Update from H Street's own Big CountryExpress: 1st single release; new EP show Saturday at DC9

The young gentlemen in the H Street band Big Country Express wanted to share a quick update about the release of their first single and their album release on Saturday at DC9. 

HSGS Friends! 

Last we spoke, we had just changed our name after playing an afternoon set for the youngsters at JO Wilson Elementary School. Since then we have spent countless hours working on new songs in our shed on 8th and K NE and are proud to announce our debut EP "Ben Likes Birds" (take a listen to some tracks here). 

To say we sweat while working on our new songs is not a lie. With our shed not insulated, the summers are sweltering and the winters near freezing. 

But here we are on the verge of our first ever release! We are so excited to share all of our tracks with you in the neighborhood (unless you live behind our house, in which case you've heard a whole lot!)  

Our release party is at DC9 and we'd love to see lots of H Streeters make it out. Everyone in attendance gets a free copy of "Ben Likes Birds."  

As always, we are proud to be one of the very few bands living, working, and making our home in Northeast D.C. Thanks for all the support so far. Make sure to say hi at one of our shows or the next time you see us walking our band manager/puppy Preston.

Flex Office Space now offering co-working & virtual office space at 1411 H St NE

Did you know that there's now a flexible office space for co-working now open on H Street?  Flex Office Space opened recently at 1411 H Street NE.  Details follow:

We are a co-working and virtual office space which provides entrepreneurs a variety of office solutions. These range from the use of a physical address/mail service with services of a full time receptionist to a dedicated desk to which report to daily. Packages range from $99-$799 and only require a 30 day notice for termination of contract, hence the name, FLEX Office Space. 

A wide variety of your readers could benefit from our services. For example, a local wedding planner may do a variety of her work from home and out with clients/vendors.  However, she wants to maintain a professional image by using a physical address on her business cards and guarantee her packages can be received during business hours. She could also use a space in which to meet with clients (each package includes dedicated conference room time). A blogger, (like yourself) may find that working from home or at a coffee shop is far too distracting and would like a dedicated space in a more professional environment. All of these services can be provided at a fraction of the overhead cost an entrepreneur would incur on their own. 

Warm Regards,  

Flex Office Space (1411 H St. NE Washington, D.C. 20002)www.flexofficespace.com 

FB: www.facebook.com/flexofficespacedc  Twitter: @flexofficedc

1301 H Street NE sold for $2.2 million - former home to St John Chuch of God likely to be developed

1301 H STREET NE SOLD FOR $2.2 MILLION

The former St. John Church of God at 1301 H Street NE has been sold to a private investment group according to the church's agent Christopher Dixon of MetroInvestment Properties. The property sits at the SE corner of 13th and H Street NE and is located at the center of the "Atlas Entertainment District" that encompasses the eastern end of the H Street NE corridor. The church, which sits on a 6,100 square foot corner parcel, sold for $2,200,000 drawing significant interest from the developers.

"We saw a deep, buyer pool with 9 contracts submitted and aggressive study periods" said Dixon. "The market sees that Whole Foods and the trolley are a reality and pricing is beginning to reflect that reality." According to Dixon, the buyers plan to either lease the property to a restaurant/entertainment user or build a mixed-use development. 

Austin's East Side King takes over Toki Underground Friday, Jan. 24

AUSTIN'S EAST SIDE KING TAKES OVER TOKI UNDERGROUND (1234 H St NE) 

Austin's popular East Side King will be taking over Toki Underground for a day thanks to visiting chefs Paul Qui, Moto Utsunomiya, and Jorge Luis Hernandez.  An expansive, creative menu will be offered for lunch and dinner on Friday, January 24, 2014 beginning at 11:30am. Space is limited and reservations are not available. First come, first serve. 

Thai Chicken Karaage (Gluten-free)
Deep-fried chicken thigh, sweet-spicy sauce, fresh basil, cilantro, mint, onion, jalapeño

Beef Tongue Kare Kare Buns
Filipino peanut curry and beef tongue in steamed bun, basil, mint, cilantro

Beet Home Fries (Vegetarian and gluten free – can be vegan)
Deep-fried roasted beets, kewpie mayo, schichimi togarashi, green onion

Fried Brussels Sprout Salad (Vegetarian – can be vegan and gluten free)
Fried Brussels sprouts, sweet-spicy sauce, shredded cabbage, alfalfa sprouts, basil, cilantro, mint, onion, jalapeño

Liberty Rice (Vegetarian – can be vegan and/or gluten-free)
Steamed jasmine rice, ginger, garlic oil, basil, cilantro, mint, onion, jalapeño

Tori Meshi (Can be gluten-free)
1/2 Thai chicken karaage and Liberty Rice

About East Side King:  East Side King began in a food trailer behind the Liberty Bar, on Austin’s East Side, in October 2009. Co-founded by chefs Paul Qui and Moto Utsunomiya, East Side King was inspired by Asian cultures, blues and jazz bands, and artists (like the amazing artist Peelander Yellow, from the Japanese punk band Peelander-Z). Now with four locations including two food trucks and brick-and-mortars, East Side King offers different menus, styles, hours and vibes all across Austin.

NSO in our neighborhood all this week, including Atlas theatre, Argonaut, Rock n Roll Hotel, HR57, Sherwood Rec & Rosedale Library

NSO IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD:  Capitol Hill/H Street (January 7 to 13th)

 

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) will hold more than 50 free performances in the H Street/Capitol Hill area from January 7th to 13th. Ranging from Orchestral Concerts to Brass Quintets and special instrument "petting zoos" and music-writing for kids, the programs offer a varied taste of music by the NSO and other groups.

H-Street Area Highlights of the FREE performances include:

Tuesday, January 7 at 6:30 p.m. @ The Shakespeare Theater Company (516 8th Street SE).  Members of the Theater Company's Youth Company join select members of the NSO for a Chamber Concert.

Wednesday, January 8 at 8 p.m. @ The Atlas Theater (1333 H Street NE)

NSO Orchestra performs a wide range of music, from Beethoven to Copeland, Barber to Schoenberg.

Wednesday, January 8 at 9:30 p.m. @ Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H Street NE).  A special performance by a select group of NSO members, including violin, bass, percussion.

Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. @ Rosedale Library (1701 Gales Street NE).  The NSO's "Last Stand Quartet" will play a selection of classical works.  Refreshments will be provided.  

Friday, January 10 starting at 10 a.m. @ Ebenezer's Coffeehouse (201 F Street, NE). "Viva Violins" a one-hour program for young children, followed by a musical instrument "Petting Zoo" starting at 11 a.m.

Friday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m. @ Sherwood Rec Center (640 10th Street NE).  A one-hour program of classical works featuring flute, clarinet and bassoon.

Friday, January 10 at 7 p.m. @ The Argonaut (1433 H Street NE)

A one hour performance of the NSO Quartet.

Saturday, January 11 at 11 a.m. @ Eastern High School (1700 East Capitol Street, SE).  Five sectionals led by NSO Musicians.  (At noon the NSO's Assistant Conductor will hold a DC Youth Orchestra Rehearsal).

Saturday, January 11 at 1:30 p.m. @ Union Station, East Hall 

Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo" for kids.

Saturday, January 11 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. @ Union Station East Hall

The NSO will present 2 Concerts, featuring American and 'train' themed music from Copland to Villa-Lobos to Strauss.

Sunday, January 12, at 7 p.m. @ HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz  Blues.  A quartet will perform a variety of musical pieces.

Monday, January 13 at 7:30 p.m. @ Capitol Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church (914 Mass. Ave, NE).  A performance of chamber music.  

For more information about other programs January 7 through 13th, check out:  

NSO In Your Neighborhood Program: http://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/community/NSO_iyn.cfm

NSO Neighborhood Schedule: http://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/community/NSO_iyn-schedule.cfm

Brochure with additional detail: http://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/community/1314_NSO-IYN_brochure.pdf

The Argonaut (1433 H St) now offering full service brunch on Thursdays and Fridays

Coffee, eggs, french toast, bottomless mimosas, & free wireless and all the other things you love about the Argonaut's (1433 H St) terrific brunch are now available on Thursdays and Fridays.  If you're lucky enough to be around the neighborhood then, plan to stop by soon.  Brunch starts at 10 am and runs until 3.

The Argonaut is serving locally-roasted Vigilante coffee, so you can have something delicious to drink regardless of whether or not you're able to enjoy mimosas.  A limited menu is available from 3-5 during the switchover from brunch to dinner service. 

Follow them on twitter for postings of daily brunch specials, like Huevos Rancheros, Chorizo Omelet, or Migas!