Raq Sharqi

There is a wry humor that is evident throughout the band’s unofficial mission statement "23RAINYDAYS writes music that we hope will end up in John Hughes’ films when John Hughes makes a triumphant return to Hollywood... We write music that kids can relate to... well... mainly kids in black." They joke about a narrow genre that belies the true universal appeal of their music. On the timeline, 23RAINYDAYS references the classic new wave hooks and the most modern of the nu new wave, while grasping the pure rock in between.

302acid vs. Optical grooves-
live audio/video improvisation
"If the name 302 Acid suggests an unhealthy interest in the sound of a certain legendary Roland bass station, then forget you ever heard it.
As it appears on this their debut album, there’s nothing minimalist or retro about the music of this Washington DC trio. Even Calls is an almost continuous swathe of densely arranged sound, multi layered and amniotically appealing. "
-Chris Sharp, The Wire

Optical Grooves has worked on videos with cutting edge groups such as Yeast Productions, Guerrilla News Network and Big Noise Films, to produce documentaries including Not My President, DC 9-02, Not in Our Name, IMC News Reels, and Praha Rebel Colours, as well as 302 Acid's 2003 ep release, Alanthus Altissima.

The 48 Hour Film Project is an international filmmaking competition that got its start right here in DC in 2001. Now in its 8th year, the Project will visit 70 cities around the world with 2,500 film teams taking part.

At this year's Art-O-Matic, we present the Best of the 48 Hour Films from 2007--including our international champion from Tel Aviv--TimeCatcher.

5-6-7-8 Presents.... Game Day Decision

Short Form Improvisational Comedy Games

Long Form Improvisational Scenes -AND-

PREVIEW: excerpt from InstaPlay, an improvised full length one-act play based on audience suggestions. InstaPlay will premiere at Fringe Fest later this summer.

5-6-7-8 is a DC-based improv comedy group that appears monthly at DC Improv Open Mic Night in the Comedy Lounge, and produces their own full length shows.

Current cast members, pictured above, are Min Cho, Tommy McFly, Bart Voisin, Amy Born, Ryan Gillis, Ellen Safran, David Hunter, Pam Nash, Greg Niehus, Lisa Ehren and Joanna Edie.