An annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen, Sound Bites took over the 9:30 Club – and V Street outside in block party style – on Sunday evening. The event featured music from a variety of local performers, a cocktail-mixing competition among some of the city’s top bartenders, and samples of fare by many local restaurants.
The event, now in its third year, is a different take on the many fancy charity galas that have been all over town the last few weeks. DC Central Kitchen wanted to do something casual, accessible, and lighthearted to raise funds for their vital projects. All of the restaurants involved donated their food and staff time to the cause. Attendees were able to stroll around the outdoor area tasting samples or duck out of the sun into the club to listen to a band or DJ between bites.
The weather was spectacular during the event with the drizzle holding off until after the festivities concluded and a spirited – but pleasantly not over-packed – crowd enjoyed bites from local favorites like Room 11, Cork, and Mandu, as well as trying new things like cupcakes from a bakery called Taste. Bartenders from four bars vied to impress a panel of judges with cocktails whipped up using “secret ingredients” sprung upon them – with The Gibson ultimately taking the title.
A diverse line-up of musical entertainment took the stage, from an all-female Brazilian drum corps to indie bands to a headlining DJ set from Thievery Corporation’s Rob Garza. All together, Sound Bites delivered a celebration of the DC food and music communities, united to do good for our less-fortunate neighbors.
