1201F Fall 2026 Lunch and Lecture: The Glorious History of Popular Music in Northern Virginia

When you think of history in Northern Virginia, your mind might go to Mount Vernon, Colonial Alexandria, and Arlington Cemetery. Not mentioned in the history books is the area’s amazing and forgotten history of celebrated music, from gospel, to jazz, rock, pop, and most notably country music. Discover the beating musical heart beneath the surface of our local history, and the amazing musicians who impacted American popular culture from Northern Virginia. Get ready for some surprises, stories, and great music on a white-knuckle ride of musical adventure presenting a century of celebrated musicians across just about every genre you can think of. Lunch will be a three course catered meal.

Musician, historian, and broadcaster Ken Avis spotlights the beating musical heart beneath the surface of our local history and the amazing musicians who impacted American popular culture from the DMV. Ken has presented his series of entertaining Music City D.C. talks at the Smithsonian, American University, Hard Rock Café, and to youth and music groups.