1989

The Nighthawks

Hard driving, ever touring D.C. based band with strong Chicago blues roots. Formed in 1972 by harpist Mark Wenner and guitarist Jimmy Thackery, the band earned a reputation as a solid outfit through more than two decades of touring and recording projects with the likes of John Hammond, Greg Allman, and members of the Muddy Waters' Band. Thackery left in 1986 but the band regrouped around long time members Jan Zukowski on bass and Pete Ragusa on drums. Their music is a blend of blues, R&B, and rock influences with a typically energetic sound born in thousands of one-night stands across the country.

Slickee Boys

Formed in 1976, The Slickee Boys put out their first record in May 1976; which is documented as the third new wave record ever recorded. Their distinctive brand of garage rock has influenced many bands in the D.C. area and beyond. The band had a video of their cult hit "When I Go To The Beach" appear on MTV which spawned "The Basement Tapes" show. The band has released over 15 records and sold records all over the world. During the summer of 1988, the band completed a successful European tour. At their farewell shows at the 9:30 Club in December 1990, ex-Slickee members joined the most current line-up: lead vocalist Mark Noone, guitarists Marshall Keith and John Hansen, drummer Dan Palenski and bass guitarist Mike Maxwell.