DC9 Nightclub
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
DC9 Nightclub is a nightclub and restaurant in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is known for its indie music scene, dance parties, and karaoke. DC9 has a capacity of 250 people and is a venue for live music and DJs.
DC9 was established in 2004 in at 1940 Ninth Street, Northwest in Shaw. Co-owner Bill Spieler, a DJ, launched the business with Joe Englert and other industry members. Spieler's wife, Amber Bursik is the venue chef and assists Spieler with operational management.[1] Steve Lambert became the booker in late 2006.[2] In 2007, general manager Josh Copeland joined DC9. It is a two-story space formerly occupied by Metro Cafe. Before that, the space contained Club Hollywood and Asylum. DC9 features musicians from the indie music scene.[3] The venue is mostly known for hosting indie rock bands, with a shift towards hosting house music events in its recent runnings. The venue is not known as a gay club, however the venue does attract a wide audience of customers through its variance in events.[4] DC9 hosts karaoke and dance parties.[5] In 2010, a man who had thrown a brick in the venue's window died after being restrained by five DC9 employees. After being initially charged with homicide, Metropolitan Police dropped all charges.[6][7][8] In 2018, DC9 began hosting pop-up bars.[9]
It contains a narrow saloon bar with a digital jukebox on the ground floor. The upstairs is a double-wide concert room.[3] There is a glass-enclosed rooftop bar that opened in 2010.[1][10] DC9 has a no-phone policy at its DJ events and encourages people to check in the phones with their coats.[4]
DC9 shut down operations on March 16, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to comply with the D.C suspension of on-site operations of nightlife venues. The club gradually re-opened their restaurant services, beginning with take-out and outdoor dining, when dining restrictions loosened on June 22, 2020.[11]
In 2024, to celebrate the venue’s 20th anniversary, Bill Spieler organized a week-long, 4 show series that celebrated the venue’s history. The series showcased and honored bands that have performed in the past, and highlighted performers in the present and future.[12]
References
- 1 2 Lee, Mark (November 20, 2013). "DC9 nears its number 10". Washington Blade. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ↑ Paschall, Valerie (February 14, 2014). "Five Questions For Steve Lambert: Looking Back at Ten Years of DC9". DCist. Archived from the original on May 10, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- 1 2 Hahn, Fritz (April 23, 2004). "DC9 Fitting In". Washington Post. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- 1 2 Rule, Doug (December 4, 2014). "DC9's Discnotheque: Everybody Dance Now". Metro Weekly. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ↑ Hermoza, Laura Catherine (February 20, 2017). "Best Places to See Indie Rock in Washington, D.C." CBS DC. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ↑ Wallace, Elliott (February 10, 2014). "Reflecting On 10 Years Of Business With DC9's General Manager Bill Spieler". D.C. Music Download. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ↑ Mathis, Sommer (November 1, 2010). "DC9 liquor license hearing: Board continues suspension of club's license for 30 days". WJLA-TV. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ↑ Brumfield, Sarah (October 16, 2010). "Nighclub owner, 4 others charged in beating death". The Daily Times. Salisbury, Maryland. Retrieved May 10, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Plumb, Tierney (December 19, 2018). "Garbage Pop-Up Gives Shaw an Excuse to Order Sex on the Beach Cocktails". Eater DC. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ↑ Calder, James (September 15, 2010). "First Look: DC9's New Roof Deck". DCist. Archived from the original on May 10, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ↑ Narasimhan, Daya Benami. "The Day the District Went Quiet: Music Venues in the Time of COVID-19". The Hoya. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ↑ Bedford, Dorvall (February 7, 2024). "Almost Drinking Age: DC9 Celebrates 20 Years". Washington City Paper. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
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