Even though the first official day of spring isn’t until Saturday, this rash of warm weather we’re experiencing is a sure sign that the season is here. With this uncharacteristic warmth comes a renewed sense of freedom—the icy roads and perilous puddles that kept us trapped on campus are finally a thing of the past. And while the return of Village A rooftop parties is certainly something to celebrate, there is still so much more out there. Why not celebrate our newly rediscovered mobility by rocking out at some of the smaller, often overlooked venues on U St.?
One spot worth your time is DC9, a bar near the corner of 9th and U St. NW. This hole in the wall doesn’t boast the cheapest drinks in town, but the surprisingly tasty burgers and fries make up for that just fine. The venue’s real attraction, however, is the music. DC9 regularly books great acts for its tiny upstairs stage, from local regulars Imperial China to Philadelphia shoegazers A Sunny Day in Glasgow. Mix in frequent DJ sets and the weekly Liberation Dance Party, and you’ve got one solid hangout.
Should DC9 be too crowded, you can always check out The Velvet Lounge. Located right around the corner on U St., The Velvet Lounge caters to much the same crowd as DC9. It’s a true dive with punk rock sensibilities—wall-to-wall patrons, sticky floors, and an unusual odor. While the Lounge’s many supporters praise the grit and grime as authentic, its detractors are just as vocal. Regardless, there is one thing about The Velvet Lounge that everyone can agree is awesome: They’ve booked Wheatus of “Teenage Dirtbag” fame to play in May.
If dive bars and rock music aren’t you’re thing, there’s a wonderful alternative only a couple blocks away. Bohemian Caverns is a historic jazz club located at 11th and U St. NW, with a remarkable pedigree. Founded in 1926, some of jazz’s biggest innovators have graced its stage—Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and D.C. hero Duke Ellington, to name a few. Though the faux-rock interior may be a little hokey for some, there is no denying the quality of the artists. The prices may be a bit higher (cover can be between twenty and thirty dollars on busy nights), but the quality of the performances are always worth the cost. As far as D.C. venues go, few have a richer history than the Bohemian Caverns.
For a concert that balances quality and intimacy, you can’t do much better than these three venues. The Black Cat is a great place, but it would be a shame to spend four years at Georgetown and never check out the littler guys. They support local artists, they are chock full of personality, and they’re typically a whole lot cheaper than the 9:30 Club. So, in celebration of spring and with the burdens of the semester only about to get heavier, why not get out there and try something new?
