Delve into a legendary past right here at 11th and U Street. We are standing before the site of what once was the Bohemian Caverns. This wasn’t just any jazz club. It was a cornerstone of Washington D.C.’s vibrant music scene.
Founded in 1926, the Bohemian Caverns began as Club Caverns. This small basement establishment was beneath a drugstore. It quickly became famous for its lively floor and variety shows. During Prohibition, it served as a late-night haven for music and liquor.
Imagine Washington’s elite flocking here. They came to see such luminaries as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. The club was a hotspot for the African American art and music scene.
In the 1950s, the club transformed. It was renamed Crystal Caverns and later Bohemian Caverns. Then, in 1959, Tony Taylor and Angelo Alvino bought the club. They turned it into the premier jazz venue in D.C. Taylor booked jazz giants like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. He also brought in Shirley Horn, John Coltrane, and Nina Simone.
Picture this: It’s 1964. Ramsey Lewis is recording his hit album, The Ramsey Lewis Trio at the Bohemian Caverns. The energy is electric. The crowd’s enthusiastic shouts are captured on the record. “The In Crowd” becomes a crossover hit.
John Coltrane was a regular in the early 1960s. His performances were so popular that the club raised its prices when he played. One critic described Coltrane as a “demonic whirlwind.” He captivated audiences with 40-minute solos. The club was packed to the stalactites whenever he played “My Favorite Things”.
Sadly, the Bohemian Caverns began to decline by 1968. Financial strains and civil unrest after Dr. King’s assassination forced its closure. The club briefly reopened as Frank’s Cave. Later, it became the Underground Cafe, a front for a heroin ring.
Thirty years later, redevelopment brought a revival. Amir Afshar purchased and reopened the club. From 2006, Omrao Brown managed the Bohemian Caverns. He aimed to nurture emerging talent while honoring the club’s legacy. Even stars like Pharoah Sanders continued to play here.
Despite its rich history, the Bohemian Caverns faced more challenges. A vehicle crash forced its closure in March 2016. Bassist Steve Synk lamented the loss of a home for jazz.
Today, the space has been reborn. Harlot DC, a lounge bar and restaurant, occupies the first floor. Mama ‘San, in the basement, keeps the spirit of the Bohemian Caverns alive. Alain Kalantar seeks to revive the club’s vibes.
So, while the Bohemian Caverns may be gone, its music lingers. It echos in the memories of those who played and listened here. It was a true sanctuary of sound. It was a place where jazz history was made.