2477 18th St., NW
(-1957-1967)
Property purchased by Harry Lambros in 1925 (formerly Riggs National Bank). In the 1940s there was also a Showboat Cafe owned by Lambros at 1303 H St., NW.
Jazz music policy began in 1957 under owner Pete Lambros (son of Harry) who booked Charlie Byrd for two weeks. By 1962, Byrd was scheduled at the Showboat for eight months each year.
Owned by Pete Lambros, who had previously been part owner of Jazz Central, U.S.A. Later Lambros owned Byrd's Nest and Villa Rosa Showboat, both at the same location in Silver Spring, MD. Manager Mike Thorton (-1967).
Original room capacity of 40, expanded to 90, then expanded again for a final room capacity of 148.
Byrd and Lambros moved their base of operations to Byrd's Nest in Silver Spring, MD in November 1967, but jazz continued at the Showboat through the end of the year. In 1968, Lambros sold it to “two Virginia restaurauteurs, Harry Harris and Doug Riner, who will continue to operate the first-floor restaurant and are toying with the idea of putting in Dixieland music in the downstairs show room.” (WES 4/11/68 p.B7)
In August 1968, the Left Bank Jazz Society of DC presented a concert at the old Showboat featuring the Jay Dennis Sextet. (WES 8/22/68 p.A15) In December 1968, LBJS-DC presented Jackie McLean. (WES 12/8/68 p.B4) In January 1969, LBJS-DC presented The New Thing Quintet. (WES 1/25/69 p.12)
Bill Morgan and the TCB Trio appeared at the Showboat in September 1968.
In 1969 it was announced that the Showboat would become a showcase for local rock talent. (WES 6/21/69 p.9)
Recordings by Charlie Byrd (1958), Dick Morgan (1960), Charlie Byrd (1965), Charlie Byrd (1966).
Artists
- Bill Evans
- Jimmy Giuffre
- Teddy Wilson
- Zoot Sims
- Matt Dennis
- Sam Most
- Mose Allison (1964)
- John Handy (1967)
- Ahmad Jamal (1967)
- Gene Krupa (1967)
- Earl Hines (1967)
- Dizzy Gillespie (1967)
- Howard Roberts (1967)
- Shirley Horn (1967)
Bibliography
Many times I went there from Virgina to
hear Byrd …. also his brother played bass.
It had a unique atmosphere that added to the essence of the place. It was my
favorite place as I was an avid jazz fan – including when Dizzy played it was a mad
house in a way. Times change.
Wasn’t there a strip joint by the same name? Firebombed in the late 60s?
I saw Gene Krupa at5 the Showboat Lounge in 1972, a year before Gene passed away. I was a budding Jazz Drummer and Gene was still an amazing musician and drummer. I miss the Showboat.
I studied with Buddy Deppenschmidt, Byrd’s drummer from this Era. He remained a dear friend to me up until the time of his passing in 2021. I miss him dearly and this article would have been one that he would’ve enjoyed.
Heard Mr Byrd there in September 1966, then when he came to New Zealand, twice with Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel, and finally toward the end of his life. Enjoying his music as I type…
Thank you for this! Is there any more about the Showboat Cafe on H? As I understand it, my gggrandfather was involved in this business.
It’s claimed that Stan Getz was performing at the Showboat Lounge in December of 1961 and Charlie Byrd invited Getz to stay with him. While at Byrd’s home Getz heard Byrd’s bossa nova recordings and that was the starting point for the Jazz Samba collaboration and album.
I’ve scoured pretty much everywhere I cannot find a listing of reference for this. It could have been just before 12/1961 or in January or very early February before the 2/13/1962 recording session. I’d love to confirm the date!
Love these comments, and thank Paul for the postings.
Charlie and Joe are both my uncles and God Father’s.
Can you imagine attending these small 40 seater clubs in the basement of east coast clubs at the age of 8.
Each table could accommodate 4 drinks and an ash tray.
You could cut the smoke with a knife.
Often a single spot light on Uncle Charlie and the drums and bass glued to his every gesture.
Yes do I remember Buddy…the best jazz brush player of all time! yes.
And what a great experience for you.
A moment for Charlie Byrd history.
A guitar builder frequently attended Charlie’s club performances and would bring prototypes of his latest creation.
One night he presented Charlie with “the latest” and Uncle Charlie’s response was “you deserve an “Ovation”…hence the name of the Ovation guitar which Charlie played and traveled with for years!
Prior to that, he would have to buy a seat on his plane for his Ramirez.
Keep pickin’ one and all,
David N Byrd
I went there several times in the early sixties with my girlfriend of the time. I thought Charlie Byrd would impress her. I was more into the music than she was, but she appreciated Charlie’s virtuosity. She was a classical pianist, and was not a big jazz fan. The other place I took her to regularly was the Shamrock Tavern on M St. in Georgetown, where the Country Gentlemen played Thursday through Sat. nights. She really hated Bluegrass, but didn’t mind the cheap beer. She liked me, though, and that’s what counted.
Great story!