Woodie’s Hilltop Pub

2718 Georgia Ave., NW

Formerly Sabbatical Leave. Opened October 19, 1984. Owner Mickey Lewis. Booking manager Chips Bayen (1985-), Andre Smith (1987).

Room capacity of 90 (or 125).

Live jazz was presented sporadically during the club’s existence. Philly Joe Jones was resident drummer in 1984-85, and the Hilltop Pub gained a reputation as a prime destination for bebop. William A. Brower wrote, “When Woody’s [sic] is happening, it’s just about the best vibe in town.” (WI 3/20/85 p.16) Local rhythm sections accompanied visiting artists with Reuben Brown (p) and Billy Hart (d) appearing frequently in 1985 and 1986. Pianist-vocalist Alvin Coleman played weekdays in the early evening.

In early March 1985, the club was temporarily closed due to vandalism. (WI 3/20/85 p.16) It also closed later that spring for remodeling, reopening in September 1985. (WI 9/25/85 p.19) A regular Thursday feature for saxophonist Gary Thomas was short-lived, and the booking of weekend national jazz acts also ended in December 1985. Organist-vocalist Sedatrius Brown appeared regularly in the interim. Brown also played a long stretch in the summer of 1986. The early months of 1988 featured piano trios led by Eddie Hayter (January) and Mark Ellicott (February). The club again tried a policy for national acts in June 1989.

Artists

Bibliography