of line email me: groupiegirls@topica.com. If there is a band or musician that does not seem to be on my radar and IS WORTH MY WHILE look up and subscribe to the list-serve groupiegirls-subscribe@topica.com, share with everyone. Say your piece either way.