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:
In Concert at The Barbershop:
HOMEGROWN CONCERT #2
featuring
Sadia
Sadia has performed her original music at venues and festivals in Washington D.C., Annapolis, and Baltimore and has most notably had her original song “Good” featured on NPR’s All Things Considered. Additionally, Sadia has produced original scores for short films and has served as the Music Director for the John’s Hopkins Gospel Choir.
with
Spice Cake
Vocalist Yaya Patterson and guitarist Miles Spicer blend blues, jazz, and a dash of something special to create a sound that’s rich, warm, and full of flavor. Their chemistry on stage turns every set into a shared groove — part heart, part humor, all soul.
and
D&L Blues
Express
D & L Blues Express brings together guitarist and vocalist John Litwack and harmonica player John Dende.
John Litwack grew up surrounded by the Blues. His overseas work assignments afforded him the opportunity to perform blues music in many countries, including Nigeria, Russia, China, and Ethiopia. He is currently President of the DC Blues Society.
John Dende has performed throughout the Washington, D.C. region for decades, appearing at events including Georgetown's Fête de la Musique, Georgetown Jingle, and programs associated with the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation.
Bill Kirchen
Acoustic
Friday August 14, 2026
and
Saturday August 15, 2026
at 8 pm
Join us as Grammy nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen - known as 'The Master of the Telecaster' - will perform for two rare acoustic shows!
First gaining recognition as a founding member of 'Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen', Bill's trademark slick licks drove their song, 'Hot Rod Lincoln' into the Top Ten in 1972. He has since released over a dozen albums under his own name and has played live and/or recorded with a veritable 'who's who' of Americana and Roots artists.
$30
Events:
Road TRIP!
The AEBHF is sponsoring a trip to the
Talbotton
Blues Festival
Friday October 23, 2026
to
Monday October 26, 2026
Tentative Itinerary:
Oct 23 - Friday:
-
6am - Depart 4502 Hamilton St. Hyattsville, MD (or somewhere in the metro area)
-
Stop for lunch
-
Arrive Hampton Inn in Columbus, GA
-
Depart Hampton Inn for Talbotton Festival
-
Depart Talbotton and return to Hampton Inn
Oct 24 - Saturday:
-
Depart hotel and go to Ma Rainey House 805 Fifth Ave. Columbus GA 31901
(note: Ma Rainey house is under renovation may not be available)
-
Depart Ma Rainey House and go to Talbotton Festival
-
Depart Talbotton Festival for Hampton Inn, Columbus
Oct 25 - Sunday:
-
Sleep in - depart hotel and travel to La Grange, GA for jam time and evening concert
-
Depart La Grange and return to Hampton Inn
Oct 26 - Monday:
-
6 am - Depart Hampton Inn and return to Maryland
Details:
Accommodations:
Hampton Inn, 390 Bear Lane, Columbus, GA (about 20 miles from the festival)
Food:
The Hampton Inn provides free breakfast - but beyond that you'll be on your own. There will be food trucks at the festival. There are numerous restaurants in La Grange and Jontavious’s mother will be cooking Sunday.
Cost:
The cost of the trip is $500.00 per person which includes transportation on a 55-passenger coach, 3 nights’ accommodations (double occupancy) and admission into the festival. If you require a single room there will be an upcharge of an additional $200.00. As mentioned, lunch and dinner are NOT included. The AEBHF will assume a portion of the costs of the trip.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We will need a minimum of 30 attendees to make this happen. If we cannot get 30 travelers from the Barbershop, it will be opened to other blues organizations.
Payment:
A (refundable) $100.00 deposit will be required by August 1; the deposit becomes non-refundable after September 1. Balance will be due by September 27. Deposits may be made by check to AEBHF, Paypal or credit card.
Specific times will be announced prior to the events.
If you have any questions please click HERE.
Recurring Events:
Every Saturday
from 1-5 pm
Our signature weekly acoustic blues jam -
the only one in the country that we know of -
which has become world renowned!
Find out more about it HERE.
Swing Jam
1st or 2nd Saturday* of Each Month
from 5-7 pm
For musicians, singers or any fans of swing jazz music.
All acoustic instruments and vocalists are welcome.
*click HERE to stay updated by getting on the Swing Jam email list.
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.
Stage and sound system provided.
If time permits, a second round or jam may commence.
*Not held during Summer months - 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 find session dates and/or enroll,
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 ).
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 ).
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.
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!
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 & Jim Countryman
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.