dc space reunion/benefit for Tom Terrell

DC Space, 2005
Originally uploaded by IntangibleArts

There is a home town party this weekend at the new 9:30 Club in the form of a dc space reunion party/ benefit for Tom Terrell beloved deejay and friendly familiar voice to many a  night owl. The 9:30 Club and dc space were located in what once was a forlorn F Street shopping district during the late 1970s and 1980s. The Hecht's Departent Store is now a Macy's, and part of Woodies is becoming a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. The 9:30 Club has since moved to V Street, near Howard University.

When dc space opened on the corner of 7th and E, music fans started being a path between 9: 30 and space. Now the building houses a Starbucks, and during construction workers found an old office upstairs that once belonged to Clara Barton.

Over fifty artists, including the founders of both 9:30 and dc space, are gathering to celebrate 9:30's 30th anniversary, and in the spirit of benevolence, many are donating their talents this Sunday, July 29th. Doors open at 4. Twenty dollar donation. Performances including music, poetry and film will be ongoing until 1 a.m.

Farewell A.V. Ristorante

(photo by bethhowe1 @ flickr)

Augosto Vasaio opened his landmark Italian restaurant "AV" in July 1949 on New York Avenue, and it became a magnet for all who love to eat. My cousin, Pete adored it for the large portions of comfort food, Italian style. He was in heaven when we had cousin parties there. I remember him ordering platter after platter until we all left groaning. We made sure we used a lot of napkins because the restaurant was a customer of Modern Linen which our fathers ran throughout the 1960s and 1970s. "Modern" kept them supplied with tablecloths and napkins for many years.

cousin party circa 1985

My father remembers that Augusto used to fill a big station wagon full of American things like stockings, toothpaste, and cigarettes- whatever he thought he could sell overseas. He (and the car) would get on a boat to Italy every year, and come back with a load of olive oil, pasta, cheeses and all that Italian yard art that A.V. is so famous for in the courtyard.

Another piece of Washington history is slipping away. The doors close July 28.