Screening of “Color Me Obsessed: The Potentially True Story of the Last Best Band, The Replacements” at the Black Cat, Friday
“I love music and I live for rock ‘n’ roll,” explained filmmaker Gorman Bechard, lamenting the current state of rock music populated by bands wearing V-neck sweaters and fans standing with arms folded staring at the floor. “Bands have completely forgotten what rock ‘n’ roll is.”
Bechard’s response to the current state of things is his new documentary film “Color Me Obsessed: The Potentially True Story of the Last Best Band, The Replacements.” The film screens at the Black Cat on Friday, and Bechard will host a Q&A afterwards.
“We need to be reminded of what a rock ‘n’ roll band should be,” said Bechard, who added he saw the Replacements play 15 times, speaking from his home in New Haven, Connecticut. “The Replacements are without question rock ‘n’ roll. They basically saved rock ‘n’ roll.”
The Replacements came out of Minneapolis in 1979, and disbanded in 1991. In that 12-year span, the alternative rock pioneers reached cult status and developed a devoted following, if not huge commercial success.
Bechard took over the “Color Me Obsessed” project from another filmmaker and took an unconventional approach in directing the film: no interviews with the band members, no photos of the band, no footage of the band playing live and no music from the band. Instead, the film features stories from fans, including a number of celebrities and folks in the music industry.
Bechard admits even his wife was skeptical of his approach, though it worked out.
“The passion of the fans was so overwhelming,” said Bechard, who is putting the finishing touches on his next project, a documentary on ’90s North Carolina indie band Archers of Loaf. “A few words are worth a thousand pictures.”
When: Doors at 9 p.m., Friday.
Info: $8, backstage; blackcatdc.com.
Journopalooza at the Hamilton, Friday
Seven bands featuring members of the Fourth Estate rock out for one night to benefit a pair of charities. Hosted by local musician Christylez Bacon.
When: Doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; Friday.
Info: $20 in advance, $30 at the door; journopalooza.com.
DJ Sharam at Josephine Nightclub & Lounge, Friday
One half of D.C.-based duo Deep Dish, Grammy Award-winning DJ Sharam spins at Josephine this weekend. Opening set by Omar Karim.
When: Doors at 10 p.m., Friday.
Info: josephinedc.com
Beer & Cowgirl Cheese Pairing at Meridian Pint, Saturday
Beer and cheese are totally two of the four food groups. Wait, no one has used the four food groups in 20 years? Anyway, enjoy five artisan brews and cheeses from a variety of producers.
When: 3 p.m., Saturday
Info: $40 (includes tax and gratuity); meridianpint.com.
The Shrouded Strangers at the Black Cat, Sunday
Rock act with local ties and Harrisonburg, Virginia, roots, the Shrouded Strangers — the sound is kinda fuzzy, kinda distorted — take the stage in D.C. in support of their new album “Lost Forever,” which drops March 20. With Diamonds Ahead. On the backstage.
When: 8 p.m. doors, Sunday.
Info: $8, blackcatdc.com.
