Go Hear Dan Murray at Lena’s. You’ll Understand Why I’m Gushing.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — I went upstairs at Lena’s last month to hear Dan Murray, and I came away convinced we’ll soon be saying, “We saw him when.”

This young man is that good.

I had written about Murray before the performance. I knew about his beginnings singing on the streets of Old Town and the bigger stages that followed. But knowing someone’s story and sitting in a room while he sings are two very different things.

I was floored.

There’s a little Michael Bublé in his warmth, a little Frank Sinatra in his swagger, and that delicious, velvety crooner sound that makes you want to settle into your chair and stay for another song. He’s polished, playful and ridiculously charming. The music may come from another era, but nothing about the experience feels dusty.

And Alexandria gets another chance to hear him Thursday, November 5, when Murray returns to Havana 151, upstairs at The Loft at Lena’s, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., according to Lena’s event calendar.

A Hidden Entrance, Then a Little Havana Magic

Part of the pleasure begins before Murray sings a note.

You enter from behind Lena’s, on the parking-lot side of the building, through an entrance you could easily miss. Step into a little vestibule, take the elevator upstairs, and wait for the doors to open.

You’d swear you had just arrived at a 1940s nightclub in Cuba.

Havana 151 is drop-dead gorgeous. The décor feels richly atmospheric and authentic, with just enough modern glitz to make the whole room sparkle. There’s an almost speakeasy quality to the arrival: an inconspicuous entrance, a short elevator ride, and then this glamorous world tucked away upstairs in Alexandria.

It’s a setting that deserves a singer like Murray.

Last month, he moved through the room, singing among the tables and giving people throughout the restaurant their own moment with him. You’re sitting with friends in this sumptuous space, and suddenly that velvety voice is right beside your table. The room, the music and the intimacy of it all come together beautifully.

And the kitchen more than held up its end of the evening.

I started with ceviche that was out of this world. Around our table, people ordered steaks and fish; branzino was among the menu’s offerings that night. Everybody raved about the food and its presentation. These were lovely plates to look at and even better ones to eat.

That matters. With food this good and a room this gorgeous, you already have the ingredients for a memorable dinner. Add Murray strolling among the tables, and suddenly a Thursday night feels like an occasion.

And yes, the young women noticed him.

There were admirers following him around last time. My group was a little older and quite content to appreciate the proceedings from our seats, thank you very much. But we understood the enthusiasm.

The fellow has presence.

Alexandria Heard Him Early

Murray began busking in Old Town in late 2023. Since then, his career has taken him to the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, where he performed a Tony Bennett tribute in April 2026. He is also writing his own music, including “A Very Pretty Spring,” which he debuted in March 2025, according to his official biography.

That makes this especially satisfying for those of us who love seeing Alexandria talent find its audience. Someone who started by getting people to stop on our sidewalks is giving us reasons to plan an entire evening around hearing him.

My own prediction? A major record label is going to discover what people here are already hearing. That is my enthusiastic opinion, but after last month’s performance, I would happily put it in writing.

In fact, I just did.

Make It a Dinner Date

For now, we have the pleasure of hearing Murray in a setting where he can stroll over to the table. I wouldn’t assume that kind of access will last forever.

So gather some friends. Take someone you’ve been meaning to take out. Make a proper evening of it upstairs at Lena’s, with dinner, drinks and a singer who deserves your attention.

My advice is simple: make the reservation.

Then go hear him and tell me I’m wrong. I don’t think you will.