We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
Knocking the Suburbs: The Fillmore—-the new Live Nation-owned venue in Downtown Silver Spring that has inspired scene-searching think pieces from this paper and the Post—-officially opened last night with a concert by Mary J. Blige. The venue was christened with the smashing of guitars. Chris Richards give big ups to the venue’s bass. Michael Wilbon did not appreciate the line. Washingtonian‘s Kyle Gustafson, shooting last night for The Washington Post, did not have a very satisfying photography experience. (Live Nation reps led photographers to a back alley when they were done shooting, and then shut the door, Gustafson tweeted.)
Poll Position: On the occasion of the Fillmore’s opening, WaPo‘s David Malitz runs through the area’s nightclub landscape for some quick comparisons. And he includes this nugget about DC9:
What we don’t [love]: Door polling. When walking into a show at DC9 you’re usually asked which band out of two or three that you’re seeing. The ticket taker then marks a line next to that band’s name, and at the end of the night, the band’s payment may depend on the number of notches. The system helps the club gauge each act’s popularity, but it’s a little tacky.
From Bauhaus to Phillips’ House: The Phillips Collection has re-created Duncan Phillips’ Klee room.
Today on Arts Desk: Nina Pereg at the Hirshhorn, reviewed, Intervention con, and more.