Rockin' Out at the Rock and Roll Hotel

May 9
The Cedars, the Changes, the Cinematics at the Rock and Roll Hotel

Recommended beverage

to go with this show:

a big can of Strongbow Cider

Somehow, writing this story escaped me and now it's months later (October!). Still, it warrants a mention. The venue and the bands were quite memorable.

The Rock n Roll Hotel is one of the newer intimate music venues to open in the nascent H Street corridor ("Atlas District") in Northeast D.C, just a couple of blocks down from the Red & the Black. Bands perform to an all-ages crowd on the main level, appealing for its dark atmosphere and intimate size.

Upstairs, there's a a large bar and lounge with wooden stools and couches where a deejay is likely spinning some good music. Down the corridor, where classic and punk rock paraphernalia line the walls, two narrow suites with velvet couches offer somewhat of a backstage decor. The building previously was a funeral home back when this once-thriving neighborhood boasted busy shops and restaurants, before the 1968 riots had decimated the area. Its darkness provides the perfect setting for brooding indie rock bands.

Local band the Cedars have since broken up but rocked out well at this show. The Chicago-based The Changes were the surprise highlight of the night. Fantastic, Brit-rock influenced sound. Headliners The Cinematics,who hail from Scotland also brought down the house.

Don't miss these bands when they next come through town!