We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
When a New Musical Express critic wrote that “the whole scene seems geared towards dancing, chilling out, or simply feeling the beats ‘n’ noise” about The Prototype Years, a compilation on drum ‘n’ bass don Grooverider’s label, he could have been talking about D.C.’s Friday night electronica dance party Buzz. After celebrating three years of importing top-notch international jocks and nurturing local talent, Buzz took a monthlong break in January while its host venue was retooled and renamed. The Capitol Ballroom became Nation, and Buzz took a giant step in its evolution from warehouse-party-gone-legit to Studio 54-on-the-Anacostia. Grooverider’s last turn there was an object lesson in the funk at the heart of drum ‘n’ bass. Listen for his latest, a remix of the Stone Roses’ chestnut “Fools Gold,” when he headlines tonight (with MC GQ, Jimmy Van Melleghem, Scott Henry, John Tab, and Blanco) at 10 p.m. at Nation, 1015 Half St. SE. $15. (202) 554-1500. (Daniel Searing)