Sidori Dan-Perry, [Sidori Pro Art]

Locally based Sidori Dan-Perry has been creating amazing cosmetic landscapes for as long as she can remember. Born into art, and self-taught, she frequently would dream of painting beautiful pieces of artwork when she was younger, but unfortunately, (according to her, and so many of the rest of us here…) it wasn’t paying the bills. That was, until she decided that her new canvas would be people. She hit the ground running and her amazing and imaginative collaborations with local photographers have given her an amazing amount of credibility in the area. She’s even now taking her career one step further, by commanding and directing all of the fashion, beauty, and editorial in the new upstart ME/ME2 Magazine, based in Beverly Hills.

Sidori Dan-Perry is the definition of a “district creative”, and I am pleased to show her talents, and skills. Further proof that DC is a creative town. (I knew it!) -kk

DC’s Renaissance Man

“An artist, working for artists” is the first line in the ‘about’
section for Mike Weber’s homepage. What a novel idea… someone should
start a website…

For the better part of this decade, DC based artist and entrepreneur
Mike Weber has been creating, buying, selling, building, cooking, and
just about everything else one can to keep themselves occupied in the
field of art. His eyes and aesthetic assistance have been utilized by
celebrities, politicians, and collectors, to try to make their homes,
offices, and lives, that much more beautiful. He works with and
represents artists from around the globe, and is himself an award
winning artist and mixed media mogul, having spent much of his earlier
career working in the print and broadcast medium. The man wasn’t
finished though, as he fueled his creative downtime with opening a shop
and restaurant on the newly resurgent U-Street corridor, Simply Home with
Co-Owner Sak Pollert of Rice Restaurant. In keeping with the theme,
it’s a place that’s been recognized as one “where creatives like to
dine…” Truly one of Washington’s distinctly creative people, Mike
Weber is proof that with hard work, a great mind, and some amazing
pieces of original artwork, you too, can be an artist in this town, and do
what you love to do for a living. It’s inspiring, actually.” -kk

It’s my pleasure to announce the official launch of the website, DistrictCreatives.com, to this whole world… wide… web. Now, instead of a whole bunch of things that are hard to remember to type in, for your creative content here in DC, just type in districtcreatives.com and voila!

The Format. A Rock Band.

Most times, when an indie band is dropped from it’s label, the bandmates move on to other, shall we say, “more productive” means of society. Rarely, they seek refuge giving it one more try, and sledom are they ever talented enough to get resigned and release an even better sophomore effort. You’ve just read the bio for The Format, a band coming to the area (9:30 Club, August 25, 9pm) for the first time, next week. I have no idea how I stumbled upon this band, but several years ago, I heard the CD, and got a copy. Truthfully, it may have been a free iTunes Download, and a $7.99 price that got me into them. I digress, their first album was a cute, poppy rock album that played off the stereotype of bands at the time, calling themselves “The Format” and titling their first single… well, “The First Single”. All that cuteness payed off… in getting dropped from Electra Records after the company folded.

Their follow-up record had to wait more than 2 years, and when it came out, I again gave it a spin, and was pleasantly surprised to hear new melodies that I not only hadn’t heard on the first record, but things I hadn’t heard since Queen and early Elton John records. They layer their pop sounds with orchestral movements, 3-part-harmonies, and witty lyrics that are hard to find in today’s cookie cutter pop landscape. They follow trends of the day, and could be considered an “emo” band, but at the same time, you would have to also label them a “rock” band, an “alternative” band, and a “neu wave meets baroque pop” band.

Enough about my ranting and raving. They’ll be at 9:30 Club next Friday, and if you want to hear a creative, hard rocking… um, “pop” band, check them out. If you haven’t got the time, check out their MySpace page, for free. -kk

Thomas Rimes, A Musicians’ Musician.

John Williams meets RL Burnside. Two different men, two contrasting styles and genres, (Classical, Memphis Blues) and two areas of expertise for Thomas Rimes.

Born in Fiji, raised in Tasmania, matured in Australia, educated at U of Memphis, employed in Rome, New York City, Germany, Monte Carlo, and currently living right here in Washington DC, to say that Mr. Rimes has been able to experience a variety of cultures, would probably be an understatement. Currently, he is conducting and performing various concerts, (all information availible on his website). In addition, in March 2006, he finished writing his first full-length opera entitled “Long Ride Home”.

And did i mention he’s also quite the accomplished blues guitar player? Thomas Rimes is quite the rarity, but we should definitely take advantage of every and all of his creative arts, in whichever avenue they may presented to us. For more information about Tom Rimes, please visit his website, or The Kennedy Center, and check out a possible classical legend before he hits the big time.

VOLANNI
P 202 547 1604
218 9th St. REAR, SE Washington DC

Attention DC Modeling Agencies…

Stories of models and super models being found in shopping malls, supermarkets, and Wal-Mart parking lots amuse me. Partially because I think that “Hey, I’m a talent scout… you could be a model!” is one of the creepiest lines ever used. And partially, because I know the work and creativity that goes into actually working hard and becoming a top notch model in the industry. This is why I’d like to showcase an unsigned model that I’ve worked with in the past, by the name of Kate. Kate’s been working on and off in the industry for 6 years, and has great runway and print experience, yet she’s yet to be signed by a (respectable) agency. She brings energy to each set I’ve dealt with her on, and she’s got presence in almost every frame. She is truly a DC Creative. If anyone is looking for a model for either their advertising or agency, please contact kevin.koski@gmail.com.

PS. I am not picking on models found in shopping malls. In fact, I’d love to work with “them”. If they are still in the DC area, “they” can also contact me at the above mentioned email address. : )

Muleh. Redefining Relaxation

As summer comes to a close, and DC slowly fills it’s streets back up with congestion from congressmen and women, lobbyists, and the like, we’re reminded that once again, yes, this is a major metropolitan area. When you return home though, you want your domicile to be a place of relaxation and tranquility, to unwind from the daily grind. To make your home more enjoyable, take a trip to MULEH, on 14th St. NW. Christopher Reiter has created a unique shop, filled with personally chosen furniture and clothing that exhibit clean lines and organic textures that will make your house feel more like a home. …Least we forget though, there are still 3 more weeks of August though, so don’t feel like you have to come off of vacation just yet.

Betting on Wild Horses.

Band of Horses at the 9:30 Club

Usually a band’s freshman album is like making an investment—you can see the group’s potential, but it’s shrouded in off-harmonizing, incongruous song progression, and rampant experimentation in the hopes of finding a unified voice. So, like a stock, you hold onto that band and wait for your investment to mature. If you’re not a gambling lass, go to the 9:30 Club on Tuesday night to catch Band of Horses. Yes, they’re yet another West coast indie band (they hail from Seattle), and every critic can’t help but compare them to My Morning Jacket, but make no mistake—they’re so much more. Galvanized harmonies off their premiere album Everything All the Time are stunning. “Great Salt Lake” and “St. Augustine” (that latter—and this is a stretch—sounding a bit like Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young’s melodies) are evidence that the band is willing to push their limitations without allowing their aspirations to usurp their musical instinct. The songs are not uplifting by any means, but still beautiful. And if they’re half as powerful live as they are on the album, those who are willing to invest $15 are in for a big payoff. — By Marjorie Korn

Curry Club, Culinary Creativity at It’s Finest

At 1734 Wisconsin Ave, in NW, The Curry Club could hardly be considered “in the heart of Georgetown”, but that’s probably the only way they would want it. The team of chefs, owners and others have been serving more than just food at their restaurant for a few years now. They have been catering to a lifestyle that loves that spice that this editor can’t stomach… but does anyways because it’s so freeking good. Their space isn’t huge, but their following is, and if you really want to taste some creative spicy cooking with traditional international seasoning, you have to get to the Curry Club, and soon. They’re sure to expand on their cult following of foodies very soon. Reservations and viewing of the menu can be found by clicking on the image above. Enjoy! -kk

Abby Greenawalt, District Creative | Photographer

With a careful eye, and a sense for aesthetic that would rival the masters, Abby Greenawalt has set herself apart from the local talent pool of photographers here in Washington DC. Abby has the distinction of being one of the few local area shooters who can say that they’ve worked alongside the master of the portrait, Annie Leibowitz. Interning with Leibowitz in NYC, Greenawalt took in the style in which the iconic photographer is known around the world for, and made her own – similarly intimate and yet distinctive style, and has been applying it to clients here in the District. Her client list ranges from noted area politicians, authors, to doctors and international personal projects, and has been contributing to the DC Glossy Magazines for over 2 years now. Her style is unmistakable and she is truly one of this city’s creative minds. Her website can be accessed by clicking the image above. -kk