A living room, a legacy, and a lot of jazz

On the 21st of every month, neighbors on Capitol Hill know exactly where to find the beat: David Weiner’s living room. 

At 75 years old, Weiner has turned his DC row house into a jazz club of sorts, hosting a monthly jam session that’s equal parts block party, open mic, and community festival.

• What started as a small gathering of musician friends has grown into a neighborhood tradition—horns spilling out the windows, keyboards tucked between couches, and guests balancing plates of potluck food while keeping time with the drummer.
• There’s a $21 suggested ticket price to pay the house band, but whether you show up with cash, a shared potluck meal, or empty-handed, everyone is welcome.

Weiner loves to provide a space where people can connect over music without the formalities of a concert hall. And judging by the packed house each month and 1,000 people on his email list for invites, the get-togethers strike the right note.

He has no plans of stopping any time soon. “Thinking of myself being 85 and doing it seems a little preposterous,” Weiner told the Washington Post. “But at the same time, you know, why not?”

In an era where so much culture is consumed on screens, Weiner’s living room reminds us that some of the best shows aren’t streamed—they’re simply lived.