We might not be New York or New Orleans, but D.C. is a great jazz city, and has a deep history with the genre. City Cast DC co-host Bridget Todd grew up in local jazz clubs, and by the time she was eight, she was already confidently marching around D.C.’s counterculture jazz community in a little black leather beret. We asked her where to go and how to get into the scene.
The History of Jazz In DC
While jazz originated in New Orleans, D.C. was integral to the early movement of jazz. Because jazz was born from the Black American experience, D.C., with its majority Black population, became a vital hub for the genre.
During the prohibition, D.C.’s U Street became home to thousands of speakeasies where Washingtonians went to drink illegally and to hear live jazz. At the time, D.C. was deeply segregated and historians actually credit those speakeasies with helping to desegregate because everybody wanted to come to these jazz clubs.
Famous venues like the Howard Theatre and the now-closed Crystal Caverns brought to life a generation of world-famous D.C. jazz musicians including Duke Ellington, Billy Taylor, and Shirley Horn. This continued for decades, and U Street became known as “Black Broadway.”
Today, most of D.C.’s most iconic jazz clubs have closed and been replaced by luxury apartment buildings with names like The Ellington or The Vaughn, a half-hearted nod to the area’s jazz roots. But despite that, D.C. is still a great jazz city where you can catch a show any night of the week.
The since-closed Bohemian Caverns of “Club Caverns” on U Street NW. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
The Best Places To See Jazz Today
Jojo’s (U Street NW)
Bridget’s number one pick, this jazz joint in a U Street rowhome boasts amazing acoustics and some of the best performances in town. Bridget recommends booking reservations ahead, as the place is tiny and you don’t want to get stuck upstairs away from the performers.
Mr. Henry's (Capitol Hill)
You don’t come to this neighborhood spot for the food or the service, it’s all about the jazz, says Bridget. They have become a mecca for new jazz talent and have shows most nights. The crowd here tends to veer toward older locals over hip millennials, and that’s what we love about it.
St. Vincent's Wine Bar (Park View)
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale (maybe you’re trying to impress a date 👀) Bridget recommends St. Vincent’s. They have great food, wine, and local jazz four nights a week in their cozy indoor bar space.
Marx Cafe (Mount Pleasant)
You won’t find any big names here, but this community dive has a free weekly Tuesday jazz jam that's the perfect low key way to dip your toes in, whether you drop in for an hour or scat until they close at 12:30 a.m.
Blues Alley (Georgetown)
If you want to see professional jazz musicians on tour, definitely check out Blues Alley. These shows are a bit more formal and require tickets, but it is one of D.C.’s most famous jazz venues for a reason. The vibe is moody and the food is surprisingly good for a jazz joint.
