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Bidding Farewell To Bohemian Caverns, A D.C. Jazz Institution

By Ally Schweitzer

The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra performs one of its last shows at its namesake venue.
The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra performs one of its last shows at its namesake venue. Ally Schweitzer/WAMU

This weekend brings the final performances at legendary D.C. jazz venue Bohemian Caverns. An institution at 11th and U streets for 90 years, the club officially closes its doors March 31, as Washington City Paper first reported.

On today’s Morning Edition, I talked to some folks who have been intimately involved in the space since Omrao Brown and his partners took it over a decade ago. Listen to the story here.

This weekend’s gigs at the Caverns are mostly sold out — except for a just-announced Sunday night jam session with The Young Lions. Tickets are still available for both sets. If you want ’em, act quickly.

Have your own memories from the Caverns? Share them in the comments.

BCJO

Pictured: The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra on Monday, March 21, 2016 (Ally Schweitzer/WAMU)

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  • massysett

    “Have your own memories from the Caverns?”

    Yeah. Paid good money for a show, sat in the back of this tiny place. Sight lines were terrible and we couldn’t hear the band because they didn’t turn up the sound. It was like the sound system was being run by amateurs. What’s the point of going out if I can hear better on my car stereo? Good riddance to the place. I’ve had better jazz experiences in hotel lobbies and Louisiana casinos.

    • mhpatterson

      90 years of jazz history and this is all you have to say? You should be ashamed. This place was a national treasure.

      • massysett

        Yeah that’s all I have to say. A jazz club that can’t run a sound system deserves to go out of business. This place was all hype. I miss HR 57. Not this dingy fake cave.