Blues Alley Update

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty heard from this reporter today that Blues Alley hasn't had a lease agreement since 1998 and could be forced to close or move outside it's Georgetown home of nearly forty years.

Fenty made clear that he understands the historical contribution the oldest jazz club has made to the city, not only culturally but economically as well. He says he's putting a deputy Mayor on the case immediately.

One Council member said one possible new home for Blues Alley might be National Harbor Place in Fort Washington on the Potomac in Prince George's County. National Harbor has already bought "The Awakening" statue from Haines Point in the District with plans too move it to the incredible enclosed resort. The National Children's Museum may also be on its way out of DC.

DC Council members Kwame Brown and Jack Evans told me they would favor the same kind of tax breaks for Blues Alley's landlord that were given to the owners of Ben's Chili Bowl, if that will translate into a long term and reasonable lease agreement for the club's owner Harry Schnipper.

Harry told me by phone this week that the Zanzibar in Philly and another historic Jazz club in Chicago had closed because of rising costs that made it impossible to remain open.

To view an interview and report that I produced with singer Phyllis Hyman in 1992 just click on the link below.

Click here to watch Phyllis Hyman at Blues Alley.