
This post was written by Hatchet reporter Anna Hirt.
A pair of alumni are working to leave an indelible mark on the ever-changing District music scene.
Patrick Kigongo and Raul Flores met on Feb. 24 when their bands, Ra Ra Rasputin and Dance for the Dying, respectively, performed for a full house at the Red Palace.
Kigongo earned his master’s degree in international affairs and is now a guitarist for local band Ra Ra Rasputin.
Raul Flores manages Dance for the Dying, a self-described “synth-inspired dance rock” group.
Although both alumni run in different circles, they share a keen interest in the future of not only their bands but also the developing local music scene.
“The scene was building itself. A lot of really cool bands all seemed to start up around the same time and now we’re at this point where it’s way healthier than it was when we started the group,” Kigongo said.
Flores agrees, describing the music scene in D.C. in one word: “Maturing.”
“It’s not as mature as New York City but it’s getting there,” Flores said.
Both alumni are trying to create music that a community can bond around.
Flores said Dance for the Dying’s plan is to focus on moving outside of D.C. to other major east coast cities and college towns to work on growing their fan base.
Ra Ra Rasputin is taking a hiatus to write and record.
Dance for the Dying, continuing to vie for local attention, is headlining a show at the Rock N Roll Hotel on April 20.