Washington D.C

Well-known for its grand monuments and places of historical significance, our nation's capital is often overlooked in regard to its live music scene. It's musical roots run deep, though, beginning with the 'U Street' jazz scene of which hometown legend Duke Ellington was a pioneering member. The city's rich ethnic diversity has given rise to such eclectic hometown music icons including Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, Fugazi and The Dismemberment Plan. D.C.'s embrace of live music remains intact through their support of many long-running music venues that possess great traditions and histories of their own.

GUIDE TO GIGGING IN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Book a Gig: Venues

NIGHTCLUB 9:30
815 V STREET NW
WASHINGTON D.C., 20001
www.930.com
The 9:30 Club forged its cultural legacy in the '80s by acting as a progressive venue that was noted for its talent in discovering up-and-coming acts. 9:30 was the venue that launched the careers of many a Dischord Records band. They book big names in rock and punk, as well as seasoned local bands.
Email booking@930.com for booking inquiries

Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305
(703) 549-7500
www.birchmere.com
Since its opening in the 1970's the Birchmere has expanded its focus of hosting mostly country artists to bringing in music of all genres from jazz, rock, gospel and alternative music. Emmylou Harris, David Grisman and Dave Matthews are a few of the notables that have performed there recently. They also schedule popular touring and local acts. For booking email to booking@birchmere.com

THE BLACK CAT
1811 14TH ST. NW
Washington. D.C. 20009
(202) 667-7960
www.blackcatdc.com
In the heart of D.C., The Black Cat delivers great local, national and independent music seven nights a week. They are not currently accepting submissions, but for booking inquiries call Vickie at (202) 667-4527.

DC9
1940 9TH STREET NW
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
202-483-5000
www.dcnine.com
Opened in 2004, The DC9 books national, international and local indie acts for its 250- person capacity venue. The space is described as "funky-but-comfy" with its mural-covered walls. For booking, send press kits, website info and music to the above address.

THE GROG AND TANKARD
2408 WISCONSIN AVE., NW
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20007
(202) 628-2222
In business for 40 years, the Grog is the longest running bar with live music in the D.C. area. The bar is great for aspiring performers and is open to all different kinds of new music. The bar itself is a little grungy, but there is a fairly large stage and a good PA system/soundman. Email booking@grogandtankard.com for scheduling.

THE ROCK AND ROLL HOTEL
1353 H STREET, NE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002
(202) 388-ROCK
www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
The Rock and Roll Hotel operates as a dual-establishment that emulates the mission of more well-known R&RH's such as The Savoy in London and The Chelsea in New York. The R&RH has a 400-person capacity and books local, national and international rock acts. For booking, see the contact link on their website and then send requested materials to the above address.

Promote a Gig: Media

ONTAP MAGAZINE
25 S. DOVER ST.
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
(703) 465-0550
www.ontaponline.com
OnTap Magazine is a D.C. nightlife magazine. The music section is concise but informative with a daily calendar of local music info. They also have a bulletin board where bands can post show information. Email Jackie@ontaponline.com for promotions inquiries.

MUSIC MONTHLY
2807 GOODWOOD ROAD
BALTO, MD 21214
www.musicmonthly.com
Music Monthly is a local music magazine that writes about the music of D.C.. They cover both nationally recognized and independent artists. For submission and possible coverage send press kits and CDs to the above address.

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER
2930 CHAMPLAIN STREET, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
www.washingtoncitypaper.com
This local D.C. periodical has tons of music reviews, artist information and a comprehensive list of D.C. venues with info on what bands are playing and when. You can submit event information to appear on their music calendar by clicking on the music link at their website listed above.

Gear: Repairs

KCA NOS TUBES AMPLIFIER REPAIR
STERLING, VA
(703) 430-3645
www.kcanostubes.com
KCA specializes in repair and modification of vintage, hand-wired tube amplifiers. Fender and Marshall amps are their focus. But if you can't get to the shop located twenty miles outside of DC, there is a great online resource guide for troubleshooting and repair tips.

CHUCK LEVIN'S WASHINGTON MUSIC CENTER
11151 VEIRS MILL ROAD
WHEATON, MD 20902
(301) 946-8808
A family-owned business since its founding in 1958, Washington Music Center is a huge independent instrument store that occupies four warehouses. They have more gear than almost anyone in the D.C. area. There is also a repair facility, adjacent to the site for all instrument-repair needs.