From Out of this World: The Dust Galaxy

Recommended Beverage: it was BYOB

(i'd already DMOB--drunk my own booze--before arriving)

Before last night, I can't remember the last time I saw a concert at an automotive garage. But on the edge of Chinatown, on a scrappy little block, a garage was transformed into an underground concert venue, complete with full sound system and psychedelic lighting. And what a show it was!

DC music lovers all know the name Rob Garza, one of the two masterminds and deejays behind Thievery Corporation. Garza's latest project, Dust Galaxy, played before a packed room last night. The band, which included guitarist James Canty of the local band French Toast and a very talented Japanese chick on keyboard, just blew the lid off the place with guitar-driven, funky psychedelic rock. The licks were catchy and the musicians were tight, all working well off of each other. There was something surreal about it--the music, the atmosphere, the faint smell of pot, the source of which I tried desperately to locate, to no avail...

Opening the show was a phenomenal Argentine singer/guitarist Federico Aubele, accompanied by a sultry female vocalist. They played some songs from his new album, "Gran Hotel Buenos Aires."

One consistent thread in Garza's music has been the infusion of cultural influences. He has been recording in London toward his first solo release due out in March. He's working with London producer Brendan Lynch (Primal Scream, Paul Weller), and several British musicians will make appearances on the album, including Darrin Mooney (Primal Scream) and Adam Blake (Cornershop). The album is being described as including "sounds of psychedelic India , British paisley beats, post-punk, and American roots rock."

Ahh, proof that the indie scene is still alive and well in DC. Rock on!