i'm not going to say much because i can easily start a pissing match i don't want to get into, but redsock is absolutely correct. as someone who books in town, i have to deal with many of the same bands that lambert does, and many have expressed disgust and frustration in dealing with him. some of the things he's said to bands -- and that i have seen in forwarded emails -- is embarrassingly laughable. and this is from some well-known dc acts that actually have draw, not just angry unknown bands looking for any gig. if you haven't noticed it by now, you will soon notice certain local bands that never play dc9/red and black/rock and roll hotel.
i used to book/work there, and there are many reasons why i quit. i'd rather work for a small, honest dive like the velvet lounge where the quality of music is more important than making an assload of money.
for certain music fans, dc seems to be thriving and fertile these days. for others, especially musicians, it's like ramming your face against a brick wall repeatedly. alternative spaces will be the new revolution...
