There is no fee to attend. Panel Presentation 6:30-8 PM / DJ and music showcase 8:30-10 PM
Songbyrd Record Café and Music House, a music venue and record boutique located in historic Adams Morgan, will host a program panel of archivists and music historians whose love of regional music inspires them to research, preserve, and make accessible records that often went unheard upon initial release, appreciated only by local listeners. Panel presenters discuss how their initial fascination with local music and history, developed into a lifelong obsession for some, from personal interest, by playing in a band, to professional pursuits. Presenters will share the cultural, social, and economic conditions that lead individuals to create and perform, and will describe the scene at the time, re-creating the historical context in which this music first came into being.
The panel begins with an examination of post-World War II Washington DC’s rhythm and blues, bluegrass, and country music scenes, which transition into the soul and funk sounds dominating the city’s airwaves, studio booths, and live venues. Akron’s “Rubber City” sound—parts Punk, Pop, and New Wave, with an unassuming, distinctly Midwest attitude, and much more than just Devo—are discussed. Select music listeners likely know Louisville influential bands Slint, Rodan, and Rachel’s, but Underground artists such as Babylon Dance Band and The Endtables are featured. Following the panel, each presenter will share music from their respective region. Listen closely to discern the details unique to that place and time.
Wander and discover where “old DC’ is still present in the late 19th- and early 20th-century storefronts along the main commercial district of 18th Street before and after the events.
Songbyrd Record Café and Music House is located at
2475 18th Street NW DC, accessible via the Metro Red Line,
Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop.
Speakers include Calvin Rydbom, Heather Fox, Kevin Coombe, Jay Bruder, and will be moderated by Ray Barker, from the DC Public Library Special Collections, and John Davis, from the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library University of Maryland, College Park. For information contact
Ray Barker.
