Punk Legend Bob Mould's Guide to D.C

Presented by Las Vegas

Name: Bob Mould
Age: 47
Profession:  Musician
City:  Washington D.C.
Relationship Status:  Partnered
Sexuality: Homosexual

What are some of the things you love most about Washington, D.C.?

My friends, my home, and the walkable scale of my neighborhood.

What are some of your least favorite things about it?

The politicking, the crime, and the tension.

What gym do you like most in Washington, D.C.? Why?

I work out at two of the Results gyms. The primary one is very close to my house, and is both a great facility and a good place to socialize. The secondary one is newer, and a nice occasional change of pace.

(Image credit Shepard Fairey) What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends?

Annie's is the "gay steak house" for 75 years now. It's been remodeled recently, and is always a fun time, especially late at night. Duplex Diner is another favorite. Thai Tanic is a good post-happy hour eatery for Friday nights, as is Skewers. Teaism near Dupont Circle is great for weekend-afternoon snacks, especially the Salt Chocolate Oatmeal cookies.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

Jackie's, which is just across the district line in Silver Spring, MD, is unlike most D.C. restaurants. It has a warehouse-type feel, reminding me of places in Holland or Germany.  Zaytinya is a fun spot to see and be seen, and Sticky Rice (in the Atlas District) has the best sushi and tater tots in town.

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs in D.C.? What do you like about them?

Thursday nights at Green Lantern, where shirtless men drink free for an hour. Fridays at Cobalt is a continuation of the Bear Happy Hour held in various bars across D.C. Saturdays at the Eagle are fun, or BLOWOFF at 9:30 Club. Remington's is a fun change of pace -- especially if you enjoy two-stepping, line dancing, and the occasional pack of Marines from down the street.

What are your favorite gay parties or events, if any? What is the crowd or scene like at those places?

BLOWOFF is my favorite, because I get to DJ and hang out with my friends. Don't ask what happens after I finish my second set. Taint at DC9 is another good party -- a younger crowd than BLOWOFF, but a similar appreciation of music typically not heard in gay bars.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out in Washington, D.C.?

On the steps of the Capitol.

What is the gay community like there? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene"?

It's a very large community, spread across many neighborhoods. Being an older guy, I identify more with the bear/muscle bear crowd. There are many bars and clubs that cater to the younger set, particularly the large collegiate contingent. I don't frequent those so much. The lights are always flashing, and the younger folks think I'm an undercover cop.

Are you involved with any LGBT community organizations there? Which ones? What do you like about those groups?

When I first moved to D.C., I gave time and energy to HRC. Through BLOWOFF, I have participated in fundraisers for SLDN, Brother Help Thyself, and Toys For Tots.

What do you think of the annual LGBT Pride celebration in Washington D.C.? Do you usually attend? What are the highlights for you? What do you like least about it?

I attend both the parade on Saturday, and the street fair on Sunday. The parade is always a fun time, as it is held in the core gayborhoods.  The street fair is held on Constitution Avenue, and if the sun and heat are cranked, it can be mighty hard to find shade or shelter.

Do you have a particular fashion style? Where do you shop for clothes?

I try to dress age-appropriate. Classic gay, I suppose: T-shirts and jeans and work shoes. Nothing too flashy. Having said that, I do appreciate the Nasty Pig clothing line from N.Y.C. For day-to-day clothes, department stores. I'm a little too old, and a little too thick, for H&M.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?

Being an active musician for my entire adult life, I typically go to see other musical acts at places like 9:30 Club, Black Cat, Rock And Roll Hotel, and DC9. The Hirshhorn Museum has great contemporary art; the National Gallery is always a great afternoon.  There are many small galleries in my neighborhood as well.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "musts" that you'd recommend they see or do?

BLOWOFF, Annie's, Duplex Diner, 14th Street shops, and Remington's. Maybe a trip to Columbia Heights, which is the newest gayborhood.

What city (or cities) in America would you most like to visit next, and why? Are there any specific spots there (theaters, nightclubs, historic sites, etc.) that you'd really like to see?

I have seen them all. I always look forward to spending time in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Portland. Provincetown and Rehoboth Beach, DE are high on my list, as are progressive college-type towns like Asheville, NC and Austin, TX.

Bob Mould's current album, "District Line" is out now, and he's just finished recording his next album. For more on Bob Mould's monthly club BLOWOFF, check out http://www.BLOWOFF.us or http://www.myspace.com/blowoffevents. If you just can't get enough of Bob Mould, the man, then see him at MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bobmould.

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Comments

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[Ryan Flynn]

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