More Live Venues in Washington, DC

Ron The Don

This is article is a response to Faith Antonioni's article on 5 live music venue the Washington, DCarea. As someone who attended plenty of concerts, I know they're more than 5 places to catch live music. I decided to focus on the music venues in the city limits of Washington, DC

930 Club: For over 25 years, the 930 Club has been DC's premiere live music venue. It was place where the punk movement in DC took off. It has hosted numerous concerts for local and national acts ranging from all different musical genres. Its original address was 930 F Street, NW in heart of downtown Washington. In the late 1990's, 930 club moved to its current address in the U Street Corridor. The club has been awarded numerous times for best live music venue by pollstar and other publications.

930 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Age Limit: All Ages unless advertised

The Black Cat: What do the White Stripes, Flaming Lips, Foo Fighters, Fugazi, Garbage, Korn, Radiohead, The Killers and Death Cab For Cutie have in common? They have graced the stages of the Black Cat. The club was created by a group of musicians addressing a lack of good concert venues, especially spaces that catered to the area's underground music scene. The venue opened its door in September 1993. Since then, the U Street Corridor became a nightlife hot spot, and the Black Cat changed locations. The one thing that hasn't changed is the club's commitment to bringing the best in alternative and indie music to the city. The Black Cat four amazing spaces inside the venue: the Main Concert Hall, The Back Room, The Red Room and Food for Thought Cafe. The Black Cat has also hosted dance Night Like Girl Friday, Bliss and Catatonic.

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Age Limit: All Ages unless advertised

The Velvet Lounge: You've seen this venue as you walk to and from the 930 club. While the venue isn't as big as other live music, but this club gives you the music up close and personal. The club Serves up a wide variety of music ranging from punk rock to alt-folk. It's also a great show venue to drink and chill.

Velvet Lounge
915 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Age Limit: 21 and up

DC9: When New Orleans native Bryan Deily moved to DC, he was upset with the fact that DC lacked music venues and the disrespect he got from one venue. So, he decided to be club owner. However, he had to wait until 2003 to get news that the venue was interested in buying was available. He returned to DC, and opened DC9 nightclub in February 2004. Just a short walk from the 930 Club, DC9 has hosted local and nationals. It also hosted dance nights like Tease and Liberation Dance Party. This club is a great place to go before or after a concert at the 930 club.

DC9
1940 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Age Limit: 21 and up

The Red & Black Bar: Located in the Atlas District of Northeast DC, The Red & The Black is a cozy tavern and live music venue. The bar inside is decorated with "New Orleans" style tin ceilings, walls covered in doors, and red velvet drapes. In addition, it has a Cajun themed menu with items like Jambalaya, Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice and more. This new bar is a comfortable place to have a drink and some Jambalaya with friends or see some local live entertainment.

Red & Black Bar
1212 H Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Age Limit: 21 and up

Rock N Roll Hotel: The latest addition to the Atlas District, this music venue combined 2 themes: music and hotels. Owned the same people who own DC9 and Red and Black, this music venue brings the sound and thrill of live performance reverberates throughout the ground floor. In addition, the themed rooms are, in the same vein of the above-mentioned establishments, available (for a small fee) for the night. It's also celebrates rock and roll history and dc's music history. The concert area is big enough to hold a dance night or concert. The venue brings the best in local and national artists in town.

Rock N Roll Hotel
1353 H Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Age Limit: 21 and up

Love Nightclub: Originally called Dream, this super club has 4 amazing levels. The second level is where most of the concerts take place. The artist that graced its stage includes: Erykah Badu, LL Cool J, Ludacris, DMX, Ciara, The Roots, Nas and more. It has a great staff and great décor that you can't ignore. In November, the club celebrates its 5th anniversary.

Love Nightclub
1350 Okie Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Age Limit: 18 and up, Thursday and Saturday, 21 and up on Friday

Blues Alley: Since 1965, Blues Alley is the nation's oldest continuing jazz supper club, having showcased internationally renowned concert hall artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Grover Washington Jr., Ramsey Lewis, Charlie Byrd, Maynard Ferguson and Eva Cassidy in a small intimate setting. This venue is located in heart of historic Georgetown. You can enjoy a night of Jazz and have great meal in the process.

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007

Madam's Organ
: Know for its 25 ft. Madam overlooks Adams Morgan, Madam's Organ Blues Bar is legendary for being "Washington's place to hear the blues". You'll hear incredible LIVE music every night of the week. Each night, you'll live music ranging from R&B, Blues, Funk, Jazz and Bluegrass. In addition, this venue serves authentic Soul Food. Playboy Magazine called named it one of 's 25 Best Bars.

Madam's Organ
246118th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Age Limit: 21 and up

The Lisner Auditorium: On the Campus of George Washington University, The Lisner has holds numerous musical acts from and around the world. It has also host comedy shows, plays and other special events. GW students get discounts on tickets.

Lisner Auditorium
George Washington University
730 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052

Grog and Tankard: For 40 years, Grog and Tankard has been local favorite for live music from local and national recording artists. This venue where Vertical Horizon, Hootie and the Blowfish, Lost Trailers played before they gained national recognition. The friendly atmosphere, great music, and stacked bar with 14 microbrews on tap make the Grog and Tankard the perfect hang out spot.

Grog and Tankard
2408 Wisconsin Ave, NW
WashingtonDC 20007
Age Limit: 21 and up

Asylum: For 15 years, It has been an Adams Morgan Institution. Known as the only biker bar in the District, this venue starting holding live music shows. The concerts at Asylum have featured many different genres like punk, hardcore and others.

Asylum Bar & Lounge
2471 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Age Limit: 21 and up



  • 4 venues I mention are on the U Street Corridor
  • 2 are the Atlas District
  • Other venues are not metro accessible
Bad Brains played Madam's Organ in the 1980's.

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