Nightlife: Music

By Katie Greenan and Dena Levitz / Photography by Erick Gibson

EMPIRE

Auld Shebeen

3971 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax; 703-293-9600; theauldshebeenva.com

Shebeen, in Ireland, is an afterhours speakeasy where friends gather, and that’s the feel Auld Shebeen tries to maintain for its client base of regulars in Fairfax City. Keeping with the Irish spirit, the pub showcases traditional Irish music each week, and bands and DJs downstairs on weekends in The Cellar.

Jammin’ Java

227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; 703-255-1566; jamminjava.com

Local and independent artists are the focus of Jammin’ Java, a coffee and music hub that’s run by musicians for anyone in the area looking to discover music. Acts perform seven days a week in the 200-seat venue. Jammin’ Java has garnered a moniker of one of the “Top 100 Music Venues in the World” by Pollstar Magazine.

Birchmere

3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com

This revered Alexandria music hall is all-general admission, so seating is entirely first-come, first-serve. This makes for a whole experience around not only the shows—usually in the bluegrass and jazz vein—but the process leading up to it. Some dance-themed performances turn into all-standing, bandstand affairs.

IOTA: DEREK EVRY & HIS BAND OF MISANTHROPES (COURTESY OF DEREK EVRY)

Iota Club – Permanently Closed

832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-522-8340

Iota proclaims “Live Music Forever.” That’s certainly the aim in the evenings when shows are first-come, first serve featuring lesser-known acts. Open mic nights also are a big draw.

Lion & Bull

5351 Merchant View Square, Haymarket; 703-754-1166; lionandbullsportspub.com

Lion & Bull comes alive in the later hours when local and national musicians perform acoustic or full ensemble sets in the tavern. That area also plays host to karaoke, trivia and poker.

Ireland Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington; 703-525-3600; irelandsfourcourts.com

Dark wood-paneled walls and fireplaces adorn this Courthouse Metro Irish pub, which makes live music a significant part of its appeal. Along with traditional Irish acts, Four Courts also plays host to artists of other genres who tend to perform multiple nights. Karaoke’s also popular.

The State Theatre

220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-237-0300; thestatetheatre.com

This Falls Church nightclub is a half-standing, half-sitting venue featuring tribute bands and nationally known bands in their own right. Until 1988, it was a movie theater. Since then The State’s tried to appeal to music lovers from all walks of life.

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703 525 8646; galaxyhut.com

A low-key haunt, Galaxy Hut is a vast departure from the packed Arlington watering holes. Live music happens most Sunday and Monday nights. Once inside, expect about 20 craft beers on tap and a rare all-vegetarian menu.

SPRING 2013 SHOWS

Auld Shebeen

The Dirty Pints • Mar. 1 & 2

Brendan’s Voyage • Mar. 8 & 9

Flying Cows of Ventry • Mar. 15 & 16

Brendan Sheridan & Brendan Mulvihal • Mar. 22 & 23

Celtic Union • Mar. 29 & 30

Auld Shebeen’s The Cellar

The Fuzz • Mar. 1

Kicking Norma • Mar. 8

Dance Manifesto • Mar. 15

Hold to Save • Mar. 22

Divide By Zero • Mar. 29

Empire

Nile • Mar. 6

Soilwork • Mar. 12

Kix & the Roadducks • Mar. 29

Birchmere

The Bacon Brothers • Mar. 1-3

Cowboy Junkies • Mar. 13 & 14

Average White Band • Mar. 15 & 16

Manhattan Transfer • Mar. 29

Jammin’ Java

Lisa Loeb CD release party • Mar. 19

That 1 Guy • Mar. 15

<< Back to Nightlife

(March 2013)

Updated: November 14, 2019