Strange Boutique

Do we have to be crazy to feel our wings? Strange Boutique rose out of the ashes of the 80's Washington DC punk scene. Singer Monica Richards, drummer Daniel Ingram and guitarist Fred Freak Smith were looking to spread their wings beyond the harDCcore scene they had helped nurture. A classified ad in the weekly CityPaper caught the eye of Steve Willett, who promptly joined the group; the chemistry was instant and within a short time a set of material that surged with the energy of the burgeoning DC post-punk scene while embracing an unexpected sense of melody and texture was in hand. Fast forward through 3 albums, 2 drummers, countless shows and miles, a multitude of personal chaos, an extended hiatus, a senseless murder, a warm embrace and a determination to rise again. In June of 2019, a filled-to-capacity DC9 night club in Washington DC, welcomed Strange Boutique home for an evening of music and toasts as a celebration of the life of original guitarist Fred Smith. The warm reception for the new lineup (with Rand Blackwell back on drums and Dennis Kane joining on guitar) playing the old songs and the joy of playing together made the decision to write new material an easy one. In 2024, Strange Boutique is Monica Richards, Steve Willett and Dennis Kane. https://strangeboutiquedc.com/ https://strangeboutique.bandcamp.com/