Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere may be Alexandria’s best-known music venue, but it is hardly the only one. Bands play upstairs at Evening Star and inside a King Street art gallery. Lena’s has made music a regular part of the week. At 219, the jazz starts after dinner.

The Birchmere

3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305

The Birchmere’s appeal is the chance to hear nationally known artists in an intimate room, with dinner served at your table. Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are but two of the thousands of performers who have helped build its reputation.

I’m Still Thinking About… how intimate the venue is, like sitting at a private performance.

The Birchmere is located in the North Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.

Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap

401 E. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22301

At Lena’s, local musicians play on the patio Tuesdays and in the Loft Thursdays, from 6 to 9 p.m. The patio is first come, first served; you can reserve a table upstairs. It is a good arrangement for anyone who wants live music with dinner and still intends to get up early the next morning.

I’m Still Thinking About… Lena’s giving Tuesday its own music night.

Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap on East Braddock Road.

Mobius Records and the No. 9 Lounge

2016 and 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

Mobius Records has opened a Del Ray location a few doors from Evening Star Café. No. 9, Evening Star’s upstairs lounge, was hosting bands before the shop arrived. Now the Mobius partners plan additional performances there, along with record-release listening parties and vinyl nights. The new shop joins a block where people can already go to hear music.

I’m Still Thinking About… a record shop opening within walking distance of a room that already has bands.

Mobius Records in Del Ray, near Evening Star Café and its No. 9 Lounge.

219 Restaurant and Basin Street Lounge

219 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

At 219, the Basin Street Lounge lists live jazz and blues nightly beginning at 9 p.m. Check the band calendar before going; the musician onstage can make this an entirely different visit from one night to the next. The Bayou Room pictured here is another part of the same King Street restaurant.

I’m Still Thinking About… a place to hear jazz on a Wednesday.

The Bayou Room at 219 Restaurant. Live jazz and blues are performed in its Basin Street Lounge.

Galactic Panther Art Gallery

1303 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

The panther in the front window is easy to spot. What is happening inside depends on the night. Galactic Panther books live music among its ticketed events, with performances set against changing exhibitions. Check the calendar for a show; an ordinary visit to the gallery and a night of music are different experiences here.

I’m Still Thinking About… hearing a band with an exhibition still on the walls.

The front window of Galactic Panther Art Gallery on King Street.

Eva’s Final Thought: A night out supports the musicians and artists who bring these spaces to life, and the local businesses that give them room to be heard.