It is my firm belief that the best musical moments often happen away from the hype and limelight. Sure, Springsteen’s still giving his all, and I hear Streisand puts on a rousing show. But every night of the week, there’s a cat flat gettin’ it on some small stage in your town, sweating up the joint, knocking himself out. ‘Cause that’s what he does. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in the room. If not, you may never even hear about it.

Such was the case at McGinty’s Tuesday night when The Joker’s Wild threw an 80th birthday bash for D.C. sax legend Ted Efantis. Efantis has played with the likes of Benny Goodman yet does not look nor act anywhere close to his age. He was gleefully telling musician jokes, drinking Presbyterians, jitterbugging women across the dance floor, and clearly enjoying himself all evening.

Joker sax man Jeff Gray claimed Efantis taught him everything he knows about the instrument and thus the bandmembers were kindly repaying a debt to their elder. A variety of D.C. musical hotshots, including GHZ bassist Scott Giambusso, and King Soul’s Tom Clifford, stopped by to wish Ted happy birthday. Or maybe they heard there was cake.

Above, Efantis, Gray, and Ted’s pal Knute smoke up Sonny Rollins‘ signature tune, “Tenor Madness.”

Efantis assays the definitive sax song, “Body and Soul:”

The Jokers (Vincent Borrelli, vocals; Tommy Barrick, drums; Brandon Cochenour, piano; Gray, saxophones; and Eric Leifert, bass) have their way with the Louis Prima classic, “Just a Gigolo:”

Inspired by Lou Dobbs‘ selfless campaign to promote the cause of advocacy journalism, I took to the streets on a righteous quest of my own: to bring the Five Guys hamburger chain to downtown Silver Spring.

As you will see, when the public is given the opportunity to speak on issues that matter, that public will have something to say. And isn’t that America? Or what’s left of it? I think so.

Thanks to Rich West for the invaluable production help and to PlayTone Records for the use of the Theme Song From Mr. Downtown, sung by the TV show’s star, the late Freddy Fredrickson.

Pure power pop for now people, the Spectacles played an energetic matinee set at the Quarry House. The band is Chuck Dolan (bass/vocals), JP McDermott (guitar/vocals), and John Kelly (drums/background vocals).

I really like this idea of weekend matinee rock shows. Maybe with a Senior Discount?

This was shot, as usual, with my handy Canon A590. Why did I buy that big video camera?

One my way to see Gentlemen Broncos (the greatest terrible movie of all time!) at the Bethesda Row, I noticed that the Apple Store had vanished. Surprising. I’ll try not to gloat. Fortunately, in its place is a brand new Five Guys.

The construction crew was still working, so I stopped in to ask when the chain is coming to Silver Spring. The friendly franchisee explained that a different company holds the rights to this side of the Purple Line. That group, he said, is picky about its real estate dealings, having almost landed deals in several spots in the Greater Sprung area, including the old Phillips Seafood spot. So maybe the lovely red-and-white logo will pop up soon along Fenton or Ellsworth (or anywhere I can walk to!).

But I’m tired of waiting. I say let’s get a petition going. Let’s start a groundswell of customer demand. I mean, Silver Spring has a Fractured Prune for heck’s sake. (Don’t get me wrong — luv luv luv the Prune. Even if it does have the absolute worst name ever for an eatery. Neither word in the name explains what is offered, nor are they in any way appetizing. Yeah, cute story, sort of, but still a major fail.)

Please send your cards and letters politely demanding action to:

Five Guys Enterprises, LLC
10440 Furnace Road
Suite 205
Lorton, VA 22079

Peanuts on me when they open.