D.C.’s jazz scene is coming back to life. Here’s where to find it.

Editor’s note: this article is from 2021 and is no longer updated. Please refer to the full DC jazz calendar for complete and accurate listings of all upcoming shows in the District.

As of Friday, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office has officially lifted all restrictions prohibiting indoor music performances in D.C.

The future of the District’s jazz scene today looks much different than it did at this point last year. It has been 453 days since the city ordered businesses closed due to the coronavirus. During the ensuing lockdown, a number of beloved music venues closed, including Twins Jazz and Marvin. D.C. also lost a number of its most cherished elders, including the saxophonists Aaron Martin and Andrew White, the photographer and organizer Vernard Gray, and the multi-instrumentalist and radio personality Brother Ah.

But the music will always find a way to survive — even in the absence of many full-on jazz clubs. With live entertainment coming back, more than a dozen restaurants and eateries around the D.C. area have already announced that they will be presenting live jazz on a regular basis.

To help you navigate this new landscape and find live music around town, CapitalBop has put together the following roundup of recurring live jazz gigs that will be returning to the DMV, effective immediately.

[Be sure to check out CapitalBop’s DC jazz calendar for a full listing of all upcoming shows.]

The page you’re reading now continues to be updated. To add a listing, please contact [email protected]. All events are free unless otherwise indicated; however, bars or restaurants may charge a nominal cover and/or minimum.

Bossa Bistro (2463 18th St NW): shows hosted by Elijah Jamal Balbed and JazzMob DC, Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.

Bourbon Boulevard (4301 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, Va.): The Michael Paik Trio, Fridays, 6-9 p.m.

Wine Down Jazz Series hosted by Brij Coffeehouse & Juice Bar (426 Oglethorpe St. NW; location subject to change): bi-monthly jazz shows, every other Saturday, 6-8 p.m. ($20 cover includes wine and snacks.)

Georgia Brown’s (950 15th St. NW): Benjie Porecki Trio, Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. (Reservations suggested.)

El Secreto de Rosita (1624 U St. NW, formerly Chi Cha Lounge): shows hosted by JazzMob DC, Wednesday-Sunday, 6-8.

Green Island Cafe (2327 18th St. NW): live jazz Tuesday-Sunday; jam sessions Thursdays, hosted by Julian Berkowitz, 8pm-12am, and Saturday-Sunday, hosted by Peter Edelman, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Irish Inn at Glenn Echo (6119 Tulane Ave., Glen Echo, Md.): Brooks Tegler Trio, Sundays, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Begins in August.)

JoJo’s Restaurant and Bar (1518 U St. NW): shows Wednesday-Sunday, including the Joseph Brotherton Trio on Fridays and Sol Roots Band on Sundays, 6-9:30 p.m. ($10 cover on Friday-Saturday.)

LaPortas (1600 Duke St., Alexandria, Va.): Sharon Clark Trio, Saturdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Mr. Henry’s (601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE): jam sessions hosted by the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation on Wednesdays, shows Friday-Saturday. ($5-20 cover.)

Right Proper Brewing Company Brookland (920 Girard St. NE): Julian Berkowitz Trio, presented by An Indivisible Arts Collective, Fridays, 6-8 p.m.

Right Proper Shaw Brewpub (624 T St. NW): Josh Jenkins Trio, presented by An Indivisible Arts Collective, Sundays, 12-3 p.m.

Social Beast (2340 Wisconsin Ave. NW): shows programmed by Thad Wilson, Saturdays, 8-10:30 p.m. ($20 cover.)

Tonic at Quigley’s Pharmacy (2036 G St NW): “Jazz on the Rocks” jam session, hosted by Andrew Musselman, Tuesdays 7-10 p.m.; jazz brunch hosted by the Andrew Musselman Trio, Sundays 12-3 p.m.

Takoma Station (6914 4th St. NW): Weekly jazz shows hosted by Jazz Kitchen Productions, Saturdays, 7 and 8:30 p.m. ($20 cover.)

Westminster Presbyterian Church (400 I Street SW): Jazz Night in DC, Fridays, 6pm. $10, food available. (See CapitalBop’s article.)

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About Abram Mamet

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Abram Mamet, CapitalBop's assistant editor, is a musician and writer living in Mt. Rainier, MD. You can hear him on French horn leading a jam session every Wednesday at metrobar in NE D.C.

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