Concerts, Events and Workshops
The M.S.G. Acoustic Trio performing at our former Riverdale Location
Since 2009, Archie’s Barbershop has hosted concerts and instructional workshops by the world's finest acoustic blues acts in an intimate setting, drawing audiences of music lovers from around the Washington region.
John Cephas conducting a workshop at the original Barbershop on Bunker Hill Road
Check out our calendar for recurring events - like our legendary Saturday Blues Jams, Swing Jams, Uke jams, Open Mics and Music Lessons.
Upcoming Concerts & Events:
click the 'Reserve Seats' link to connect via email, then request the number of seats desired
for directions to Archie's Barbershop go HERE
Concerts:
COREY
HARRIS
playing for our OLD FASHIONED RENT PARTY
Friday February 28, 2025
at 8 pm
A powerful singer and accomplished guitarist, Corey Harris has carved out his own unique blues style by adding influences from reggae, soul, rock and West African music. Hailed by the MacArthur Foundation in 2007 as an artist who "forges an adventurous path marked by deliberate eclecticism" Harris is truly an exceptionally rare voice in blues music, with one foot in tradition and the other in contemporary experimentation.
$25
Events:
Stupid Cupid
Valentine Stories
Friday February 14 , 2025
at 7 pm
The AEBHF is partnering with Story Extreme, a Washington DC area storytelling group to bring a fun evening of Valentine's Day-themed stories for all.
Stupid Cupid will showcase 8 stories by talented local storytellers about dating, relationships and the joy and heartbreak in between. These shockingly true stories of love, lust and other disasters will give you plenty to talk about. Hosted by twice-divorced but now happily-married Stephanie Garibaldi.
$20
($10 for Barbershop Patrons)
Recurring Events:
Every Saturday
from 1-5 pm
Our weekly acoustic blues jam - the only one in the country that we know of - has become world renowned.
Find out lots more about it HERE.
Swing Jam
First Saturday of Each Month
from 5-7 pm
For musicians, singers or any fans of swing jazz music. All instruments and vocalists are welcome.
Low volume electric guitars, bass and keyboards permitted.
Uke Jam
Second Sunday of Each Month
from 1:30-3:30 pm
Ukulele players gather to play songs in a variety of styles.
All levels welcome. A one-hour educational session precedes the jam.
Acoustic Open Mic
Third Thursday of Each Month*
from 7-10 pm
Musicians of all levels are welcome to perform 3 songs in any genre in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
A second round or jam may commence if time permits.
*Not held during Summer months or December - see Calendar
Workshops & Music Lessons:
The Hyattsville Library and Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation have teamed up to present free beginning guitar, harmonica, blues vocals, and ukulele classes.
Lessons are one-hour classes and held on Saturday mornings at the
Hyattsville Library, 6530 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782.
To enroll, go to the Prince George's County Memorial Library website.
Beginning Guitar
Instructor: James Key
This course will familiarize those who have never played the guitar with some notes on the strings and how to fret basic guitar chords properly. Learn basic chords, including C, D, Dm, E, Em, F, G, A, and Am. Students will learn the major scale, chords in several keys and how to create music with others.
Please bring a guitar. Up to eight students may request to use a guitar during class if they do not have one. Priority may be given to individuals who have attended previous classes. (a great place to find a used guitar is Goodwill Finds ).
SESSION DATES: March 8, March 22, April 5 & April 19
TIME: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Beginning Ukulele
Instructor: Gina DeSimone
This class will familiarize those who have never played the ukulele with the fretboard. At the end of the class, students will be able to play basic chords and how to play several songs.
Please bring your own ukulele. Although a limited number of ukuleles will be available for use during class, you are highly encouraged to bring your own. Priority may be given to individuals who have attended previous classes.
(a great place to find a used ukulele is Goodwill Finds ).
SESSION DATES: March 8, March 22, April 5 & April 19
TIME: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Beginning Blues Harmonica
Instructor: Geoff Seals
This class will cover the basics of playing the harmonica. Students will practice several songs using drawing and blowing techniques. Learn how to accompany other musicians and the history of the instrument.
Please bring your own harmonica. Up to 20 students may request a harmonica if they do not have one.
SESSION DATES: April 12, April 26, May 10 & 24
TIME: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Singing the Blues
Instructor: YaYa Patterson
In this workshop, students will take a captivating journey into the world of blues singing, where storytelling takes center stage. We'll delve into the rich tradition of blues music, where every song tells a heartfelt story. All you need to bring is yourself, courage, and water. Get ready to unlock the power of blues storytelling through song!
SESSION DATES: April 12, April 26, May 10 & 24
TIME: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Barbershop Past Concert Performers:
A veritable Who’s Who in the world of acoustic blues have performed at the Barbershop; many more than once. Here's just a few:
Adam Gussow
Alessandro Ponti
Allen Holmes
Andy Cohen
Annie Raines & Paul Rishell
Albert Cook & Innes
Arthur Migliazza
Austin Cane
Blue Rhythm Boys
Bullfrog Willard McGhee
Cephas & Wiggins
Del Ray
Dennis Gruenling
Dom Turner
Donna Herula
Doug McLeod
Eleanor Ellis
Elijah Wald
Eric Noden & Joe Filisko
Erin Harpe
Ernie Hawkins
Gaye Adegbalola
Grant Dermody
Guy Davis
Hubby Jenkins
Jerron Paxton
Jon Shain
Jontavious Willis
John Cephas
Juke Junkies
Justin Golden
Kelly Hunt
Lauren Sheehan
Lea Gilmore
Lightning Wells
Maria Woodford
Mary Flower
Martin Grosswendt & Susanne Schatz
M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio
Otis Taylor
Paul Geremia
Phil Wiggins
Piedmont Bluz
Poor Howard
Queens of Everything
Rich Del Grosso & John de la Torre Richardson
Richmond Boys:
Andrew Alli, Justin Golden, Josh Small
Roddy Barnes
Rory Block
Scott Ainsley
Shari Kane & Dave Steele
Steve James
Tad Walters
Toby Walker
Todd Albright
In the Riverdale Barbershop, to commemorate their appearance each guest artist was asked to sign a wall. Before building renovations the signature wall was saved in this photograph:
Finding Archie's Barbershop
The Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation is located at:
4502 Hamilton Street
Hyattsville, MD 20781
There is limited parking behind the building and some street parking in the neighborhood. There are three public parking lots located within a block of the Barbershop.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
With few exceptions the Saturday jams take place from 1 to 5pm. Jams may be canceled due to bad weather or emergency. Should a major holiday fall on a Saturday there will likely be no jam. On very rare occasions, the jam may be held at a community event instead of the Barbershop.
Before setting out, please check the AEBHF Facebook page to check for any announcements that might affect the jam.