The Birchmere

The Birchmere is Alexandria, Virginia's legendary music hall, billing itself as "America's Legendary Music Hall" since 1966 — the year Gary Oelze opened it as a modest neighborhood restaurant in a Shirlington strip mall and live music quickly became his life's work. Now at 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, it is a seated listening room with tables, a full-service kitchen and a "quiet, please" respect between audience and performer that the room is known for. Many careers have been launched here: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dave Matthews, Vince Gill, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and k.d. lang all count the Birchmere as good friends. Alongside the music, the room books a steady strand of touring comedy — David Cross, Paula Poundstone, Trae Crowder, #IMOMSOHARD and A John Waters Christmas all appear on the current calendar. Seating is general admission by line number (box office and venue doors at 5pm, music hall at 6pm, shows at 7:30pm unless noted), all ages, with free on-site parking and an adjoining all-standing Flex Stage for dance-oriented shows.