A reader writes with a link to NotionsCapital:
“Ben’s Next Door (1211 U Street, NW) was a club where jazz legend Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton played from 1936 to 1938.”
A bit more history from the article:
“U Street NW was Washington’s “Black Broadway” long before Ben Ali served his first chili dog. The Lincoln Theater and Lincoln Colonnade night club were at 1215; the theater, now a “theatre,” survives. The Chili Bowl itself (1213 U Street NW) was previously a nickelodeon theater and pool hall, and 1211 next door was a nightclub, variously called the Blue Moon, the Music Box, and the Jungle Inn. From 1936 until 1938 the night club, soon to be Ben’s Next door, was the musical home of jazz pianist, composer, vocalist, performer, and all-around character “Jelly Roll” Morton.”
Very cool. You can read the full article at NotionsCapital.
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Thanks to Craig for sending from 20th and Kalorama. Send your photos to [email protected] or tag us @PoPville thanks!

You are cordially invited to the Embassy of Austria for a thrilling evening with Mozart. What a better way to spend Christmas and Hannukah! Our full orchestra and lead singers, some of whom sing at the Met, will appeal to teens as they begin their journey to the classics! We expect to be sold out soon…..
Get your tickets now!
Under the Gracious Patronage of H.E. Petra Schneebauer, Ambassador of Austria
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Julien Benichou, Conductor
featuring:
Kevin Short as Figaro
Manna K. Jones as Susanna
Stephen Powell as Count Almaviva
Laquita Mitchell as Contessa
Anna Kelly as Cherubino
Maggie Polglaze as Barbarina
John Gibney as Bartolo
Leah Heater as Marcellina
Christopher Jon Hartung as Antonio & Don Curzio
Narration provided by Robin Phillips
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Embassy of Austria
3524 International Court NW
Washington, DC 20008
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Doors Open/Cocktails 6:30 pm
Performance including Intermission 7:15 pm
Wine Reception with Heavy Hors d’oeuvres 9:15 to 10:30 pm
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Tickets:
Box Seats $250
Orchestra Reserved $150
Unreserved $125
Seniors (over 65 years old) Unreserved $80 [sold out]
Students with ID $50
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Cocktail Attire

Come solve a crime that took place in Takoma Park 130 years ago!
HouseMouse Books and Vintage is excited to announce the debut of Escape the Bookshop II, our new limited-run escape room experience. Escape the Bookshop II is a unique group puzzle game that is based on a real crime that took place in Takoma Park around 130 years ago. It is designed and created by HouseMouse to be played in our atmospheric little bookshop. This is not your typical corporate escape room and makes for a memorable evening out with friends or family!
Bookings are now open for game dates in January through April 2024. The game generally takes place Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM but special arrangements can be made upon request. It is designed to be played by a group of 3 to 6 people (ages 16+) and lasts for one hour. No prior escape room experience is needed to enjoy the game.
Mount Pleasant Whiskey Tasting.
Join us at Spirits & Spice DC Store as we embark on a spirited journey with the co-owner of the Mount Pleasant Club Whiskey.
Brace yourselves for an unforgettable whiskey-tasting experience where we’ll not only indulge in the smoothness of
Menopause Relief: Bebloom Gummies Launch Party at Ms. Moxie’s Moon…
Unlock the secret to menopause serenity at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop on Saturday, December 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This free event celebrates the exclusive launch of bebloom menopause gummies, a groundbreaking supplement designed for women and crafted