Live Music Venues

When it comes to music, Washington, DC is perhaps best known as the birthplace of go-go music, a subgenre of funk which originated in the area in the 1960s. DC native Chuck Brown, known as the “Godfather of go-go,” had a tremendous influence on this signature sound which blends bass, snare, conga drums and cowbells with call-and-response vocals from a live audience. Go-go music can still be found in clubs throughout the region including at The Velvet Lounge on U Street.

Bohemian Caverns is DC’s legendary jazz club, established in 1926. It became a hot spot for the vibrant African American arts scene and showcased top performers including Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Throughout the 1960s, artists such as Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus and John Coltrane performed here. Today the venue is known for its jazz orchestra as well as a host of other modern day jazz musicians.

The big-busted mural on the side of the building gives some hint of what you’re in store for in this Adams Morgan institution. The sultry blues bar serves up plenty of liquid courage as patrons are known to dance on the bar as they listen to everything from rock and soul to blues, jazz and funk.

This cool cat venue on 14th Street features local, national and international independent and alternative music on two stages. The main stage typically hosts hot ticket nationally acts, while the Backstage is home to up-and-coming local acts, independent film screenings and poetry readings. Any night of the week, stop into the (no cover charge) Red Room Bar where you’ll find music lovers hanging out for the night – or waiting for a show to start.