Sunday: ‘The 9 Comedy Series’ at Iota Club & Cafe
For the last four years, area musician Justin Trawick has created and grown “The 9 Songwriter Series,” featuring nine musicians at a venue performing a couple of songs each. The series is now a staple of the local music scene, and Trawick has even taken it as far away as California.
Next up for Trawick is “The 9 Comedy Series,” premiering this Sunday at Iota Club & Cafe in Arlington.
“I’ve wanted to do it for a while,” Trawick said. “I’ve always been a big stand-up comedy fan. As a musician, when I’m traveling, when I’m driving in my car or flying, I’m usually listening to stand-up comedy or funny talk radio more than I am actually music. I’ve also just been a big fan of the medium and of the art form of comedy.”
Trawick recruited nine local comics, some he knew from checking out local open mics, others recommended to him. Sunday’s performers include: Brandon Wardell, who has appeared at South by Southwest; Emily Ruskowski, whom Trawick has seen perform multiple times; and Heather Renee, an area musician who has performed in the Songwriters Series and is just starting to dabble in stand-up.
“This is honestly an experiment,” Trawick said. “I think it’s going to go really well. We’ve got some of the best local comedians in D.C. on this one.”
Trawick is also starting “The 9 Hip Hop” show, premiering at Club Heaven and Hell in Adams Morgan on Jan. 31; and the standard “The 9 Songwriter Series” can be seen on Monday at Iota.
Might Trawick give stand-up a shot, ala John Mayer?
“Ha. No, probably not,” Trawick said, adding he’s happy to just promote and host the event. “I would like to leave that to the professionals.”
When: 8:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10; wearethe9.com; iotaclubandcafe.com
Friday: Bad Friend Records Birthday Bash at U Street Music Hall
Local indie label celebrates birthday show, featuring Laughing Man, Tommy Siegel (of Jukebox the Ghost) and Tereu Tereu.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: $10; ustreetmusichall.com
Saturday: George Lopez at DAR Constitution Hall
Funnyman George Lopez brings his brand of comedy to DAR.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $58; dar.org/conthall
Saturday: Honor By August at the Howard Theatre
Local rock act continues to gain buzz. Honor By August recently signed with Rock Ridge Music, and this show is to celebrate.
When: 6 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show; Saturday
Info: $12 in advance, $15 day of; thehowardtheatre.com
Saturday & Sunday: Washington Wine Academy 1K Wine Walk
This is an athletic endeavor most of us can get into. Sample a bunch of different wines in Crystal City. Everyone wins this race.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $40, $70 VIP; washingtonwineacademy.org
