The Birchmere

Every major U.S. city has great music but I don't know of many outside of New York and Los Angeles that have anything like The Birchmere. The club, located in Alexandria, Virginia, in suburban Washington, is truly a musicians' paradise where everyone from Jack Ingram to Toad the Wet Sprocket to The Neville Brothers has played. Many more big names want to play there - they just can't get in.

The reason for all the excitement is that the club showcases the best music. Why else would always-in-demand performers including Vince Gill and 'Keb Mo choose to play there?

 A tip off that you're in a music lovers' paradise is the sound system, tuned to the finest degree that allows musical nuances to ring through without blasting the audience out of its seats.

 That's just one way The Birchmere treats its customers -- and performers -- right.

 Consider parking – which is always a huge consideration in the D.C. area. There it is free and on site. No trudging miles from the parking spot to get to the club.

 Patrons don't even have to pay admission to enjoy the music. They can sit in the Birchmere's main bar and watch the show on a television.

 Those that do venture in will often be found wandering up and down the main hallway looking at the hundreds of concert bills and posters signed by artists including Johnny Cash, Leftover Salmon and  Emmylou Harris. Once you enter the main room, you sit in a curved booth or at a long, plastic-tablecloth-clad tables and peruse menus with an array of drinks and tasty food (try the pizza! It's delicious) and desserts (terrific Beignets).

 Perhaps best of all, the performers seem to absorb the vibe of the club. They chat between songs, stay late for meet-and-greets after the show, and generally mix with the crowd.

 No wonder this club that opened in the 1960s is a true "locals' favorite."

 HelloMetroDC Tip: The performers' tour buses and vans park on the side of the club. Many times if you wait a few minutes after the show, road managers invite fans over for autographs or to chat with the musicians. Of course, don't go unless invited.

- by Nancy Dunham, Washington Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)