Where I'm At: JoJo's

JoJo's - 1518 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009

JoJo's has achieved a broad-base of appeal by accomplishing something many cannot: Providing quality live music night in and night out. To be sure, it's not an inexpensive endeavor and, in speaking with the owners, I've gathered it takes a certain level of personal commitment to consistently sacrifice those profits. It's something I'm very grateful for.

Thad Wilson Trio "Lazarus" on stage (circa May 18, 2006):


So, first up is the music. Above we see Lazarus 3 (or some variation thereof), who were once, and may still be, a mainstay of Thursday night. They bring a lot of energy and play old-school jazz; the classics from Coltrane, Davis, Ellington, et al. Friday through Sunday was once dominated by King Shrimp and the Just Us Band, now at least Saturday brings some new faces--ala A. Jay Parham every two weeks; more on that in a minute.

King Shrimp and the Just Us Band, aside from having great names, are a great time. The show typically starts with an instrumental set from the band--jazzy, with soul and funk flavoring. The second and third set feature King Shrimp, a diminutive, somewhat elderly man who absolutely brings it when it comes to chords. Wireless mic in-hand, he moves and grooves through the crowd with a sense of humour and purpose, belting anything from Marvin Gaye to Prince to the Drifters. I've gone with dates, friends, parents... All came away happy.

AJay Parham, does a cover of Compared to What, a Les McCann-Swiss Movement original, that is off-the-chain. He says its become relevant again and I agree (he also happens to be a big time Barack supporter). But whether it's a cover or an original, the music feels new because of AJay's skilled delivery. You want the sound of soul? Got it. You want poetic musings put to note? Yep. Did I mention wide-ranging scat? Lots. Again, kudos to JoJo's for putting this cat on their stage... (I'm told a website will be up soon--I'll update this post when it happens).

JoJo's, these, and other acts charge a hefty $0 door charge. Rather, there is a bucket--and the performers WILL let you know that money means mo' better business, so fork it over and make a show of it because other's need to too. That's one till to fill but there's only two more.

JoJo's features 1 bartender and 1 server on the floor. During the week, this is condensed further to double duty. Oh jeez, you say, this just means poor service! Somehow, and I haven't figured it out yet, that is not the case. It's warm and friendly--like spending Thanksgiving at a friend's house.

I've not had a lot of food there, but recommend tending toward some of the quasi-creative exploits of the chef (e.g. the shish-ka-bob-esque Caprese) and steering away from standard American fare (e.g. the steak).

So head a bit further down U and check out a show that shows U Street's scene can still thrive--with down-home appeal and great music for ya' ear. And be sure to let me know you're on the way, so I can save your seat.