DURAN DURAN @ Merriweather (5.27.08)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2532649179/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Duran Duran, say what you want about the band, they are definitely getting old and past their prime, however, this was a REAL show. This band is epic, even if they are the Bon Jovi of Europe, I don't care.

Read Cale's EXCELLENT writeup on BYT. Git the full BYT post hurrrr...

Soft Opening @ Sticky Rice (5.22.08)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2527345610/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

When Coby George invited me to come to the soft opening of Sticky Rice (NE DC’s newest gem) last week, she described it as inexpensive Asian fusion. I went there not knowing what to expect. Despite its immediate proximity to Rock n Roll Hotel (another venue Coby and hubby Jason Martin have lent their Midas touch to) I had not yet caught a glimpse of the space. Given the inauspicious description, upon walking into the exposed brick, penthouse vibe, turn on your red lights, throw some Rashomon up on the video screen, hang parasols from the ceiling magic that is STICKY RICE, my pleasant surprise was totally authentic...

Git the full BYT post hurrr...

US Royalty w/ The Mary Onettes @ DC (5.21.08)

Text Borrowed from lovely BYT post written by Charisa and Val (AKA U.S. Royalty SUPERfans)...

After a long and frustrating drive from the bowels of Southern Maryland into the bustling streets of DC, we finally arrived at DC 9. Flustered by a slight case of road rage, we made our way in to the bar downstairs to calm down before the show. The line up for the night was The.Blackout.District opening, followed by The Mary Onettes and U.S. Royalty in their first headlining show at DC 9. While our sole intention for the night was to see U.S. Royalty, but we were pleasantly surprised to see such a talented trio of bands...

Get the rest of the text and full BYT post hurrrr...

Habib Koite @ Nat'l Geographic (5.9.08)

08_5.09_HabibKiote@GEO-177, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Habib Koite and company visited National Geographic earlier this month for NG Channel's show, GEO Sessions. The band hails from Mali, their music fusing some more traditional African influences and instruments into a unique and at once palatable rock sound. Their sound was amazing and immediately likeable, just beautiful stuff. It was a total pleasure as well to have the opportunity to shoot for NGS. Look for future GEO Sessions...

House of Sweden After Dark Party (5.16.08)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2508261693/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Borrowing the words of the illustrious Jessie Mann:

"Under a Ghostbusters sky the glamorous and gorgeous gathered early Friday night for the VIP hour at the House of Sweden “After Dark” Party. Guests enjoyed the open bar and light fare (hors d’oeuvre and complementary drinks by sponsor Absolute Vodka were served during the VIP hour only, cash bar ensued) while the wind did interesting things with everyone’s hair, cue the defensive huddling and tight conversational bundles. But wind was not the only fierceness rooftop, so was the dramatic view of the Potomac against an eerie mauve sky illuminated by the setting sun."

Git the full BYT post hurrrr...

Blisspop @ Redeem (5.15.08)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2504640292/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Blisspop took over Redeem Thursday night after the Cut///Copy show at the Black Cat. Despite a major mechanical malfunction after midnight, the party was stacked with all kinds of treats. A silk screen station and Rock Band video game car outside, in the pouring rain no less. Nevertheless, the kids played on...

Git the full BYT post hurrrr...

Transatlantic @ DC9 (5.10.08)

08_5.10_Transatlantic@DC9-063, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Transatlantic at DC9 Saturday night was another classic from the People’s Champion. Replete with a hip hop act I didn’t get the name of and the ever photogenic Sir StereoFaith, the kids were dancing again. Big ups to the new addition of VJ Snack Time (formerly VJ J) for providing the awesome video feed, the welcome addition added new kinds of entertainment to an already titillating evening. By the way people, in case you didn’t know, mohawks and fanny packs are back with a vengeance.

Git the full BYT post hurrrr...

Shorts III @ Asylum (5.08.08)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2484600067/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Shorts III happened. Horrry crap. My face almost melted off the scandalousness was so scintillatingly sensational. If you don't like nipples do NOT view the entire set, they're NOT work safe. As a disclaimer, I'd just like add, I'm just a documentarian, it's what I do, document things... keepin it real, people.

What? Your Thursday night didn't look like this? Maybe you should read my blog more often, betch.

Get the full BYT post here... (48 comments so farrrr!!!!)

Chinatown Photoshoot

08_5.06_ChinatownShoot-10, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Headed down to Chinatown to find some abandoned buildings, and abandoned buildings we found. Oh, urban decay, how I love thee...

Fight Club @ Undisclosed in DC (5.03.08)

08_5.03_FightClub-38, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

After the BYT Relaunch party we took off for Fight Club... which heretofore I had only heard rumors of, but had never ventured to. To my surprise, and true to the name the crowd erupted into a testosterone bruise festival of rowdy fighters. Actually though, it wasn't just the testosterone that was in effect, as this picture demonstrates quite vividly, there were certainly some ladies up in the mix, throwing down with the boys. One of the most bizarre spectacles I have ever seen, a seedy underbelly that as a photojournalist, one dreams of discovering. It was in truth an absolute example of a group think epidemic, I watched as before my very eyes the abnormal became the norm. Truly absurd. Awesome.

Get the full BYT post here...

BYT Relaunch (5.03.08)

08_5.03_BYTRelaunch-40, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

BYT Relaunch pics... the party was, as promised, EPIC. The party, in addition to celebrating the new website, celebrated the works of a host of emerging artists. In particular, the photographs of the BYT photo corps was on exhibition. Amongst said artists, I showed my work for the world to see. For me, it was truly a momentous occasion.

Get the full BYT post here...