Perhaps they were recent transplants, those types seem to be common in D.C. Still, people should do their research before coming to a place (if they were actually D.C. people, that's just ridiculous).

It's a band? Is there something more to it?

not just a band - one of the most critically acclaimed bands to come out of d.c. in recent years. however, they broke up over the summer. basically you can't be considered a reasonably hip person in d.c. if you don't know who they are.

I can certainly understand not knowing who they are. Not everyone is required to like the bands I like. Bartenders are, though.