We promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. As future members of the DC Lawyers Assistance Program, we are proud to present a bi-weekly run-down of DC hotspots. Now that the school year is officially in action, we are well aware that you are too busy to even attempt to plan your own social life. Luckily for you, we're here to serve as your personal party planners. This week we're doing a review of DC9, the host of last Thursday's Law Revue band showcase.

Before getting into this review, we'd like to introduce ourselves to the new batch of 1Ls at GW Law (everyone else, you, unfortunately, know us by now). Set is a recent graduate of GW undergrad (no she did not wear tights, an oversized white t-shirt, big black sunglasses, or carry a $5K bag...) and DC's very own former bar wench. You will likely meet her soon as she will probably harass you at Bar Review, which she is now partially in charge of organizing (suggestions welcome!). Lisa, a Chicago/Philadelphia-import, is thrilled to be able to use her newest batch of loan money to buy drinks, not books.

DC9

Case: Review of DC9, the famed U-Street music venue, home of DC's best and brightest up and coming acts, including our school's very own Restatement of Rock and Motion to Quash. Memories of DC9 bring up flashes of a steep staircase, a crowded upstairs, and a stamp that just won't seem to wash off your hand; so we headed back to the venue last Thursday to see what the bar had in store for us this year.

Facts: Even if you're not a fan of local music, DC9 has something for everyone. The cozy bar downstairs offers cheap drinks with a quirky ambiance and a jukebox that always seems to play the right song. The crowd is a little more on the hipster side, but with that being said, by the fourth drink you'll feel like you fit right in. More of a music person? Head to the back of the bar, pay the cover (usually not more than $10 max), and head up the steep staircase to one of DC's best live music spots. There's another bar upstairs and although it could benefit from an extra bartender or two, the wait-staff is more than courteous and is used to dealing with large rowdy crowds.

Issue: We have no issues with the music- who doesn't love a good MJ song or two. We were especially moved by the first band's rousing rendition of D'Angelo's "How Does it Feel." We've yet to see a group of white boys with so much soul. Our only issues are with the venue and its lack of air conditioning and ventilation. Also, why was the permanent, huge, UPS-logo-esque stamp necessary? One of us had to go to work on Friday morning and it was quite an endeavor to get the proof of the previous night's shenanigans off our hand. Finally, what's with the faux-hold up? We got to the bar at 9:15 and there was already a huge line out the door to go upstairs when there seemed to be plenty of space on the top floor. There's no need to make your bar seem more popular than it already is, when we already know that everyone in attendance goes to GW Law and is more than willing to pay the $6 cover.

Holding: Great music, good venue. All in all, an excellent evening. We are always impressed by our fellow classmates' hidden talents- who knew that the guy who sat next to you in Civ Pro last year was secretly Jimi Hendrix?

Rule: We're already excited for the Law Revue show in February and hope the bands perform again in the near future. We'd go back to DC9 again especially since we've heard the Friday night special is $10 all you can drink open bar. See you there?!

P.S.- Halloween Party in 1 month- we're already planning our costumes. You should too.