By Jennifer Ciotta

Langston Hughes famed pastime was not only writing great poetry and literature, but doing so at jazz and blues clubs at the height of the Harlem Renaissance in Washington D.C.  Today the city thrives on the musical genre as well.  A well-known romp is Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club located in Georgetown Park.  The club boasts compliments from both the New York Times calling it the nations finest jazz and supper club and Dizzy Gillespie himself: Now this is a jazz club.  Upcoming spring 2006 shows include: Eartha Kitt, Regina Belle, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes.  A notable feature of the jaunt is its push for youth and music education.  The Blues Alley Jazz Society funds a summer camp and a youth orchestra, and holds an annual jazz band festival. 

LeDroit Park, the historically black neighborhood of the Harlem Renaissance keeps Hughes spirit alive with events and businesses.  U Street, the Black Broadway of its time still sees its share of action.  One can dine at Bens Chili Bowl, a historic restaurant which has served legendary figures such as: Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Martin Luther King Jr. and Bill Cosby, who held a 1985 press conference here.  After King was assassinated in 1968 the restaurant stayed open amidst the riots (while fellow businesses closed), feeding protesters and activists.  Bohemian Caverns, the immortal jazz palace, has attracted headliners such as: Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane.

The Greater U Street Heritage Trails takes one through the historic black district of the city.  On the walk, fourteen signs along with photos and explanations point out the sites.  Trail features include: the childhood home of Duke Ellington, a Civil War hospital spot and gorgeous architecture such as the revamped Whitelaw Hotel.  The African American Civil War Memorial, the only one of its kind, is dedicated to the 200,000 black soldiers who fought valiantly.