The entry to Gypsy Sally’s, located in Georgetown (Photo by Drew Doggett).
By DCist Contributor Drew Doggett
In recent years, the city’s live music scene has centered around pockets of D.C., like U Street and Adams Morgan. Georgetown used to be a hub for live music, but Blues Alley was becoming increasingly isolated as a music venue. Now, thanks in no small part to Gypsy Sally’s, the neighborhood might be getting its groove back.
David Ensor, or Silky Dave as his former bandmates call him, and his wife, Karen, have run Gypsy Sally’s for four years. Named after a hard-times watering hole in the Townes Van Zandt song “Tecumseh Valley”, Gypsy Sally’s is tucked beneath the Whitehurst Freeway, near the Georgetown waterfront.
The couple has each been the yin to the other’s yang, and they both pivoted careers to open Gypsy Sally’s. David was a restaurant worker and Karen a small business owner before they teamed up to work on Gypsy Sally’s. The couple wanted to start a music venue and they knew what they wanted out of the space, namely exceptional sight lines for the audience, reasonable rent, and vibrant acoustics. Landing a shabby ice warehouse from 1902 was certainly a surprise.
“The space just had great bones,” said Ensor. “When we got this place, the nostalgia certainly kicked in. Georgetown used to be cool with great live music venues like The Bayou and The Cellar Door. It was really a happy accident.”
Ensor has been jamming with bands throughout his life, and occasionally takes to his own stage, playing with the featured musicians. The self-described “second-rate guitarist and first-rate teacher” knew the risks that came with pursuing the dream.
“I wouldn’t wish being a musician on anybody,” said Ensor. “Every year it gets harder and harder for musicians to make a living.”
Artists and audiences have fallen in love with Ensor’s intimate 400-person venue. He credits John Kadlecik, a locally based guitarist who performed with original members of The Grateful Dead, with jumpstarting Gypsy Sally’s and putting it on the map. Kadlecik’s run was so successful that he sold out six straight Tuesdays as Gypsy Sally’s hit its one year anniversary.
“He helped turn us into ‘Dead Central,’ which led the way for more jam bands,” said Ensor. “Dead Heads are easy to poke fun of because they tend to be overzealous, but they have an appreciation, a love for all music.”
Originally set on hosting folk and Americana acts, the booking team realized expanding its artists to fit the audience was key. Artists ranging from Breaking Biscuits, Jamestown Revival, Steve Kimock, and White Ford Bronco all fit into the club’s eclectic lineup.
“We learned very quickly that while we were filling an under-served niche, it wasn’t going to pay rent,” Ensor said. “We’ve since branched out into jam bands, funk, and reggae. A lot of those bands are not Americana, but the majority are ‘rootsy.’ Our core audience seems to roll with it.”
If you’re not a Dead Head, one night at Gypsy Sally’s may turn you into one. The Vinyl Lounge, which connects to the main performance space, features an ongoing photo exhibit of Dead bandleader Jerry Garcia and his colleagues. The Lounge also provides a secondary stage with no cover, serving as a sanctuary for regulars during busy shows. Classic vinyl records embedded in the bar’s counter are leftovers from Ensor’s own collection, which unfortunately washed away in a flood years ago.
Gypsy Sally’s has carved out a loyal base, but Ensor must constantly look for new blood to attract audiences. With The Anthem and Union Stage opening at the waterfront, along with more established rooms like the 9:30 Club and Black Cat, Gypsy Sally’s is one of many venues from which audiences and artists may choose.
“I could make more money with a DJ set every night, but that’s not our vibe,” said Ensor. “It’s definitely ballsy to keep our programs for the faithful. We’re in it for the long haul.”
Part of the draw comes from the club’s warm environment. Bartender Baptiste Bourgade ended up at Gypsy Sally’s after moving to the District from Paris. He doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
“This place is like a family,” Bourgade said. “Everyone who works here just loves music.”
Ensor doesn’t pretend to accommodate everyone in the neighborhood. He sees Gypsy Sally’s as a destination for music lovers across the DMV. He aims to “attract serious music lovers who are dedicated to supporting live music.”
Five years from now, Ensor just wants “the doors kept open, the beer cold, and the atmosphere inviting.”
When it comes to the music he hopes to offer in the future, Ensor doesn’t want to act as a preservationist. Instead, his team is trying to write its own chapter in the community’s music history.
“It’s more important for us to be accepted by the bands and customers we want. The scene will take care of itself,” Ensor said.
Gypsy Sally’s is located at 3401 Water Street NW. Visit the venue’s website for its upcoming performance schedule.
