HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues

If you could take just one photo: Crowd enjoying live music

Only in DC would you find a down-to-earth jazz club operating under such a long-winded governmental name, the HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues. In 1987, a House Resolution passed declaring that "jazz is hereby designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources to make certain it is preserved, understood and promulgated." Though it's at a new location, HR-57 is still providing the best bang-for-your-buck jazz in D.C. Priced out of it's old location near U Street, the club is a solid addition to the evolving H Street neighborhood in Northeast. The jam sessions that happen twice a week are a chance to catch some young talent and enjoy a drink in the laid-back atmosphere. Antonio Parker's regular performances are another opportunity to hear great music.

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Only in DC would you find a down-to-earth jazz club operating under such a long-winded governmental name, the HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues. In 1987, a House Resolution passed declaring that "jazz is hereby designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources to make certain it is preserved, understood and promulgated." There's nowhere better to do so than the U Street/14th Street neighborhood, home to several stops on the original "chitlin' circuit." HR-57 takes its mission seriously by welcoming young people and educating them in the culture of jazz. At jam sessions, local greats share the stage with talented whippersnappers from nearby high schools and Howard U. Get there early and you'll think you stepped into a jazz-themed community center, complete with a home-style plate of soul food, chessboards, and a liberal BYOB policy (with a $3 "corkage" fee and plastic cups provided).

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