Exploring and celebrating the incredible history of Popular Music in the Washington DC area with talks and walks. DC’s musicians have contributed significantly to every genre of popular music. The city has been a major center for Black music and arts throughout the 20th Century, but did you know it was also the Capital of Country Music during the 1950’s, and hosted some of the biggest names in pop, rock and punk from the 1960’s on.

Musician and historian Ken Avis has presented these fascinating and entertaining events at the Smithsonian and for groups at George Mason University and American University. In addition to tailored audio-visual talks, his celebrated Music City Black History Walk, a 90 minute guided walk through the U Street “Black Broadway” is available for private groups on request. Please contact Ken using the “Contact” page of this website.

Coming Soon: Spring 2024 Music City Georgetown, Walk”, a new tour focusing on the post 1960’s history of Popular Music in the bohemian heart of DC.