I’ve been inspired by Nature Boy’s presence in Lafayette Park for a while now. He usually holds court on a bench near the Andrew Jackson statue, on the path from H St to the White House; he’s a distinctive presence with long white dreads and a regal air, wearing only a “loincloth” of cut up jeans, and carrying a long wooden staff. So it was great to see a little mention of him in the Washington Post’s print version on Tuesday, and this online series of pics featuring him. Turns out Elijah Alexander is a former preacher who set out to demonstrate the possibility of living a simpler life. (The photo here is one I took of him in May 2010.)

Nice article about the Chessie sighting this past July in the latest issue of Bay Journal, including a description of the first manatee sighting in the Chesapeake Bay, circa 1676!

http://www.bayjournal.com/article.cfm?article=4209

The Spooky Movie International Horror Film Festival terrorizes DC for the 6th year, with an impressive line up of new & classic films, features, shorts and even a trailer competition! Opening night festivities bring Count Gore DeVol back to his hometown to host Helldriver, a Japanese zombie apocalypse featuring over-the-top gore absurdity, PLUS the guest appearance by Pink Flamingoes star Mink Stole, who introduces a new short film she stars in. The whole festival line up looks insane, but sex & death anthology Little Deaths, African zombie nightmare The Dead, and the Virginia production The Watermen look promising. The festival starts Thursday, October 13 running through the 16th. Full schedule and more info at Spooky Movie 2011.

Danapalooza! celebrates the music of double bassist Dan Barbiero and his contributions to the DC creative music scene. Three of Dan’s many projects will perform: nine_strings, Mercury Fools the Alchemist and Colla Parte. Presented by Sonic Circuits at the MiG Bar in Adams Morgan.

Mercury Fools the Alchemist--Chamber psychedelia/ambient surrealism from trio of Dan with Rich Sheehe (guitar/effects) and Jeff Bagato (homemade springamajig).

nine_strings--Daniel Barbiero - double bass/ preparations; Gary Rouzer - cello/preparations/ amplified textures). Graphic score / improv reductivism for double bass & cello.

Colla Parte--Perry Conticchio, Rich O'Meara and Daniel Barbiero present spontaneous mind jazz.

Sunday, October 9
Music at 7:00pm
$5.00 cash money

MiG Bar
2226 18th Street NW (upstairs)
Washington, D.C.