While people outside DC may not see it for all the politics and law, our city has a thriving music scene. We have a world class symphony orchestra and opera company, quite possibly more choral groups per capita than any other city in the country, and a plethora of venues large and small for jazz, blues, go-go, rock and more. On Capitol Hill, we sometimes forget that our own Barracks Row is hopping with live music venues too. Allow me to walk you down 8th Street, and you’ll see what I mean. 

Starting from the Metro plaza, let’s go south and pop our heads into Ellington’s on 8th (424-A 8th St., SE - 202-546-8308 - http://community-2.webtv.net/ASM101/ELLINGTONSONEIGHTH/). Ellington’s, led by owner Annette Martin, is now a neighborhood institution as defined by its live music as its food. As they say, “Ellington’s on 8th without live entertainment is like a fish without water . . . it ain’t happenin’!” Ellington’s hosts a variety of musicians and musical groups ranging in style from jazz and blues, to gospel and R&B, to funk and neo-soul, to Caribbean, African and Latin. Wednesdays at Ellington’s are usually devoted to poetry and spoken word artists, and the music really gets going on Thursdays with their famous “BBQ and the Blues” nights. Each week brings a different blues artist and a sumptuous BBQ buffet – music begins at 8 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, the music gets started at 9 PM and can cover any of the musical styles noted above. You can call or check their website for a complete schedule.  Sundays are my personal favorite, when music plays almost all day long starting with the popular Jazz Brunch from noon until 4 PM, and continuing with more music at 7 PM, often with a Latin flavor. There is a two-drink minimum during performances, but with their range of champagnes (and fruit juices for mimosas and bellinis!), why would anyone stop at one glass? Don’t miss the festivities on Mother’s Day this year, which marks Ellington’s 8th anniversary on 8th. Congratulations and many happy returns!

Back on 8th Street, we’ll continue south to Banana Café (500 8th St., SE – 202-543-5906 - www.bananacafedc.com). Banana has been host to live music longer than anyone else on the street, and its upstairs piano bar continues to be a very popular neighborhood venue. People in the know skip the main entrance and head for an inconspicuous side door on E Street that opens directly on the staircase that leads to the second floor bar. The focal point of this space is the piano, and it is put to good use Tuesdays – Saturdays. Tuesdays, starting at 7:30 PM, feature piano instrumentals from the 60s and 70s. Wednesdays and Thursdays showcase the classic lounge stylings of Chuck Smith, with all your favorite showtunes and standards. Gordon Kent instigates more of a party atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays with music including “everything from Etta James to Usher”: jazz, blues, rock and more. Fridays tend to attract a devoted gay clientele, but everyone is always welcome upstairs for good margaritas and quesadillas. Sundays and Mondays feature a different sort of live music: karaoke! 

Let’s cross to the west side of the street, staring down any cars in our way. Remember, cars are supposed to stop for pedestrians at that intersection now (thanks DDOT!). If it’s Friday night and you’re looking for a late spot to hang out, eat, drink and listen to live music, head to the second floor lounge at World Café (523 8th St., SE – 202-546-9433 – www.worldcuisinedc.com).  Local singer, songwriter and musician Kazz plays an interesting blend of jazz, rock and R&B each Friday night while guests lounge or dance and sip the evening’s specialty cocktails.  World Café is open until 2 AM on Saturday morning, so you can settle in and make a whole night of it.

If jazz, rock or showtunes aren’t your style, continue our walk south to Finn Mac Cool’s (713 8th St., SE – 202-547-7100 - www.finnmaccoolsdc.com). On most Friday and Saturday nights, the small stage offers rollicking Irish pub music from the likes of The Flying Cows of Ventry and the Neil Foley Band. Yes, you can sing along.

Of course, in the warmer months, a walk down to I Street brings us to perhaps the most popular and longest standing live music event on 8th Street: the Marine Barracks Evening Parade. A Friday tradition in its current form since 1957, he Evening Parade features "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Reservations are required, and I hear that they are booked solid for this season already, but anyone who shows up at the gate at 8:15 PM can take any unclaimed seats. 

Let’s end our walk by going west on I Street and up 7th Street to the little PEPCO building at 732 7th St., SE. As you may recall, this article covered in February the exciting news that after much planning, Barracks Row Main Street was on its way to creating an Art Gym in the building, a space where local artists can rent flexible work space at affordable rates.  I am very sad to report that after 2 ½ years of positive negotiations, PEPCO has decided not to rent the building out for the Art Gym, but to sell it to the highest bidder instead.  This is a major blow for the local arts community and the Capitol Hill community at large.  If you support the Arts Gym concept and value the ability of our community to provide a nurturing and affordable work space for our local artists, please let PEPCO know how you feel.  Send a letter to:

Vernon D. Gibson, Supervisor, Real Estate Department
PEPCO
701 Ninth St., NW
Washington, DC 20068

Barracks Row Main Street is a nonprofit organization revitalizing 8th Street SE between Pennsylvania Avenue and M Street in Washington, D.C.  For more information and a listing of all area businesses, please visit our website: www.barracksrow.org.