Alejandro Castaño performs as The Red Fetish at Capital Fringe on Jan. 20, 2017. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)

The Basque word “etxe” means “domicile” or “shelter.” For eight recording artists, many of them based in DC, Etxe Records is home to a diverse musical family. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, Etxe (pronounced et-CHAY) released “Etxe Records at 10 Years: A Compilation.” And to mark the occasion, Capital Fringe hosted a 10th anniversary showcase concert on Jan. 20, featuring The Red Fetish, Silo Halo, Near Northeast, and Teething Veils.

Coming on the one year anniversary of the presidential inauguration, one might expect the evening to be overtly political. And indeed, the evening began with an announcement acknowledging the day’s Women’s Marches, followed by a lengthy monologue from The Red Fetish’s Alejandro Castaño on the vagaries of U.S. immigration policy and its unfairness. Ultimately, however, we were there for the music, and we weren’t disappointed. The night was a huge success as a showcase for the fascinating and groundbreaking artists coming out of DC.

Alejandro Castaño opened with a gorgeous solo piano instrumental that drew on musical themes from classical to new age to jazz. Up next was Silo Halo (Chris Goett and Greg Svitil with Castaño sitting in) with its atmospheric post rock guitar attack.

Near Northeast (Kelly Servick Austin Blanton, Avy Mallik, and Antonio Skarica) performed next, providing contrast with its more folky/international melodies. For good measure, Near Northeast premiered two new compositions—a somewhat experimental electronic tune, “Clusters,” and an acoustic instrumental, “Feuilles,” which had a pleasing “Bron-Yr-Aur/Kashmir” feel to it.

Teething Veils (Hannah Burris and Greg Svitil), a guitar and violin duo, wrapped things up. But the best was saved for last, with members of all the evening’s bands joining in to finish with an epic extended jam.

As a home for artists who are exploring new musical pathways and who seek community and bonding via music, their shared common language, Etxe Records is a place for both artists and fans to come together. To learn more about the label and the artists, please find Etxe Records at http://www.etxerecords.com.

Here are some pictures of the bands of Etxe Records performing in a showcase at Capital Fringe on Jan. 20, 2018. All photos copyright and courtesy of Mark Caicedo.