Moments ago, we stopped by the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club, which is local real estate investor Rick Brown's new concept for the historic Bethesda Theater on Wisconsin Avenue. Rick, the son of a jazz drummer, says he bought the 1938 Art Deco theater two years ago with the goal of bringing another first-class music venue to the area. To that end, Rick added table seating for 300 on the ground level (as well as 200 theater seats behind) and also added a kitchen and bar. The club will have its first live show this Friday night, featuring Grammy winner Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Orchestra.
Oh, and who doesn't love that marquee? Rick's tapped Ralph Camilli, a veteran manager of classic DC clubs like The Cellar Door and Blues Alley, as director of operations, and Scott Mullen as executive chef. Scott says he plans a Creole-based menu with an American twist.
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