Blue Dot Jazz Troupe: DC's hidden jazz gem!!!…read more Over the last couple of years I've been lucky enough to catch the rotating cast of Blue Dot characters all over the city. Whether it be providing the perfect speakeasy ambience at The Alex and Sotto (RIP), or energizing the crowd with jazz-infused bops at Boundary Stone and A Baked Joint -- Blue Dot always delivers! The group has so many talented musicians at their disposal, that you're guaranteed to hear something new and exciting each time out. Run, don't walk, to see these talented folks for yourself!! I'll see ya there :)

Fantastic! Sadly, I only heard them play a year after my wedding as they would have killed it. They…read morehave a lot of range, an original sound and fun takes on the classics / top 40, if thats what youre into. Definitely tracking their future gigs and would recommend them

My wife and I had VIP tickets for Jazz Fest 2025. Now while the music was good the vip ticket…read morewasn't worth it. After taxes and fees around $300. For that you get small bites and one glass of wine or beer. You also get seating but if you can early you can sit or stand for free. Not a good deal if you ask me.

I'm a self proclaimed Jazz Head. I've attended & volunteered with the DCJF enjoying both aspects…read more Now what a wonderful concept to make the best out of the Quarantine Life with DCJazzFest From Home Series. The virtual 'live' jazz music not only soothe the ears, yet everything else that needs soothing during present times. Through June, every Saturday at 7P, music enthusiasts will get to enjoy performances through DCJF's free video series. You'll watch never before seen footage from previous performances in addition to live streaming sets by DCJF's Artist Alum. You can access the concerts via their YouTube channel & Facebook page AFTER you RSVP. Donations are welcomed for the Series Support Fund benefiting the featured performers & DCJF's Music Education Program. Upcoming Performances: Saturday 5/23 - Ben Williams Saturday 5/30 - Rochelle Rice Saturday 6/6 - Ola Onabule "Jazz is the big brother of Revolution. Revolution follows it around" - Miles Davis.

I really like the vibe of this place and it's great for a date night! I ordered the coconut…read moreparadise and my friend ordered a dirty martini. I really enjoyed the coconut paradise as someone who enjoys fruity refreshing cocktails. I will say however, that there is not much drink in it because there is a large ice cube in it. I do like how we had some nuts and olives brought out to us to snack on. Our server was very nice and attentive!

While staying at the Ritz, DC we stopped in here one evening before going out for dinner. We sat…read moreat the bar and the bartenders working were helpful and friendly. They have a nice cocktail list, though the prices are slightly high. Drinks were made promptly and looked and tasted great. The venue is cozy and intimate. Lighting lends itself to a cozy atmosphere as well. Would definitely stop back in.

Got the crab cakes; food was okay, but the venue itself really stole the show! Honestly, it's…read moreprobably my favorite concert venue I've ever been to. The space feels so intimate, which makes the whole experience more personal and memorable compared to larger, more crowded venues. The atmosphere was great from start to finish, and everything felt well-organized. The service was also a highlight, our server was incredibly sweet, attentive, and made us feel really comfortable throughout the night. Even though the food was just alright, the overall experience more than made up for it. Between the vibe, the quality of the show, and the excellent service, it's definitely a place I'd come back to again and recommend to others looking for a unique night out/date night!

Blues Alley has maintained their street cred after all these years as being one of the best places…read morein town to catch a live jazz performance. I enjoyed the crab cake with a Caesar salad. The cocktails were veteran made and solid. The dining room is intimate, adding to the connection of the artists and the show. Deborah Bond dropped her new album Amber Dust, a true R&B artist keeping the tradition of the music well and alive. She hosted a listening party show with a customized cocktail menu with drinks named after her latest album! The show was amazing and the sound was clear. Although the menu is a bit limited I enjoyed my crab cakes, which had no filler. Oh and be sure to save yourself time and park in the parking garage across from the alley. This is an amazing little space with big names. Every time I've come here I've always met with the artists after the show. So if you're a super fan and your favorite artist is performing here, GO!

Great food, great service, great music. Cover fee of $10 per person for reservations but when we…read moregot here we got front row seats immediately. Worth it imo.

5 stars for the entertainment, service, and ambiance!…read more I mainly visit for the live music, and it never disappoints. I had a reservation and was seated at an excellent table on the first floor upon arrival. The location allowed us to fully enjoy both the view and sound of the musicians, which made for a great experience. The service was outstanding. My waiter was kind, respectful, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the evening. As for the food, it was just okay. I started with the fried calamari, which was edible but not particularly memorable. For my entrée, I ordered the shrimp scampi. While it was decent, I probably wouldn't order it again. I prefer a richer butter-and-garlic flavor, but this version seemed to lean more heavily on a wine-based sauce. Overall, the live music, atmosphere, and excellent service keep me coming back. Even though the food isn't the highlight for me, I'll definitely return to enjoy the entertainment.

I went to Sax's disco burlesque show and it was such an amazing show there's nothing like it in the…read moredmv. The dancers, acrobats, and fire performers put on such an amazing show. The theatre is so luxurious and gorgeous, perfect for pictures. It is such an elevated experience that has everything you could wish for; music, drinks, entertainment, and even a dance floor! Definitely a place I will be coming back to.

SAX Restaurant Lounge & Bar delivers exactly what it promises--and then some. The Naughty List…read moreburlesque show was a full-on spectacle, featuring talented aerialists, dancers in incredible shape, a fire dancer, and choreography that was equal parts playful and impressive. The staff didn't just serve--they participated. Think dancers mingling with patrons, shots making the rounds, popcorn, and kiss cams that kept the energy high and the crowd engaged. The ambiance is French and gaudy in the best way--dramatic, indulgent, and on theme. Amusing, immersive, and unapologetically fun, it was a naughty night indeed--and one that fully committed to the experience. If you're looking for dinner with a side of decadence, entertainment and some skin....SAX delivers.

not my first Black Cat rodeo, but first time going to an internally organized event rather than a…read moreshow. Depeche Mode dance party was so sick, so fun, honestly just what i needed. trad goth prom almost? many oldheads (og DM fans perhaps?) groovin, the ambience was perfect to relax and just boogie like you do in your bedroom. thank you Black Cat, please do a Joy Division/New Order night next !!

Black Cat is a nice intimate venue that features more indie and local talent. I came here for a…read moreseated concert (seats were first come, first serve), but it's typically standing room only. The acoustics were great! IDs were checked at the door prior to entering. I had a small bag and it was allowed into the venue after a quick bag check. I bought a last minute ticket at the door and they stamped my hand for entry. The main stage is on the upper level. I took the stairs (not sure if there's a public elevator) and as I headed up, there were signs stating "no stage diving or crowdsurfing"... this ain't the Fillmore! I didn't really explore the facilities or check out the restrooms, since I beelined to grab a good seat, but the checkered floor certainly gives the venue some character and makes it memorable. While a seated event isn't typical at this venue, the seats were basic folding chairs and tightly packed next to each other (I definitely rubbed shoulders with the people next to me). But overall, this is a great venue to see a show! Pros: - Intimate venue (no screens necessary) - Not overcrowded - Can buy tickets online in advance or at the box office in cash to avoid fees - Metro accessible (walkable from U Street Metro Station) Cons: - Limited box office hours (only open when they have shows) - Show start times aren't posted until a few hours before doors open (not good for planning purposes). Doors/show times are posted on their X (formerly Twitter) account

Excellent food, phenomenal drinks, and perfect location!…read more If you are staying at the JW Marriott or visiting the nearby museums, The Hamilton is a must-visit. Having lived in DC previously, this was always a favorite spot of mine, and it still holds up perfectly. The food was high quality, the drinks were stellar, and the value is spot on for the experience. Our initial post-travel meal was so good that we returned the very next day for drinks at the bar. It would have been a flawless two days if they still had the St. Louis Gooey Cake on the menu, but it is still a highly recommended staple.

The Hamilton in Washington DC is one of my new favorite spots when I'm in town. The vibe is great,…read morethe service is outstanding, and the food is excellent. I re injured my hip and had to use a scooter to get around and they accommodated my situation like rockstars. My bartender Alondra was fantastic--super friendly and attentive. Set me up with a manager to get me downstairs via elevator. If you like an Old Fashioned, try The Pair of Aces--you'll love it! The staff downstairs during the game was fantastic, handling the lively crowd with ease. The pizza was great with a perfect crispy crust, and the sushi was fantastic--fresh and full of flavor. Highly recommend The Hamilton. I'll definitely be back soon!

Solid concert venue in a convenient location in DC. Parking is available on surrounding streets if…read moreyou arrive early enough. You can also pay for a parking pass through their website but the lot only opens up an hour beforehand so be sure to plan your evening with that in mind. We ended up parking on the street for only $3 since we arrived early to grab dinner nearby. The entry line was super long and literally went around the block but it moved surprisingly fast. Staff was friendly and helpful at the door. The inside was dark when we arrived and it would've been nice to have some house lights so people could find their way around the venue a little easier. The AC was cranking and the temp was comfortable. Upstairs has standing room and some bleachers which provides a good view with less of a crowd. Their VIP area looks nice and I'd be interested in splurging next time for a seat and a better view. There's bars downstairs and upstairs and even some food concessions. Getting out of the venue from the balcony was a bit stressful with only one way out. It makes you imagine what would happen if you needed to get out in a rush... other than that, it's a good space.

I've seen so many shows at the 930 club over the years and it's such a great venue. It's small…read moreenough to feel intimate but still holds a surprising amount of people. The only problem is parking can be hard to find. There is a lot across the street, but it opens up an hour before the show. Honestly, it's usually just easiest to take Metro in and walk over. There are plenty of great restaurants nearby so it's easy to grab a bite before the show. The drinks are solid. It's mostly standing room but you can get a seat for accessibility reasons or if you pay for VIP.

It doesn't get any better than this for concerts during the Christmas season, and at other times of…read morethe year too I'm sure! I'm a sucker for intimate performance spaces and the Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Georgetown that is used for these concerts is stunningly beautiful with creaky old wooden floors and gorgeous stained glass windows. On Saturday December 4, 2010 I volunteered for the 15th year in a row at the season opening of the Celtic Christmas Concert. There are certain pieces of music done by certain artists in a particular arrangement that become etched in the mind as definitive. Listening to Silent Night in the concert's second half every year done by the respective artists on harp. mandolin, and flute is as much a requirement of the season as putting up our Christmas tree! Not only is this particular arrangement enough to get you hooked on Celtic music, but experiencing it in a candlelit church sanctuary that is decorated to the holiday hilt and with the waning sunlight pouring through the stained glass will get you in touch with the essence of why this Christmas classic is sung the world over. The reading of Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales" by WETA's Robert Aubry Davis is also a must every season. And you'll hear plenty of non Christmas music at this concert as well, the better to get you to buy one (or more!) of the CDs for sale! The Concert Series has other performances of chamber music done by artists on guitar, piano, etc. as well as vocal performances of Broadway and jazz music. It's the Celtic Christmas Concert that I love the most though. Once you've found parking, you're over the stressful part and are in for a treat if you take in any of the concerts that make up the Dumbarton Concert Series.

From the owner: Dumbarton Concerts has presented chamber and jazz music in the heart of Georgetown for over…read morethirty-five years. Performances by artists such as Red Priest, NSO's Steven Honigberg, and saxophonist Grace Kelly have filled the incredible acoustics of historic Dumbarton United Methodist Church. Our concerts provide a uniquely welcoming experience for patrons to enjoy acclaimed musicians in an intimate environment.