We’re over the hump for the week, so time to start thinking about what to do this weekend, and what better way to plan your dance floor strategy than reading another edition of the DC House Grooves Weekend Round Up. Spring has finally (almost) sprung here in the District, and despite the dying winter’s desperate efforts to spoil last weekend, DC’s hardened party goers still managed to have a great time. With nearly a foot of snow last Thursday, and Joseph Capriati failing to show up, we still managed to pull off a great party at Flash, joining forces with the Lost on Thursdays crew for an all locals lineup, including Chris Nitti, Sarah Myers, Andy Grant, Jubilee and Oliver Caine, all bringing their A games to the main floor at Flash. It was the perfect antidote to the snow day blues. Kudos to Flash management for opening the club when everything else in town was canceled, and respect to all the DJs and party goers who braved the snow! It made for a really fun night; one of our favorites at Flash in a while.

Before we dive into the picks this week, we just wanted to bring your attention to the FORWARD Festival Infinity Mix Series. An annual highlight of the Washington DC electronic scene, the FORWARD festival is fast approaching, and this year the theme is Infinity. In anticipation, the FORWARD team have asked DJs from all genres and backgrounds to contribute a mix capturing the festival theme, and they’re well worth your time. We’ve included the first three mixes in the series below.

The first is from top DC local Lisa Frank:

 

The second is by Panch:

 

And the third is a deliciously eclectic selection from Nobody Stranger:

 

Look out for more mixes in the series as we approach this years FORWARD Festival, and make sure you like the FORWARD DC Facebook Page and follow the FORWARD DC Soundcloud page so you don’t miss future updates. Also, you can now pick up Tier One passes for FORWARD 2015 for the low price of $100. With a FORWARD pass, you get access to all FORWARD 2015 preview and festival events, and the much sought after FORWARD swag bag. Seriously, why are you still here… go grab your FORWARD 2015 Tier 1 pass while they’re still available.

OK, so let’s take at look at our picks for this weekend. If you plan on attending an event, please click through to the event page and click Join, and don’t forget to let your friends know! After you’ve read through our picks, make sure you scroll down and check out the full listings. While we try to pick out what we think are the best bets, we’re sure to have missed some 🙂

Thursday Picks

Superlost feat. Izhevski (All Day I Dream / Propaganda / Moscow) at Lost Society

Strangely, not a whole lot to choose from on Thursday, but our top pick, as is often the case on Thursdays, is Superlost at Lost Society with Izhevski (All Day I Dream / Propaganda) taking control of the decks open to close. Great to see another guest of international caliber on the Lost Society rooftop, and you can expect the usual friendly crowd and a packed dance floor, and if the weather behaves it may even be nice out on the rooftop. Best of all, there’s no cover, and there’ll be all the usual drinks specials. 21+.

https://www.facebook.com/events/655889524536798/

The Business End with Philco & Caleb L’Etoile at Velvet Lounge

Another great choice on U Street for Thursday is the monthly party The Business End at Velvet Lounge, with locals Philco and Caleb L’Etoile throwing down the deep house and nu disco jams open to close. Expect beer, whiskey, dance moves and debauchery to a soundtrack of quality tunes in the intimate surroundings of Velvet Lounge. Sounds like fun! No cover, 21+.

https://www.facebook.com/events/409445005881053/

Friday Picks

WTF?! with Corduroy Mavericks, Kochi and D.J. Ramirez on Sugar Shack Recordings

We kick off Friday with the WTF?! Radio Show, which this week features Kochi and DJ Ramirez (Slope Traxx). Anyone who has tuned in to the WTF?! show before knows that this is a great way to start off your Friday night right, and when Kochi and Ramirez get together, you just know if will be pure fire. A great way to spend your Friday commute, and a great warm up for Body Werk in the Flash Bar on Friday, where Ramirez will be joining Andy Grant and Jubilee to throw down quality deep jams all night long.

https://www.facebook.com/events/739048889548077/

Focus: Marcel Fengler, Navbox & Dansman at Flash, Body Werk with Andy Grant, Jubilee & Ramirez in the Flash Bar 

Our top pick for Friday night is Focus at Flash with Berghain / Panoramabar resident Marcel Fengler (Ostgut Ton | Berlin) headlining the main floor, with local support from Navbox (Stranger than Paradise, Flash) and Dansman (Flash, #Bodyfeel). It’s going to be quality techno all night up on the main floor, while down in the Flash Bar, Andy Grant (DC House Grooves), Jubilee (Slope Traxx) & Ramirez (Slope Traxx) will be serving up the freshest, deepest cuts open to close.. With techno upstairs and house downstairs, it’ll be like a mini-Berghain in reverse, with something for everyone. Of course, it will be a lot easier to get in. Speaking of which, advanced tickets are available for $7 from Ticketfly, more on the door. 21+. Get there early for a drink in the bar with the Body Werk crew, then head upstairs and enjoy the opening sets before the crowds get too crazy.

https://www.facebook.com/events/436237123200167/

Tensnake with Juan Zapata, Charles Martin and special guest Flight Facilities (DJ Set) at U Street Music Hall

UPDATE: U Hall have announced that Flight Facilities will be joining this event to play a special DJ set after their gig at 9:30 Club. All the more reason to grab your advanced tickets ASAP!

Our next pick for Friday night is Tensake at U Street Music Hall, with support from two of our Meet the Locals Podcast alumni, Juan Zapata and Charles Martin. It’s going to be a packed house at U Hall for this lineup, so make sure you get there early to catch Juan and Charles, two locals who really know how to move a dance floor. Advanced tickets are available for $15 from Ticketfly, but it’s free before 11pm for 21+. 18 to 20 by advanced ticket only .

https://www.facebook.com/events/324285224438569/

Okayafrica Presents Quantic and Sinkane at Tropicalia

If something a bit more eclectic is more your thing, then we recommend you head to Tropicalia on Friday night for Okayafrica presents Quantic and Sinkane. It’s going to be all vinyl, all night long as Quantic brings his extensive collection of original productions and classic 45’s to DC, supported by Sinkane and the DC based Analog Soul Club. Expect tropical soul and sub-bass laden polyrhythm, all through Tropicalia’s great sound system. Advanced tickets are $15 from Brown Paper Tickets, and if you plan on attending, we recommend you grab them fast, as we’ve got a feeling this one will sell out.

https://www.facebook.com/events/969338723080900/

Kowli Presents: Roger Gerressen & Kamran Sadeghi (Live) at The Dark Room, Baltimore

Our final pick for Friday is Kowli Presents: Roger Gerressen & Kamran Sadeghi (Live) at The Dark Room in Baltimore, with support from residents Feroun and Novac. We’re not familiar with the headliners, but this is Roger Gerressen‘s US debut, and if Kowli Records are booking them, then that’s all we need to know. For a proper after hours vibe in a warehouse environment, this is the place to be in Baltimore on Friday night. Advanced tickets are $10. Head over to the Facebook event page for details on how to purchase.

https://www.facebook.com/events/622337857900058/

Saturday Picks

BODY WERK with Solomon Sanchez, Andy Grant and Tommy Cornelis at DC9 Nightclub

Top pick for Pi Day is BODY WERK at DC9 Nightclub with Andy Grant and Solomon Sanchez at the controls on the main floor, and Tommy Cornelis (The NeedleXchange) bringing the rooftop vibes upstairs open to close. We started the Body Werk party back at DC9 Nightclub in October, and they’ve been going from strength to strength, giving local underground DJs the opportunity to play long, peak time underground house sets on DC9’s fantastic Void Acoustics sound system. This is our sixth party at DC9, and we’re lucky enough to have the hugely talented Solomon Sanchez joining Andy Grant on the main floor. A regular at Flash and U Street Music Hall, Solomon’s sets are always something special, so make sure you stop by on Saturday to catch him and Andy werking the main room. With TNX resident Tommy Cornelis throwing down the smooth vibes on the rooftop, you’ve got the full recipe for a great night of grooving. As always, the cover is low: $2 before midnight, $5 after. 21+.

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/620175144750108/

Derrick May & Rosenberg at Flash, with Synesthesia in the Flash Bar

Our techno pick for Saturday night is Derrick May at Flash, with Rosenberg in support with a special extended birthday set, and Synesthesia in the Flash Bar. If you don’t know the name Derrick May, then you really need to do your research. As one of the Belleville Three, he pretty much invented techno, along with Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. Last time he played Flash, it was a night to remember, and you can expect another memorable night this Saturday. We recommend you get there early to catch Rosenberg‘s extended set. The perfect way to warm up for quality techno from a true legend. First release advanced tickets are still available for $10 from Ticketfly, more on the door. 21+.

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/410979409062371/

Deep Sugar with DJ Spen, Ultra Naté, Lisa Moody, Sheila Ford (Live), The Elders & Mookie Wizzo at The Paradox, Baltimore

Our after hours pick for Saturday night is Deep Sugar at The Paradox in Baltimore, who’ll be celebrating Ultra Naté‘s birthday with an all black birthday bash! Joining Ultra and Lisa Moody in the main room will be Baltimore’s finest DJ Spen, along with a live PA by Sheila Ford debuting her new single, while in The Chamber, The Elders and Mookie Wizzo will be bringing the heat all night long. So hit 95 north after the club on Saturday night and make your way to the Paradox for the best after hours on the east coast… and make sure you wear black! $15, 21+.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1616796285202148/

ESL Saturdays with Brian Tappert, DJ Nav, Will Eastman, Philco, Mr Bonkerz, Honest Lee & Bill Todd at Eighteenth Street Lounge

Another great choice for Saturday night is ESL Saturdays at Eighteenth Street Lounge, with Traxsource co-founder and long time house producer Brian Tappert in the Gold Room, with support from local producer DJ Nav, while out on the patio U Street Music Hall‘s Will Eastman headlines with support from Philco. In the Main Room Mr Bonkerz and Honest Lee will be throwing down the disco flavas, with TNX‘s Bil Todd up in the Jazz Room. Anyone buying house music in the 90’s will be familiar with the name Brian Tappert. A prolific producer, with many releases under his belt under pseudonyms such as Jazz-n-Groove, Mother of Pearl, Cleptomaniacs, Urban Blues Project, the list goes on. We’re curious to hear what he’s playing these days, so if you get a chance to stop by ESL on Saturday to hear his set, let us know! 21+.

https://www.facebook.com/events/446124982212879/

SubDistrick!! with Julez, Lyceum, Plus Good & Brian Rogue State at Backbar

Our final pick for Saturday night is a drum and bass pick for those of you who are looking for a something other than the usual 4/4 house beats, as the SubDistrick!! crew take over Backbar with Julez, Lyceum, Plus Good & Brian Rogue State at the controls, unleashing a full spectrum audio assault in the bass bunker that is Backbar. Make sure you bring your earplugs, as that sound system will really pummel your ear drums, and these guys will be working it to the max! $5, 21+.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1565519563707817/

Sunday Picks

Dubfire (Open-to-Close Set) at U Street Music Hall

And so we move on to Sunday, where our top pick is DC native Dubfire playing an open to close set at U Street Music Hall to kick off their fifth anniversary week. That’s right, U Hall is five this week! More accustomed to playing mega clubs and festivals, this is a great opportunity to catch Dubfire playing a smaller club, and you can expect a packed dance floor at U Hall for this one. Advanced tickets are $12 from Ticketfly. Better grab yours quickly, as this will likely sell out.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1589744364595532/

RISE – Rhythm In Soul Elevated at Liv Nightclub

For quality soulful house, true deep house, classics and a touch of rhythm and blues and old school hip hop on Sunday night, our next pick is a new weekly party from Dem OMG Boyz and The First Responders of House called RISE – Rhythm in Soul Elevated at Liv Nightclub. We’ve not been to this one yet, but looks like a great new choice for great vibes with a crowd of true house heads on a Sunday night. Oh, and did we mention the kitchen will be open with a full menu? No cover, but mandatory $5 bar ticket. 21+.

https://www.facebook.com/events/464904176993773/

Well those are our picks for the coming weekend, so let’s move on to the full listings. We’ve picked out the events we think are worth your time, but there are lots more to choose from. If you plan on attending an event, make sure you click through the Facebook event page and click Join.

Thursday March 12

Superlost feat. Izhevski (All Day I Dream / Propaganda / Moscow) at Lost Society

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/655889524536798/

The Business End with Philco & Caleb L’Etoile at Velvet Lounge

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/409445005881053/

RAM Tour feat. Delta Heavy, Loadstar, Optical, TC + more at Café Asia

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/839785816060337/

Funk Parade Kickoff Party! at The Howard Theater

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1574653872774353/

Friday March 13

WTF?! with Corduroy Mavericks, Kochi and D.J. Ramirez on Sugar Shack Recordings

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/739048889548077/

Focus: Marcel Fengler, Navbox & Dansman at Flash, Body Werk with Andy Grant, Jubilee & Ramirez in the Flash Bar 

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/436237123200167/

Tensnake with Juan Zapata, Charles Martin and special guest Flight Facilities (DJ Set) at U Street Music Hall

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/324285224438569/

Okayafrica Presents Quantic and Sinkane at Tropicalia

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/969338723080900/

ESL Friday with Cousin Cole, Stylus Chris, JMack, The Metaphysical & Martín Miguel at Eighteenth Street Lounge

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/946601122019041/

Silicon Based Lifeform with Doktor D at Dr. Clock’s Nowhere Bar

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1679323092295232/

RWD vs. EXBC: Battle of the Broadcasters

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1609085105972770/

Kowli Presents: Roger Gerressen & Kamran Sadeghi (Live) at The Dark Room, Baltimore

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/622337857900058/

The Soul of Baltimore (TSOB) – The Movement Continues at The Clubhouse, Baltimore

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1547218205563093/

Saturday March 14

BODY WERK with Solomon Sanchez, Andy Grant and Tommy Cornelis at DC9 Nightclub

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/620175144750108/

Derrick May & Rosenberg at Flash, with Synesthesia in the Flash Bar

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/410979409062371/

Deep Sugar with DJ Spen, Ultra Naté, Lisa Moody, Sheila Ford (Live), The Elders & Mookie Wizzo at The Paradox, Baltimore

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1616796285202148/

ESL Saturday with Brian Tappert, DJ Nav, Will Eastman, Philco, Mr Bonkerz, Honest Lee & Bill Todd at Eighteenth Street Lounge

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/446124982212879/

Heavy Rotation with DJ Provoke, Trevski & Joe L at The Black Cat

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/363610727162159/

Mischief presents: Cross-Pollination Irrational Dance Party Edition featuring Mr. Jennings at Zeba Bar

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/989508417743616/

Lido with Alex Young, Louie Lastic & DJ Kidd Marvel at U Street Music Hall

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/362894713892192/

SubDistrick!! with Julez, Lyceum, Plus Good & Brian Rogue State at Backbar

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1565519563707817/

Fast Forward with Ayes Cold, Matthias, Caleb L’Etoile & Flash Frequency at The Looking Glass Lounge

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/904095172968915/

DJ Dan at The Red Maple, Baltimore

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/608585005942639/

Spctrl Ntrst #6 with Butch Dawson, Nah (Philly), C10, Jeff Carey, Slendermen, Trish Device, Quna & Killjoy at Unimart, Baltimore

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/896537340386017/

Sunday March 15

Dubfire (Open-to-Close Set) at U Street Music Hall

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1589744364595532/

The NeedleXchange with Philco at Velvet Lounge

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1621059724789543/

RISE – Rhythm In Soul Elevated at Liv Nightclub

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/464904176993773/

ESL Sunday with Sam Burns’ Underground Soul Solution and Trev-ski at Eighteenth Street Lounge

More details: https://www.facebook.com/18thStLounge

That’s everything we’ve got for this week. Looks like another fine weekend in the District! Check back next week for our picks and listings of all the best underground house, techno, drum and bass and electronic music events in and around Washington DC and Baltimore. If you want your event considered for inclusion, please message us through the DC House Grooves Facebook page and tell us about it. Also, we’d welcome your constructive feedback on the DC House Grooves Round Up. If you’ve got an comments or suggestions, please send us a message through the DC House Grooves Facebook Page.

See you on the dance floor!

Author: Andy Grant