Melody Tavern : Live Music Resto-lounge Opens in Arlington

Post by Punch Correspondent Karen Garnick

Photo Courtesy of Dave Phillipich

I hate to admit it, but I’m the opposite of a “bridge & tunnel” person. I rarely leave DC. It’s partially due to not owning a car, and partial laziness, but the thought of “crossing the river” always seems so daunting. However, I branched out this past weekend to attend the Grand Opening of music-themed lounge Melody Tavern in Arlington, and what a treat it was! The drive was literally 5 minutes from the hill, parking was free (it is also metro accessible on the blue line), and the moment I walked in and heard Lena Seikaly’s voice, I knew I had found a hidden gem.

Lena Seikaly Photo Courtesy of Dave Phillipich

Although this destination has been open since November, they were just granted the permit to play live music, finally bringing the tavern’s name full circle. The performer Friday night was Lena Seikaly, a rising local celeb in the jazz scene. I could have listened for hours – her sweet, pure voice combined with a piano, bass, and drums delivered quite the performance. She has a new album, which can be found here.

The bar’s inspiration came from local restaurateurs Michel Daley and Jordan Cappolla. I had a chance to speak with Michael, who has been in the industry since 1992 and was most recently connected with Zanzibar. He was all smiles Friday night, chatting up local customers and talking excitedly about his vision for the venue. He hopes it will become a premier music bar in Arlington county – it has been bringing in a lively, professional crowd and offers something no other bar in the area can. Due to its 200 person capacity, he expects most of his clientele to come from Arlington, but hopes that the word will spread to DC. After all, with free parking, delicious food at reasonable prices (the head chef is from Jordan’s 8 on Capitol Hill) and live music, I have a feeling this place will blow up.

Photo Courtesy of Dave Phillipich

If you aren’t a music guru, don’t immediately discount this place. The bar was packed with loyal sports fans, thanks to the 6 huge flat screen TVs. The menu is well thought out and has something for everyone, plus the food presentation was beautiful and creative. The bar offers over 12 beers on tap, over 20 varieties of wine, and the bartenders were making some mean looking cocktails. This bar is also a hop, skip and jump away from the Regal Theater in the Potomac Yard Center, so it would be a romantic start to a night out with your loved one.

See the schedule of events below, and make your reservation on their website or by calling 703.413.4141. I personally will be hitting up one of the upcoming Saturday brunches to see Jaared, a DC native and contemporary Jazz Saxophonist.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

*JANUARY, 2012:

Wednesday: Rhapsody Blue w/ Clem Ashford (jazz fusion, R&B): Jan 25

Thursday: Sharon Clark (jazz vocals): Jan 26

Friday: Lena Seikaly (jazz vocals): Jan 27

Saturday: Jaared (jazz saxophone): Jan 28

Sunday: Barry Gurley & John Lodsin (jazz & pop vocals): Jan 29

*FEBRUARY, 2012:

Tuesday (Special Events) Valentine’s Day:

Julia Nixon (jazz, pop vocals): Feb. 14 (Advance tickets at: http://melodytavern-valentine.eventbrite) / Mardi Gras Party: Sharon Thomas Experience: (jazz, R&B): Feb 21

Wednesday:

Alpha Dog Blues Band (blues): Feb 1, 22, 29 / John Lewis (pop vocals): Feb 8, 15

Thursday:

Dixieland Direct Jazz Band (New Orleans style jazz): Feb 2 / Barry Gurley & John Lodsin (jazz & pop vocals): Feb 9, 23 / Special Event: Capital Movement Dance Co. Cabaret Show: Feb 16

Friday:

Lena Seikaly (jazz vocals): Feb 3, 10, 17, 24

Saturday:

Rhapsody Blue (jazz fusion, R&B): Feb 4, 18 / Dixieland Direct Jazz Band (New Orleans style jazz): Feb 11 / Heidi Martin (jazz vocals): Feb 25

Sunday:

Jaared (jazz saxophone): Feb 5, 12, 19, 26

Photo Courtesy of Dave Phillipich

3650 S. GLEBE ROAD, SUITE 170, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22202
MON – THUR 5PM TO 12PM, FRI & SAT 5PM TO 2AM, SUN 11AM – 12PM

**Correspondent Karen Garnick is a California native trying to get accustomed to the East Coast lifestyle (and weather!). By day, she works as an event planner for a think tank, and by night you can find her out on the town. She is a world traveler, loves baby animals, and enjoys curling up to a good book and glass of wine. Contact her at kgarnick@gmail.com**