Blues Alley in Georgetown, Washington D.C. is celebrating its 60th anniversary by paying tribute to the legacy of jazz and its impact on the community. This iconic dinner club has been a staple of the jazz scene for six decades, hosting some of the most celebrated jazz artists from around the world.
- Established in 1962 by jazz enthusiast and businessman Harry Schnipper, Blues Alley was originally known as the “house that Dizzy built” in honor of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.
- With a rich history of performances, programming, and reflection, Blues Alley has become a space for both honoring the past and supporting the future of jazz music.
Harry Schnipper, executive director of Blues Alley, stated, “I came to Blues Alley eight years after it opened, so I’ve seen the best music talent. Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, Modern Jazz Quartet, Larry Coryell, Tower of Power and more,” said Schnipper. “Because I came after the club opened, I’ve had the benefit of the continuity and sustainability of performers.”
| Event | Description |
| “Decades of Divas” | A series of performances by female jazz artists, including Hazel Mitchell-Bell, Deborah Bond, and Melba Moore, kicking off in July. |
| Tribute to Nancy Wilson | A performance by Hazel Mitchell-Bell honoring the legendary jazz singer Nancy Wilson on July 18. |
| Tribute to Roy Ayers | A performance by a jazz artist to be announced, paying tribute to the legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers. |
“We want to honor the legacy of talent that has graced the Blues Alley stage,” said Schnipper. “We’ve done Phyllis Hyman. Coming up are tributes to Nancy Wilson and Roy Ayers. Recognizing legends will continue beyond the official 60th anniversary kickoff in July.”
Honoring the Past, Supporting the Future
Schnipper stated, “Celebrating 60 years starts with paying homage to the people who helped the Georgetown jazz venue gain nationwide notoriety.”
- The Blues Alley website features a quote from Dizzy Gillespie weighing in on the venue saying: “Now THIS is a jazz club!”
- “Dizzy was the one who put Blues Alley on the map in 1977,” said Schnipper. “Without Dizzy, we would not have our nonprofit status, which allows us to create many events throughout D.C.”
The nonprofit status of Blues Alley allows the venue to do more than entertain, but give back to the community through programs such as the Blues Alley Summer Jazz Camp and the Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition.
“Besides being one of the most iconic and best-sounding jazz clubs in the world, Blues Alley is serious about jazz education. Through programs like the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra and Summer Jazz Camp, countless young musicians have honed their skills working with some of the best jazz educators in the country,” said JB Dyas, vice president of education and curriculum development at the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
Offering a Space for Artists to Grow, Shine
Throughout its 60-year history, Blues Alley has become known as a place to showcase new talent. Schnipper stated, “Earlier this year, we started ‘Emerging Artists Mondays’ to give visibility to talent worthy of wider recognition.”
- Saxophonist Langston Hughes II, who was raised in the DMV area and a participant in FAME and Strathmore’s Artist in Residence programs, has seen his star rise with numerous performances at Blues Alley.
- “Playing at Blues Alley has been a huge part of my artistic growth. Each show is a chance to connect with people in a real and immediate way,” said Hughes.
“The audience at Blues Alley feels like a community. Every time I return, I see more familiar faces—people who have been on this journey with me since the early shows years ago. That kind of consistency has helped me grow not just as a performer, but as a communicator,” Hughes told The Informer.
“It’s a full-circle experience,” Hughes said. “The club fuels the art, the art fuels connection, and the connection keeps people coming back.”
“Blues Alley is not just a venue, it’s a community. It’s a place where artists can grow, shine, and connect with each other and the audience.”
Blues Alley in Georgetown, Washington D.C. is a testament to the power of jazz and its ability to bring people together.
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