Did you know that the DMV has a vibrant music community? Several actually. And whether you are into blues, rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop, or pretty much anything else, these communities typically converge and commingle at open mics and jam sessions.

These events are usually public and at a bar or restaurant. There's everything from the absolute beginner to seasoned musicians and everything in between. At an open mic you typically get around 10-15 minutes or 3 songs to play whatever you want. Jam sessions are a little more structured and may require that you know a little bit about the chord structure and makeup of that particular genre.

These events have really helped me personally. I started playing guitar back when I was 13 but regrettably stopped around 17. Then in 2019 at 23 I picked it back up. Back then I would have been terrified to even play at a Guitar Center, let alone in front of a bunch of people. Now 7 years later I've met hundreds of really great people, play with a band regularly, and jam with other musicians several times a week. Going to your first open mic is a big step if you are just learning or getting back into things like I was. I started going to these in 2022 and accidentally fell into a community that I love. Blues is where my heart is.

Here are some of my favorite open mics and jam sessions in our area. Some of these can vary week to week, so make sure you confirm the day and time beforehand:

Monday

Hank Dietle's Tavern Blues Jam- 11010 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

Tuesday

JV's Restaurant Open Mic - 6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042

Hell's Bottom Blues Jam- 6420 Orchard Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Settle Down Easy Brewing Open Mic - 2822 Fallfax Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042

Ballston Local Open Mic - 900 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203

Crescendo Studios Nova Traffic Jam - 8101A US-29, Falls Church, VA 22042

Wednesday

Madam's Organ Beat Corridor Jam - 2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Dr. String Pro Blues Jam - 4206 Daniels Ave, Annandale, VA 22003

Fats Tuesday's Open Jam - 10673 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032

Solace Outpost Open Mic - 444 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Thursday

Dr. Strings Shop Blues Jam - 2754 Summerfield Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042

Crescendo Studios Thursday Mic Live - 8101A US-29, Falls Church, VA 22042

Friday

King's Tavern Open Mic - 19 S King St Ste B, Leesburg, VA 20175

Saturday

Most venues have live bands performing, so public open mics and jams are hard to find.

Sunday

Fat Tuesday's Blues Jam - 10673 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032

I hope this helps you or the budding musician in your life find your people. The music community in this area is something special and I'm grateful to be a part of it. As always, if you ever want a place to jam, just reach out!