Long time bluegrass lovers in our nation’s capital remember the glory days in the 1960s and ’70s, when bluegrass at area clubs and restaurants was a common occurrence. It wasn’t always the most fashionable night spots that drew the bluegrass crowds, but there were more than a few, especially expanding to the wider DC metro market, that regularly catered to grassers.
As more and more parts of DC have gentrified and now accommodate two higher income families with a taste for the finer things, many of these spots have moved or closed down, or changed into “higher class” eateries.
But at least one Washington club has recently made a commitment to bluegrass going forward. The Hamilton, on 14th Street NW, is planning on hosting a major bluegrass performance each month. Working in conjunction with WAMU’s Bluegrass Country, their first show will be a Gibson Brothers concert this Saturday, February 27 which will also include a set from Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein.
Keith Bergquist, Marketing Manager for The Hamilton Live, tells us that they have booked successful bluegrass shows in the past, but that they are especially excited about partnering with Bluegrass Country to bring in high profile bluegrass acts each month.
“We are not strangers to booking bluegrass shows by any means, but this new partnership is a signal of our commitment and intention to have regularly scheduled bluegrass performances in the venue.”
The club will also host an album release event for Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen on March 19, which will also feature a number of Frank’s recipes featured on the menu. John Cowan, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley will also appear.
Other shows on the schedule include Irishers We Banjo 3 on April 26, and Mountain Heart on May 13.
Good news for bluegrass lovers in DC.
