The Anthem

This guide to The Anthem in Washington, D.C. follows a text exchange between promoter Seth Hurwitz and Dave Grohl, who was asked who should christen this brand-new concert hall on the Southwest Waterfront, and the old superstition that the first band to play a room brands it for good. It traces Grohl's own history a few miles from here, from teenage concertgoer at the original 9:30 Club to frontman of his own band. Listen for how that answer shaped the room's opening night.