🚂 Amtrak takes over Union Station

What's CITY Talking About?

Trump Plans to Overhaul Kennedy Center

President Trump announced his intention to name himself chair of the Kennedy Center, after he fires several board members. Trump insinuated that drag shows at the center last year were one reason for the takeover. [Washington Post🔒]

Amtrak Gains Ownership of Union Station

Amtrak is paying real estate company Rexmark $505 million for ownership of Union Station, assuming a D.C. judge approves the agreement. The deal would end a years-long dispute and allow the rail company to begin its planned $10 billion renovation and expansion.[Washington Post 🔒]

• Plus: Union Station’s Upgrade Will Transform The Entire Neighborhood [City Cast DC 🎧]

Amazon Pays DC Millions

The D.C. Attorney General collected $3.95 million in settlement money from Amazon after the company allegedly diverted Washingtonians’ tips for delivery drivers towards profit instead. The drivers have been reimbursed. [D.C. Attorney General’s Office]

Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels took home the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, recording the highest completion percentage of any rookie in league history and leading the team to finish the season 12-5 overall. [ABC7]

Your Guide To Local Music This February

Welcome to another edition of our monthly music feature, where we highlight a local artist and upcoming shows from local acts. Escapism is important for self-care during these chaotic times. Luckily, a lot of new music just dropped from several DMV music darlings. Plus, there are plenty of local shows this month to support and enjoy our determined community.

🎙️ Spotlight: Mystery Friends

Self-Described Sound:

Synth-Pop/Moderately Danceable

Get To Know the Artists:

Waiting for the other half of Mystery Friends, Dave Mohl (synth/guitar), to jump on the call as he rushes home from his day job, Abby Sevcik (vocals) shares her hopes of a possible upcoming tour to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City in one weekend. Due to both members having full-time jobs, touring can be tricky, but returning to New York City would be a full circle moment.

“We were supposed to play New York on Friday, March 13th of 2020,” recalled Sevcik. “We reached out to see if the show was happening and they said, ‘Unless the literal city shuts down, it's happening.’ Then, two hours later New York City shut down. That was the last time we attempted to play there.”

Since 2020, the D.C.-based synth-pop duo has been thriving on the local music scene. They dropped several successful singles, released their critically acclaimed album “Utopia,” and performed at the The Atlantis twice. Their new EP “On The Floor” carries the same DNA as “Utopia” but takes more chances. The new songs incorporate modern pop with their signature sound rooted in ‘70s and ‘80s synth-pop.

“‘On The Floor’ takes some of the same ‘Utopia’ confidence, but it's a little less worried about being the lush synth sound in one nice package,” Mohl said.

Next Local Show:

(with DUUNES, Argo, and the Violet Queens)| Feb. 21 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbryrd

Follow:

@mysteryfriends

Song to Check Out:

“Pretend”

🎟️ Upcoming Local Shows To See

1. MAYSUNS, Milo in the Doldrums (Alt. Rock)| Feb. 15 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbryrd
2. King Face, Bed Maker (Punk)| Feb. 21 | 8 p.m. | $20+ | Black Cat
3. Cinema Hearts (opening for Zack Keim) (Indie Rock) | Feb. 28 | 10 p.m. | $18+ | Comet Ping Pong

🎵 Local Music Mentions

grlztoy: “blue”

If you tend to play “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star on repeat (guilty), this song is for you. With similar haunting vocals and atmospheric sound, this song transports you to a coffee shop in the ‘90s.

GLOSSER: “NYD”

Edgier than their previous work, GLOSSER’s new music explores the darker side of synth-pop in both sound and messaging. There’s an addictive quality to the song even if it leaves you with a little despair.

🎧 Your February Local Music Playlist

Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring Mystery Friends’ music and inspirations, plus songs from other local bands.

What To Do