25 Years Ago on 815 V Street NW

January 5, 1996 - where were you?

Maybe you were some of the lucky few who crammed into 815 V Street NW in Washington, DC. To see the first of two sold-out shows by Smashing Pumpkins.

25 years ago today, the 9:30 Club re-introduced itself in its new building, an old gospel radio station (WUST's building) which decades before was Duke Ellington's Club. To this day, it remains one of the premiere music venues in the nation.

I've seen countless shows there (most of which I remember) - from Billy Bragg to Soul Coughing to The Tragically Hip to Wilco.

Favorite show? That's too tough - but two very memorable ones:

1. The Hold Steady (June 7, 2009) - The energy of the crowd for this sold out show matched the energy of the band as Craig Finn and the boys delivered a frenetic set that had us singing along as if we were allowed to be in the band.

2. Liz Phair (October 3, 2018) - Always a favorite, Phair's show that night was in support of her re-release of early music from 25 years of recording. The set was vast and you knew every song she sang (and you sang along). The best part? I was there with my friend Chad, who shared in my admiration for Liz Phair. It was a perfect night of music and friendship.

Now it's your turn - what were your favorite shows and memories at the 9:30 Club?