EIGHTEENTH STREET LOUNGE IS BACK
In 1995, Farid Nouri and his friends felt a specific kind of energy was missing in Washington D.C’s buzzing dance and live music scene. They talked about opening a more intimate kind of environment with a different low key vibe focusing on different styles and genres of music and by doing so they unknowingly changed the face of the city’s culture and reputation worldwide.
So much contributed to the iconic status of 18th Street Lounge. not only was it their versatile approach to music by appealing to audiences who could appreciate the fusion of reggae, jazz, house, trip hop and drum and bass. They also really knew how to do it. They welcomed everyone, but kept the standards high. creating the right atmosphere was part of their longevity and success. People that loved the vibe became regulars, and everyone that worked there from the door to coat check were all really part of that vibe. The following washington post article talks about it in great detail and describes the times really well.
“The mid-1990s was the slick and suited post-“Reservoir Dogs” era. The woozy metronomic thump of Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky — trip-hop, imported from London’s thriving scene — was the soundtrack. Cigarette smoke still smogged clubs, clinging to your clothes, your hair, your lungs.
Every weekend, same ritual: up the longest, narrowest stairs you’ve ever encountered and into the pulsating void.
Sometimes it seems as if everyone who has ever lived in Washington has found themselves on the vintage sofas at ESL at least once.”
18th ( ESL) became a beloved place in D.C. for 25 years, until sadly having to close its doors in 2020 due to the pandemic. People all over the world reacted to the news with major disappointment and with the hope that there would be a comeback cause it felt much more than some kind of “oh well, end of an era” scenario. so The good news is that next month ESL is re-opening, not bigger, not louder, and not the same.
The idea of a re-opening doesn’t mean it has to replicate the original. ESL has had to evolve with the times and these changes are beautiful because they are keeping true to the original values and style. The new ESL is a two-level, 5,000-square-foot space at 1230 Ninth Street (In the historic neighborhood of Blagden alley in Shaw). Despite some controversy, ESL wants to make a positive impact in the community and is supporting and raising awareness for local charities including Ward 2 Mutual Aid and N Street Village. We talked to farid about the upcoming opening.
“The new ESL will be smaller and more intimate and have a dedicated patio space keeping true to its original aesthetics. It will also include some new creative elements through collaborations with local artists like Anna Le and Artis Moon. I don’t want to share too much- but there will be weekend afternoons and early evenings with curated programming dedicated to the mind/body experience on the earlier side and of course, the focus will also be on highlighting different styles of music every night, be it live music, dj’s or both.”
Another development you’ll find in the new esl is the female creative energy that has been put into it’s artistic creation.
“This has been a dream project, and a dream team with which to work! Having the opportunity to contribute as Art Director, with *in my opinion* the most important live music venue DC has to offer, has been a heartfelt reconnect to a city that’s lost too many venues over the the last few years. As long time fans of ESL, my team and I were able to really tap into the heartbeat of ESL’s long standing history as a place to celebrate and connect through music. We’ve touched every brick in the new venue with the spirit that is ESL; and our love for the community that’s been a part of it for over 2 decades. I’m so excited to welcome everyone ‘home’!””
“As a DC native, I was honored, to be invited into the fold of this project as a Muralist. To collaborate with fellow Corcoran alumni in realizing the vision for the new space made it extra special. We put our heart & soul into the paint in honor of all those who have loved ESL & made it a success over the years, including those who are now our Ancestors. The concept for the patio garden was to tie in elements of the indoors to bring the comfortable feel of ESL outside- to make another space that felt like it was a part of the collection of rooms and spaces. The fireplace mantel is a nod to the 18th St. location. There will be lots of lilies in the outdoor space, too. Lilies are the subject of the mural in Blagden Alley and are planted upstairs around the roof deck mantel.”
Photography Nancy Anderson Cordell
