If Walls Could Talk: Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe

I’m really excited about doing this one and I’m sure there are a few of you out there that are really going to enjoy learning about our favorite spot, Kramerbooks.

Since 1976, this place has been a favorite place to find a book, grab a bite, some beer, or have some coffee and chat over dessert. Some of you may even remember when it hit the national spotlight in the late 90s when they refused to disclose Monica Lewinksy’s book purchases after being subpoenaed by Ken Starr.

Dupont would not be what it is today without this establishment and it’s clear that our President and his daughters agree. So, let’s get started with the next “If Walls Could Talk,” Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe at 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

By the way, let me prepare you for some serious turnover at this address. You’ll see what I’m talking about.

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The Washington Hilton: Where Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Robby Krieger Played in 1967

The Doors play the Washington Hilton - 1967

The Washington Hilton was a happenin’ place to see live music apparently, with Hendrix also playing there in ’68. Thanksgiving was the following Thursday, so I imagine a large number of kids were home from college, and what better way to take a break than watch Morrison, Manzarek, Densmore and Krieger?

The Doors International Ballroom ticket
Ticket stub for the Doors – November 25th, 1967

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Jimi Hendrix at the Washington Hilton: A Look Back at the Guitar God’s 1968 Performance in D.C.

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Washington Hilton 1968

Wow, this one is gold. Jimi Hendrix played the Washington Hilton on Connecticut Ave. NW — the same one where Hinkley shot Reagan in 1981. That’s right, the guitar god himself played to 4,000 fans in the hotel’s international ballroom on March 10th, 1968, accompanied by his bandmates, Noel Redding (drums) and Mitch Mitchell (bass). This one might be cooler than the Beatles playing D.C. in 1964, but I don’t want to spark a giant musical debate. They’re both awesome finds.

Check out the photo below of Jimi tearing up the stage.

Hendrix playing the Washington Hilton
Hendrix playing the Washington Hilton

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