Blues Alley, known as “The House That Dizzy Built,” is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a remarkable musical event titled “All Diva Week.” This Georgetown supper club, recognized as the nation’s oldest continuing jazz supper club, will feature several outstanding female vocalists, including Jane Monheit, who will take the stage on July 26 and 27.
The festival honors the contributions of women in jazz, with a lineup of talented performers. The week kicks off with Clara Campbell, the 2025 winner of the Ella Fitzgerald International Jazz Vocal Competition, on July 21. Following her are Heidi Martin, celebrating the release of her album of original jazz compositions on July 22; Alison Crockett, a two-time Wammie winner, performing on July 23; and the legendary Melba Moore, who will perform on July 24 and 25.
Harry Schnipper, the owner of Blues Alley since 1997, is at the helm of this historic venue. He purchased the venue, housed in a quaint carriage house, for approximately $1.5 million four years prior. Under his stewardship, Blues Alley has thrived, serving as a haven for world-class jazz following the closure of many other music venues in the city.
Despite the challenges faced by jazz clubs, including the unfortunate shuttering of notable establishments like Bohemian Caverns and Twins Jazz, Blues Alley has remained resilient. The venue has managed to adapt and persist when many others have fallen by the wayside.
Schnipper, reminiscing about the club’s history, notes the importance of staying relevant. Artists who have graced the Blues Alley stage include jazz luminaries such as Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald. “When Dizzy Gillespie says, ‘Now this is a jazz club,’ it resonates within the community,” he asserts, highlighting the legacy of the club.
Blues Alley has also been involved in community-oriented initiatives. The Blues Alley Jazz Society, of which Schnipper is a part, has been instrumental in launching educational programs such as a youth orchestra in 1985 and a jazz camp in 1999. The Ella Fitzgerald Competition was established in 2017 in honor of the iconic singer’s centennial.
The combination of educational outreach with live performance has become a hallmark of the venue. Schnipper mentions that he finds himself at the intersection of education and performance programming, allowing the club to play an integral role in fostering new talent.
Notably, Schnipper is proactive in seeking partnerships that expand the reach of Blues Alley. He has forged connections with embassies, showcasing talent from various nations, particularly from Latin America and the Caribbean. Recently, he traveled to Cuba to explore a collaboration with the Havana Jazz Festival, a natural fit given the club’s dedication to jazz traditions.
The pandemic was a challenging period for Blues Alley, but Schnipper found innovative ways to keep music alive. He utilized his membership at the National Press Club to stream concerts during restrictions, increasing the club’s global awareness and appreciation during a time when live performances were limited.
Since reopening in September 2021, despite facing setbacks such as a roof fire in the fall, Blues Alley has rebounded with vigor, offering two sets nightly. Ticket prices are accessible, ranging from $25 for Emerging Artist Mondays to $50 for prominent acts like Melba Moore, with many shows priced at $35.
The intimate venue, nestled behind 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, continues to be an undisputed treasure of the jazz community. With its rich history and commitment to fostering talent, Blues Alley remains a beloved destination for music lovers, both locally and globally.
As the summer evenings come alive with the soulful sounds of jazz, patrons can appreciate not only the legends who have built the club’s reputation but also the emerging stars who will take the stage during this celebratory week. Indeed, in a world filled with overrated pleasures, Blues Alley stands out as an underrated treasure, reminding us that the essence of jazz continues to thrive through its dedicated artists and the passionate audiences that support them.
image source from：georgetowner
