We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
It seems Rare Essence is returning to U Street.
In the ‘90s and early ’00s, RE’s weekly gig at Club U, inside the Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center, was one of the hottest events on the U Street corridor. The band’s run at the club ended in 2005, following the stabbing death of 31-year-old club patron Terrence Brown.
The District’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board decided Brown’s death was the last straw in in a string on incidents at the nightclub, and yanked the spot’s liquor license indefinitely, which led to its demise. As a result, the Wickedest Band Alive left U Street, becoming part of a huge nightlife flight that eventually made way for an Alero, a Quiznos, and a bunch of condos.
Essence’s return to 14th and U is being billed as the Club U reunion, but it’s actually happening at The Republic, which is pretty much right across the street from the Reeves Center. Close enough.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
9:00pm – 2:00am
The Republic
1355 U Street, NW
$25
This isn't a paywall.
We don't have one. Readers like you keep our work free for everyone to read. If you think that it's important to have high quality local reporting we hope you'll support our work with a monthly contribution.