Sunday Night Funk at Historic King Street — 219 Restaurant

Alexandria, VA — 219 Restaurant has long been considered a King Street staple, with roots dating back to the late 1970s, when it first opened as a fine dining French-Creole restaurant.

Housed in the former residence of Scottish merchant Lewis MacKenzie—an 18th-century restored red brick private home—the building remains a quintessential Old Town landmark, complete with its own local lore, including the enduring legend of resident ghost Mrs. Edna M. Royster, who is said to “refuse to move out.”

Though denied their permit for a rooftop space, the venue unfolds across multiple levels, each offering a distinct atmosphere that blends historic charm, live entertainment, and Southern-inspired cuisine.

Creole Cuisine and Historic Atmosphere

On the main level, the Bienville Room is illuminated by ornate Hungarian crystal chandeliers, setting the tone for a formal dining experience rooted in New Orleans tradition.

The menu highlights Creole and Cajun-inspired dishes such as gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and shrimp and grits, reflecting the restaurant’s mission of bringing “an authentic taste of the French Quarter” to the bustling port city.

Basin Street Lounge: Live Music on King Street

On the second level sits the Basin Street Lounge, an intimate setting known for live blues, jazz, cigars, and a relaxed, vintage nightlife atmosphere.

Below, the lower-level Bayou Room hosts DJs and dancing, completing a layered nightlife experience within the same historic footprint.

Owners Patty Charoentra and Kelvin Eap are frequently noted for their hands-on approach, cultivating a loyal local following while welcoming visitors from across the globe. Patrons often embrace the venue’s old-school aesthetic—fedora hats, suspenders, and bow ties are a familiar sight.

Kev Powe Thang Brings Sunday Night Funk

It is in the Basin Street Lounge that Kev Powe Thang delivers its recurring Sunday night set, bringing high-energy funk, rock, and blues to the King Street crowd.

The DMV-based group is led by veteran guitarist Kev Powe Sr., whose more than five decades of experience anchor the band’s signature blend of gritty funk grooves and blues-driven improvisation.

Spotlight: Natalie “Diva Songbird” Phillips

Fronting much of the band’s live sound is Natalie Phillips, who performs under the stage name “Diva Songbird.” Often dressed in her signature silk kimono, she commands the room with a presence shaped by deep roots in R&B, soul, and gospel.

Phillips also leads her own project, The Natalie Phillips Project, performing throughout the DMV at festivals and established venues, including the H Street Festival and recent appearances at the Governor’s Mansion and the Annual George “Spider” Anderson Music & Arts event leading up to the Preakness.

Band Members and Sound

The group’s rhythm section is anchored by bassist Irvin Madden, known for locking in a deep, steady funk pocket.

Will Greenwade gives his heart to the drums and keyboard duties rotate depending on availability, with musicians including Pat Cooper and David Suggs contributing across various performances.

Together, the rotating ensemble maintains a loose, improvisational energy that ensures no two sets are ever the same.

Sunday Night Energy on King Street

As the night builds, the Basin Street Lounge takes on a transportive quality—part concert, part neighborhood gathering place. Diva Songbird moves through soulful ballads such as “Footsteps in the Dark,” “Sweet Thang,” “The First to Say Goodbye,” and “Tennessee Whiskey,” alongside extended funk improvisations that carry late into the evening.

At the far end of the bar, regulars gather as bartenders pour classic cocktails in a smoky, vintage-leaning atmosphere that feels deeply rooted in Old Town’s historic character.

A longtime local favorite, Sunday nights at 219 remain a blend of music, community, and timeless King Street energy.