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Music fans and demolition aficionados alike are already well aware of filmmaker Brendan Canty (of Fugazi fame) and Christoph Green’s Burn to Shine DVD series—which generally involves the duo traveling to a city, getting a bunch of bands to perform in a house, then videotaping that house as it’s getting knocked down by city authorities.
However, their latest project, feature-length Wilco concert film Ashes of American Flags,
involves more concert footage and less out-and-out destruction. The film will be screened Saturday night at The Avalon at 7 pm, as part of the DC International Film Festival (There is a second screening on April 25 at 4:30pm), should you want to check it out. If you’d rather enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, there’s a chance that you can just drop by your local independent record store and buy it on DVD as part of Record Store Day.
After the screening, however, Comet Ping Pong will host a release party featuring various musicians covering Wilco songs. Which sounds great, if you’re talking about John Bustine playing, say, “Hotel Arizona.” But what Edie Sedgwick is going to bring to the table, I can only guess. Actually, no, I can’t guess, but I imagine it will be weird.
Big Gold Belt, Exactly, Revival, Brandon Butler, Peter Hayes, Mary Battiata, Lorelei, and Mary Timony, will also perform, as well as some surprise special guests.
Ashes of American Flags DVD Release Party @ Comet Ping Pong
10 PM, Free
5037 Connecticut Ave. NW