Archive for the ‘Our People’ Category
MyLife in Metro DC: 9:30 Club – The Ultimate Concert Venue
Last week I had the pleasure of going to see not just one but two concerts at the 9:30 Club and I have to say, the venue is quickly becoming my new favorite.
Having personally seen hundreds of concerts at countless venues, this is a bold statement, but I say it with confidence.
There’s something about 9:30 Club’s understated exterior, simplistic dark interior, and three floors of unobstructed views that set the crowd on fire and ignite something deep inside the artists. Together, this energy creates the perfect moment for a once in a lifetime performance. I’ve seen some of my favorite artist’s best live shows at the 9:30 Club and have heard the same from many of my friends.
The 9:30 Club has a long history in the area and has a special spot in the hearts of many in DC. The venue first opened its doors in the early 1980s, giving local DC and national alternative artists a place to share their musical talent. The club got its name from the original street address of the venue – 930 F St NW, and it was also their opening time – 9:30pm. In 1996, the venue moved to its current location at 815 V St. NW and was renamed “Nightclub 9:30” but many still refer to the venue by its original name.
Getting to the 9:30 Club is surprisingly easy for a concert venue. The Green Line U Street/ African American Civil War Memorial / Cardozo Metro Station is located two blocks away (exit towards 10th Street). The last train leaves the station at 11:44pm Sun-Thurs and at 2:30am on Friday and Saturday.
9:30 is located at 815 V St. NW, 2 blocks from the Metro
Street parking is available for free after 6:30pm and the venue also has a private parking lot. If you want to park in 9:30’s lot you can purchase a parking pass for 10 dollars online when you order your tickets. Tip: The private lot usually sells out before the night of the concert so if you want to guarantee a spot, purchase your parking pass in advance.
And of course, if you plan on drinking, taxi cabs are readily available outside the venue and are always a recommended “safe” option!
I’ve taken the metro and driven to the venue in the past and prefer purchasing parking or parking on the street over riding on the metro. The metro is a decent walk from the venue and I like the comfort of having my car there in case the show runs late.
Once inside the venue, you have the option of watching the show from three different levels. The main (first) floor is usually the most crowded, and if it’s a sold out show you’ll make some new very CLOSE friends in the pit area but this level does get you the closest to the band. The second level forms a U shape around the stage and has two sides with steps that many choose to sit on during more mellow shows. Finally, there is the third level that is comprised mostly of a bar and VIP seating. If you want to grab an actual seat, this is one of your few places to get one. But be sure to arrive early – they go fast! No matter where you choose to watch the show, the layout provides great views from any spot.
Stage views (left to right): 3rd Floor Bar, Right Side of 2nd Floor, and Backstage
Last week, I saw Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Suburban Legends, Aquabats & Reel Big Fish on Monday and Carbon Leaf on Wednesday. They were two VERY different shows with VERY different audiences – but both gave their fans an incredible performance and left them extremely satisfied and cheering for more.
I was lucky enough to snag backstage passes to both shows (thanks Gabe and Carbon Leaf!) and had a chance to chat with the bands before/after their shows. All the artists seemed to agree that the 9:30 Club was one of their favorite places to play, not just because of the venue, but because of the energy the DC crowd always provides.
Carbon Leaf was also kind enough to participate in an impromptu interview with me about the 9:30 Club, their new album and what they would do on a day off in DC. Check out the video below and be sure to visit the MyLife in Metro DC Facebook page later this week for a super awesome give away from the band! These guys are always good for a laugh 
At the end of both nights, I left the venue with a huge smile on my face and a slight ringing in my ears (tip: be a smart concert goer and wear Hearos … they keep your ears safe without losing the sound quality you do with regular earplugs). The 9:30 Club provided me with another two unparalleled evenings of music that I feel could not be recreated in any other venue. So if your favorite artist is in town and playing the 9:30, be sure to go and see them – I’m positive you’ll have an incredible time.
To share your 9:30 Club experience, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures“Like”MyLife on Facebook!
-Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC: Oh to be a Hokie…
There are few things in life I love more than being a Hokie…and I’m not the only one. No matter where in the world you might find yourself, when you see someone wearing VT gear you can confidently belt out, “LET’S GO” and you’ll hear the excited response, “HOKIES” in return. (I’ve actually tried this once while stuck in London’s Heathrow airport and was delighted with the result and conversation that ensued)
My friends that didn’t have the pleasure of attending Virginia Tech have told me they think my school’s alumni are a bit obsessive; I tell them we aren’t obsessive, just proud. We don’t just wear maroon and orange, we bleed maroon and orange and football isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life in Blacksburg.
I personally feel no football season is complete without a road trip to watch your favorite team play, so this past weekend my boyfriend and I packed up the car and headed down 95 S to watch our team take on the Tar Heels while also visiting my old college roommate and her fiancé.
With my college Roomie Linda showing off our Hokie gear
This was my first trip to Chapel Hill and I have to say UNC’s campus is beautiful; its “college town” vibe made me feel right at home. Well almost. My first hesitation came when I found out we’d have to “tailgate” in a parking garage – a foreign concept to this Virginia Tech fan! But lucky for us, we arrived bright and early and were able to secure a spot on the top deck of the garage and found ourselves quickly immersed in a mini Hokie Tailgating Nation.
Hokie Nation
In true Tech fashion, a complimentary shot was handed out all in the area that were sporting maroon and orange by our elder neighboring tailgater. We all gathered around, and as he lead the toast we raised our (shot)glass and drank to a Hokie victory!
We Are Virginia Tech!
As we entered the stadium, I quickly remembered that this was no Lane stadium. There was going to be no “Enter Sandman” booming through the speakers, no students jumping causing a thunderous rumble heard miles away, and no delicious turkey legs for sale. Instead, I was greeted by a sea of baby blue (with little orange and maroon sprinkles tossed in). A stadium filled with thousands of Tar Heels ready to watch their team defeat the Hokies.
Entering the Sea of Baby Blue
Our seats were in a UNC season ticket holder section and while some spectators weren’t too fond of having “the other team” in their section, we had a number of UNC’ers tell us they secretly were Hokie fans and would still like us, even if we won. And by the end of the third quarter, as the stadium started to look a lot less baby blue, our new friends held true to their promise and gave a cheery goodbye as they joined the UNC mass exodus towards the parking lot. It was pretty clear Virginia Tech would be taking the day’s victory.
A Beautiful Hokie Victory
Overall, I had a wonderful time in Chapel Hill. I loved getting the chance to explore a new campus, learn about their tailgating rituals and share in the college game day experience with an ACC rival. Ok…ok, the Hokie win might also have had something to do with why it was such a great day!
Don’t have time to head to Miami or Blacksburg to experience the last two Virginia Tech Football games of the season?
Fret not, there are more Hokies in the DC Metro area then you could possibly imagine and many of us gather at dedicated “Hokie Bars” to watch the games. So grab your finest Tech gear and head over to Bailey’s in Ballston or Grevey’s in Falls Church and you’ll find your very own piece of Blacksburg right here in DC.
To share your Hokie experience, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures“Like”MyLife on Facebook!
-Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC: Lobster Fest 2010
It’s true, for the better part of my 27 years on this earth, I’ve lived in what many would call the “South” (Virginia), but no matter where I might be geographically located, I’ll always be a “Northerner” in my heart.
My Hometown - Bangor, Maine
My Northern roots stem back to my childhood. I was born in Bangor, Maine, and if you look on a map, there isn’t much further North one can go and still be in the United States.
My hometown has a 31-foot tall statue of folklore legend Paul Bunyan, who many believe was also born in Bangor. If you ask me, there are few things more Northern than a giant lumberjack (and his blue ox) and I feel this only helps solidify my “Northerner” status. That and I occasionally drop the word “wicked” into a sentence without even realizing it…but on to the lobsters…
My Dad and Stepmom still live in Maine and one of their favorite things to do is watch my “Southern” friends eat lobsters. It’s a tradition my Dad and I started when I was in college. Of course, some of my friends have had lobster before …but no Red Lobster visit compares to a proper Maine Lobster Fest.
The temptation of a home-cooked lobster dinner complete with fancy beers (bud light instead of beast light) and homemade whoopie pies for dessert (my Stepmom makes the World’s best!) was something my broke college friends simply couldn’t resist. My friends still can’t…although most of them can now afford their own bud light.
At every lobster fest, looks of excitement, shock, confusion, and even terror overcome my friends as they find themselves face to face with the red crustacean only previously seen swimming around at their local grocery store.
Putting their lobsters in the pot!
This year, the mere opening of the box that contained our dinner caused one of my friends to scream and run away. But one by one my Dad convinced each of my friends to drop their dinner into the boiling water while I showed them how to put the lobster to “sleep” before putting them in…just in case anyone felt bad about the lobsters still being alive.
The Lobsters - Before & After
Watching as my friends carefully dissected and attempted to dismember the body that sat before them was quite a show! People ended up wearing other peoples’ lobster, splashes of sea water, shells and lobster tamale painted the walls of my condo and the phrase “is this ok to eat?!,” was asked over and over again. During all of this, my Dad, Step mom and I sat back, laughed and enjoyed.
My Dad serving the Lobsters!
While some struggled with their lobsters, others quickly mastered the challenge plated before them. Scott won the award for not only being the fastest to consume a lobster, but also for consuming nearly two whole 1.5 lb. lobsters all by himself. Raha was given the “looked most like she was going to pass out but rallied to eat a whoopie pie” award, and my roomie was dubbed “the World’s slowest lobster eater,” but he did tell my family it was the “best day of his life”… so we all patiently waited for him while he happily finished…well almost finished his lobster. The night was complete and Lobster Fest 2010 was deemed an overwhelming success by all!
Chris Enjoying a Homemade Whoopie Pie
My family finally got the chance to meet my wonderful DC friends and share a part of our Northern traditions with them and my friends got to meet my amazing parents and left my house with full bellies…and clothes covered with a lovely “lobster” aroma.
I love being from Maine, it’s wicked awesome…
Want to have your own Maine Lobster Fest experience in DC?
Red Hook Lobster Pound provides metro DC with the most authentic Maine Lobster rolls I’ve seen in the South. However, you won’t be able to make reservations for this feast, instead you’ll have to track down one of their trucks (stopping at various mobile locations) on the streets of Washington D.C.! How will you find them? Follow Red Hook (LobstertruckDC) on Twitter to find out where they’ll be for the week then just look for the line… My roommate tells me he’s seen people wait for over an hour just to get a taste of the Northern delicacy. Whoopie pie seekers be warned – we’ve conducted our own taste test and while Red Hook’s are good, they’ve got nothing on my Stepmom’s recipe!
Want to go even MORE authentic with your Maine Lobster Fest?
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound is our family’s favorite place to buy Maine lobster and they will ship anywhere in the country. Your lobsters will arrive via overnight mail packed on icepacks in fresh Maine seaweed and still alive. Bibs & directions are included but I recommend buying a few lobster picks and crackers of your own to help break into your dinner. I highly recommend you give it a try, and if you do, be sure to let me know and share your story!
To share your experience, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures“Like”MyLife on Facebook!
-Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC: Experiencing OVO before it’s OV-er!
For those of you who have yet to experience (or those of you that love) the wonder of human strength, flexibility and jaw-dropping talent that Cirque du Soleil brings to stage, you have an incredible opportunity to witness one of their awe inspiring shows, OVO, right here in DC.
Last Friday I received a text from my boyfriend that simply read, “We’re going to the circus – be ready at 5,” my first thought was, “Huh? Circus?…like the lions and tigers and bears (oh my) kind?” But much to my liking, he had instead surprised me with tickets to that evenings showing of OVO (yes, I know I’m spoiled).
The traveling Cirque show OVO, described as “an immersion into the teeming and energetic world of insects,” has taken temporary residence in DC from September 9th until this Sunday, October 24th. The wonderment all takes place under the bright blue and yellow tents of the Grand Chapiteau, perched high above the National Harbour. (Note: The Grand Chapiteau is not located in the actual National Harbour but it instead has its own area across from the waterfront, signs at the exit will help direct you).
When you arrive, expect to pay to park (it was $12 where we parked) and be prepared for a bit of an uphill walk to reach the venue. The hill is nothing too demanding, but paired with the coarse rock parking lot – I’d leave the high heals at home…take it from someone who learned the hard way and has the skinned knee to prove it!
Once inside the tented grounds, there is a concession stand (snacks ranged from $6 and up, while beer and wine were priced around $7 and $8) and a gift shop that offers unique souvenirs to take home.
Outside the Grand Capiteau with Scott
The Friday night show started promptly at 8pm, and once the last “seating notice” was given guests were NOT able to enter the venue until a designated break, which came after the first act had finished their routine. (Be sure to be in your seats early so this doesn’t happen to you – the opening is incredible!) But don’t worry, there is a short intermission (about 20 minutes) halfway through the show if you need a bathroom or snack break.
As the lights faded and the show began, the colored tents and stadium seating brought back childhood memories of a traditional circus visit, but within moments the magic that unfolded on stage reminded me that I was someplace far different. From my love of the elaborate and creative costuming to my sheer amazement of the feats performed just feet in front of me, I found myself gasping and asking my boyfriend, “did you see that?!” almost every five minutes.
My two personal favorite acts were the “Butterflies” (Spanish Web Duo) during which a male and female team performed feats of extraordinary strength, and contortion all while gracefully dangling from a rope high above us, and the “Wall” which featured over 20 “bugs” appearing to defy gravity as they run up, jump down and leap across an 8m vertical wall.
My Favorite Acts
The entire performance from start to finish lived up to every expectation I have for a Cirque du Soleil show (I’ve seen two other shows in Las Vegas) and as we walked out the discussions of others echoed my praises.
If you are looking for a one of a kind experience this week or this weekend, and enjoy Cirque performances, you really should go experience OVO before it’s OV-er this Sunday!
OVO Seating Chart
TIP: Try to book your tickets early and spend a little extra to get “Level 1” or “Level 2” tickets. The Premium tickets are of course the best, but the venue is fairly small and you can still see everything from the other seats. Do be aware that although the “Level 3” tickets are the least expensive, you will miss out on some of the excitement as a spider web and large flower will block some of your views. If you are looking to save a few dollars, the weekday and early shows are a bit cheaper per ticket.
Still not convinced? Check out the show’s official trailer below:
To share your OVO experience, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures“Like” MyLife on Facebook!
-Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC: Una fiesta de cumpleaños en Lauriol Plaza
One thing I’ve noticed about getting older is that the months start to go by super quick and before I know it I find myself celebrating yet another birthday (seriously, how is it already SEPTEMBER!? And when did I get so OLD!?).
I have to say, after my 21st, birthdays just don’t have the same excitement and anticipation surrounding them. But lucky for me, I have amazing friends that keep making my day extra special and my first birthday celebration in DC was no exception! On Tuesday, three of my best friends took me to Lauriol Plaza to celebrate me turning twenty-too-old-to-mention.
With my wonderful friends Raha, Christie & Katie
Lauriol Plaza offers affordable, delicious and diverse Tex-Mex cuisine in a chic urban atmosphere. The building, located at 1835 18th Street, NW near Dupont Circle, has outdoor seating on their sidewalk and rooftop patios and indoor seating in their two-tiered dining room. There was a small free valet parking lot behind the building but it filled up quickly, We drove and were able to find street parking along a side road. The closest metro stop is Dupont Circle and is about .7 miles away if you are up for the walk.
The girls had all raved about how incredible Lauriol Plaza was and I was excited to finally try it for myself. We started our meal with chips, salsa and guacamole and as someone who has a serious love of avocadoes and guacamole – I must say theirs might be my new favorite! It was so tasty that we couldn’t help but order a second helping! I’ve been told the swirled margaritas are incredible, but I’m not a tequila person so I tried the red sangria instead. It was excellent and reasonably priced – a huge plus, as some restaurant’s sangria can be PRICEY.
The Delicious Guacamole and Sangria
For entrees, three of us split the “mixed fajitas for two” and Katie got the fajita salad. Both of the meals were HUGE and had more than generous portions of chicken and steak. We ate till we were stuffed and there was still plenty for leftovers. At the end of our dinner the gracious staff presented me with a birthday flan and sang happy birthday… the singing was the best part of dessert, only because none of us are flan fans, but like they say, it’s the thought that counts!
Birthday Flan
If you are looking for a lively spot to have dinner and drinks with friends or to celebrate your own “too old to mention” birthday I highly recommend Lauriol Plaza. I loved the modern atmosphere and the food and drinks lived up to all of my friends’ praises. If you go, be sure to try the margaritas for me!
TIP: Lauriol Plaza does not accept reservations for dining after 5:30pm and on weekends the wait can be over an hour, so arrive early if you want to avoid the wait or try them at lunch!
To learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures“Like” MyLife on Facebook!
-Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC – A Relaxing Sunday at the Eastern Market
When I started the MyLife in Metro DC blog, I asked my friends to help me discover new and unique things to do around the city. One of the most discussed and highly recommended adventures was a leisurely Sunday visit to the Eastern Market and Flea Market in DC. The other weekend my Aunt and her best friend were in town and we decided a trip to the market would be the perfect way to end their visit. So off we went…
Located on 7th and C St., SE, the Eastern Market is only one block from the Eastern Market Metro Station (The Orange & Blue Lines will get you there). If you’re driving, street and meter parking (no meter charges on Sunday) is available alongside Pennsylvania Avenue, North Carolina Avenue and other side streets.
We chose to drive, but only because I was dropping my guests off at Union Station afterwards. My advice to you would be to metro it if at all possible. This will save you a lot of time searching up and down streets looking for parking (even on a Sunday we saw many “Permit Only” spots). Plus, you’ll be doing your “green” deed for the day!
As you walk down 7th towards the Eastern Market, you’ll smell the aromas of delicious brunches coming from a plethora of adorable restaurants lining the street. Many of these restaurants have outdoor seating available and on my next trip to the market I’ll be sure to head into the city early so I can enjoy an outdoor brunch before I shop!
Once you reach the end of the street, you’ll notice there are two separate sections to the market – the Eastern Market and the Flea Market at Eastern Market. The Eastern Market, open Tuesday through Sunday, is part Farmers market (featuring local seafood, produce, poultry, pastas and more) and part Artisan market. It’s located at the end of the street and inside the large brick building to the left. The Flea Market is only open on Sundays from 10am to 5pm and has over 100 exhibitors displaying jewelry, clothing, antiques, and goods from all around the world. When you walk down 7th street, you’ll find the Flea Market on the right, tucked inside a fenced off area.
We spent many hours walking up and down the isles and exploring both sections of the market. We each found unique treasures to take home with us along our journey. My only purchase of the day was a pair of dangly gold earrings for my friend Jessica’s birthday…I had been searching for weeks to find the perfect gift and was thrilled the moment I saw them. Although I didn’t purchase anything else, trust me the urge was there, but I decided to wait for my next trip so I’d have an excuse to come back!
The Eastern Market was by far one of my favorite adventures thus far. I would highly recommend the trip to anyone looking for a laid back afternoon where you can casually browse unique goods, find perfect gifts, and gather fresh ingredients to create the perfect home-cooked Sunday dinner.
Last but not least…here are a few tips that I gathered from my first trip to the market to share with you:
- Bring a reusable bag or backpack to carry your purchases – another “green” idea!
- Bring cash. Many vendors accepted credit cards but I’d hate for you to miss out on a once in a lifetime find because they only take cash!
- Bring a camera and take pictures of your day…then share them with me on Facebook -I’d love to see what you find!
- And finally, there is little to no shade in the Flea Market area and it gets HOT quickly! I’d recommend dressing appropriately and bringing a bottle or two of water to help stay hydrated (there are also vendors selling them for about a dollar if you don’t want to bring them with you)
To see more pictures of my trip to the Eastern Market, visit the MyLife in Metro DC page on Facebook, and be sure to “like” us when you’re there if you haven’t already!
-Kristin
