This past Sunday evening, we had dinner and drinks with my family at the Jetty Dock Bar in Grasonville, MD — just over the Bay Bridge. I had to share this photo — because look how beautiful the sunset was!! We listened to all the oldies by my dad’s friends’ band while the sun went down, just until it got too cold to stay outside any longer. I love live music. Ahhh, goodbye summer…

Last night we saw Langhorne Slim and The Law at the Rock and Roll Hotel. I love that place. It’s just so cozy. The show was awesome – he sang a few solo songs, but most of the time the band was up there on stage with him, including the guy pickin’ the banjo, my favorite part. Now it’s just a rainy Friday afternoon, so I’m listening to all the songs again on repeat. They’re always that much better after seeing them live.

We FINALLY made it to the new H Street NE location of HR-57 last weekend. It was long one of our favorite DC spots for live jazz music when it was formerly located on 14th St, and since it was super-nice enough to move along with us into our new neighborhood — well, yeah, we really have no excuse for not getting there earlier.

It’s still got a “new” vibe to it with the white-painted side walls (I definitely prefer the exposed brick at the former location), but the music was just as enjoyable during our evening there… so I’m not complaining. These places take time to settle into and find their real character. And if you judge by these pictures, doesn’t it look just as moody and comfortable and awesome as ever?

One other note of interest! It looks like they are now equipped with crepe-makers up front in the windows where you come inside. Though I didn’t smell any of the fresh doughy treats or see anyone order them, I’m going to have to look into it on our next visit. Wine, jazz, and crepes. Match made in heaven.

The show was great too — lots of long numbers in their set, hilarious commentary by the band members in between jams, and also a few spontaneous breakouts into the theme song from Sesame Street. This song is brought to you by the letters “H” and “R.” Love it!

I just asked Matt, “What should I write about the bluegrass festival yesterday?”
Silence for a few seconds… then:
Matt: “It was sweltering hot. The shade was sparse. The food trucks were rolling. The bikes were plenty. The beer was cold. The island was beautiful, attendees were happy, and the pickin’ was fast. The second annual Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival was a smashing success, or something like that, and I look forward to attending next year.”

Just a guy riding the metro, going somewhere to jam. Wouldn’t want to have to carry that case around during rush hour…