Washington DC sets the pace on the pops and classical music scene. The National Symphony Orchestra and Washington Opera perform at John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center. DC is the world’s leader in free chamber-music lunchtime concerts and over 100 gospel quartets sing praises around town.

In addition to the sophisticated classical scene, the Washington DC music scene reflects music diversity in America. Hardcore punk rock, solitary blues, country, bluegrass, sexy jazz and easy listening venues are a part of DC nightlife. Think Go-Go is a thing of the past? Not in DC; the city boasts being the birthplace of Go-Go and it is alive and well in clubs all over town. Once the haunt of Duke Ellington, Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway, U Street district is a thriving jazz mecca. When The Stones or the Dixie Chicks come to town, they play at arenas like the MCI Center. Music also flows in Metro stations and on city streets of DC. Street performers entertain with the soothing violin, sultry sax and lively harmonica tunes. Grab a copy of the CityPaper, a weekly tome distributed at bookstores and curbside stands; it’s the best source for the latest on the Washington scene.