What You Will Do
* Starting February 2025, tour is offered the second Saturday of the month at 4pm.
This amazing walking tour will take you on a journey to an era in which U Street NW DC was the center of African American music and intellectualism. The sounds of jazz was everywhere, Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer were being established as the future writers of the day, and an effort to document the history of African Americans was underway. Take a journey through the Harlem Renaissance as it started in DC! Tour stops mid-way at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl, for optional refreshments and a bathroom break.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
The tour will begin in front of the Howard Theater on T Street NW.
1
Howard Theatre
10 minutes
Howard Theater was the first theater in DC to offer a stage for African American performers, established in 1910. It has played a key part in the DC music and arts scene ever since.
2
Right Proper Brewing Company
5 minutes
The site of the Frank Holliday's Pool Hall where Duke Ellington first started dabbling in ragtime and jazz piano.
3
1910 Vermont Ave NW
5 minutes
The former house of African American Opera Singer Lilian Evanti, who earned acclaim abroad before returning to her native Washington DC to make her mark on black contributions to classical music.
4
Bohemian Caverns
5 minutes
Former Jazz icon, Bohemian Caverns was a must visit during U Street's period as DC's "Black Broadway."
5
Lincoln Theatre
3 minutes
Major theater and show house during the Black Broadway era.
6
Ben's Chili Bowl
25 minutes
Iconic eatery for three generations that has been the destination of Presidents and tourists alike, this is where the tour takes a refreshments break.
7
1901 14th St NW
5 minutes
Former site of Club Bali, a favorite performance spot of Billie Holiday.
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