The following is an informational list of music stores, venues, and places to go in the DC area courtesy of Justin Moyer, Mud Memory Records.

[If you would like to contribute your opinion, please email me.]

VENUES
•BLACK CAT

Black Cat is the premiere indie-rock venue in DC for better or worse. Small bands from out of town may have some trouble getting in the door, but if you can hook up with a local draw it is definitely worth it. Smaller backstage shows are more intimate and less stressful if you are worried about filling a room. Vegan sandwiches in the sandwich machine a plus for those that appreciate that kind of thing. All ages, serves alcohol.

location info: 1831 14th Street NW, (202) 667-7960

site: www.blackcatdc.com/blackcat/index.html

•GALAXY HUT

Galaxy Hut is a great alternative to the Black Cat if you are having trouble getting in there. Shows are free, which is a plus. Room is very small but that's part of the charm. Serves alcohol, but is all ages. Again, the best thing to do is get hooked up with a local draw.

location info: 2711 Wilson Bvld. Arlington, VA, (703) 525-8646

site: http://www.ttthebears.com/

•VELVET LOUNGE

This is a nice, small space a little off the beaten path, but is considered kind of a bottom feeder amongst local folk. Many local bands set up shop here regularly, though. If you can't get in anywhere else, try the Velvet. It could be worth your while, but only if you are 21+.

location info: 915 U Street NW, (202) 462-7625

•9:30 CLUB

9:30 was part of the Genesis chapter of DC punk but is now a huge club where everyone from James Brown to the Boredoms play. If you have to ask, you'll never know or, actually, your booking agent will probably have to ask.

location info: 915 V Street NW, (202)393-3555

•SIGNAL 66 GALLERY

Warehouse space near Logan Circle with fresh art and music from time to time. If you're tired of the same old DC blah-blah, check it out.

location info: 926 N Street NW, (202) 842-3436

•DECATUR BLUE

See description of Signal 66.

location info: 919 Florida Avenue NW, 2nd Floor, (202) 518-8969

•FORT RENO PARK

Corner of Nebraska and Reno Rd. In Tenleytown, NW, DC. See indie rock in an idyllic setting on Monday and Thursday evenings in the summer. No glass bottles, drugs or alcohol.


STORES, ETC
•ATOMIC MUSIC

Hella far from downtown DC in College Park, but worth the trip. Wouldn't you like to buy all kinds of high-quality, reasonably-priced musical instruments from honest dudes who won't rip you off? THIS PLACE IS ONE OF A KIND.

location info: 9035 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD, (301) 474-5752

•COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

Drive around Route 1 and find a lot of thrift stores.

•DC CD

DC CD was DC's flagship record store but has faltered in recent years. Still plenty of local stuff and a smattering of vinyl. Since you should probably check out Adams Morgan anyway, why not visit this neighborhood standby?

location info: 2423 18th Street NW, (202) 588-1810

•NOW! MUSIC AND FASHION

This is DC's relatively new flagship record store. Selection is small, but never disappoints. Roots section alone is worth a trip, and avant-garde stock is no slouch either. Cool kids will like the overpriced clothes. Shows too.

location info: 3100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA @ the Clarendon Metro Station, (703) 528-9059

site: www.NowMusicAndFashion.com

•THE RAVEN

The bar in the recently gentrified hipster neighborhood we call Mt. Pleasant. If you'd like to come experience diversity, try this watering hole. Though the juke box has suffered since the Mt. Pleasant yuppie rush, the kids are still all right. Just don't try to order a frappachino.

location info: Near corner of Irving and Mt. Pleasant Streets, NW

•RED/SPILT MILK

Check out Red every other Tuesday. There will be some cool kids spinning records there. If you can find the club, you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's kind of a secret garden/crushed red velvet/Studio 54 in a basement kind of scene. Come on and dance!

location info: Connecticut Avenue and N Street, NW

•SMASH!

Buy some punk rock vinyl. Second of two things worth doing in Georgetown unless you are a Congressperson or getting at tattoo at Jinx Proof.

location info: 3285 M Street, NW

•SOUL VEGETARIAN

It's really good. Many do not know about it and some cannot find it. Those that fall into these categories are sad souls.

location info: There's a vegan cafeteria thing on Georgia Avenue. If you're going east on Florida, turn left at 7th Street/Georgia Avenue. Go up the Hill past Howard University. Look on the left. It's there.

•THE MONUMENT/THE MALL

Don't neglect our nation's history.

•LAMONT VIDEO

Rent a $2.00 movie and browse a uniquely organized collection.

location info: Corner of Mt. Pleasant and Lamont Streets, NW