There’s something magical about walking through Washington DC at night with live music calling your name. That’s exactly what happened during our recent adventure when we decided to head to the legendary 9:30 Club to catch the Boston-based funk-jazz-pop septet Couch performing their groovy, genre-bending tunes.
The Walk from Columbia Heights
Starting from our cozy Airbnb in Columbia Heights, we laced up our walking shoes and hit the pavement. The neighborhood vibe was electric as we made our way through DC’s streets, chatting and building anticipation for the show. Columbia Heights has such a cool energy at night—bustling with people, street lights reflecting off storefronts, and that unmistakable sense of something exciting about to happen. The walk took us right into the heart of the city, and honestly? It was the perfect warm-up for what was to come.
The 9:30 Club Experience
The 9:30 Club is absolutely one of those bucket-list venues if you’re a live music fan. Located at 815 V Street NW in the U Street Corridor, this iconic spot has been a DC institution since 1996 (though it actually started way back in 1980). Rolling Stone even named it one of the best live music venues in the country, and once you step inside, you totally understand why.
The venue has this perfect sweet spot where it feels intimate enough to really connect with the band and the crowd, but spacious enough that you don’t feel claustrophobic. The acoustics are phenomenal, and the crowd is always respectful but enthusiastic—exactly the vibe you want for a concert.
Catching Couch
Now, let me tell you about Couch. These seven musicians (yes, a septet!) are absolutely delightful to watch live. The band features Tema Siegel on lead vocals, with Zach Blankstein on guitar and bass, Jared Gozinsky on drums, Will Griffin on bass, Dany Silverston on keys, Jeffery Pinsker-Smith on trumpet, and Eric Tarlin on saxophone and vocals.
The backstory alone is charming—the band formed when Zach had a concussion and they had to rehearse in his dark basement on his couch. Yes, that’s really how they got their name! But beyond the quirky origin story, their music is what really captivates you. They blend funk, jazz, soul, pop, and rock influences into something that’s uniquely them—something they’ve carefully cultivated over the years, especially during their long-distance recording period. Watching them live, you can hear why people compare them to bands like Lawrence and Lake Street Dive.
The Post-Show Treat: Insomnia Cookies
Here’s where the night got even better. On our walk back from the 9:30 Club toward Columbia Heights, we stumbled upon a perfect late-night craving killer: Insomnia Cookies. DC has several locations of this late-night bakery concept, and we were thrilled to pop in and grab some warm, gooey cookies. There’s something about biting into a freshly baked Insomnia cookie at night—whether it’s their famous Chocolate Chunk or another flavor—that just caps off a perfect evening.
The shop was still bustling with people who had the same brilliant idea, and the staff was super friendly despite the late hour. We grabbed our cookies and headed back to the Airbnb to relive the show while munching on warm, chewy goodness. Best. Post-concert. Decision. Ever.
The Perfect Night Out
What made this whole evening so special wasn’t just catching an amazing live band or the nostalgia of walking through DC streets. It was the combination of it all—the anticipation during our walk, the energy of the 9:30 Club crowd, the incredible live performance from Couch, and then that sweet (literally!) ending with Insomnia Cookies. This is exactly what traveling should feel like: discovering cool venues, supporting live music, and treating yourself to local experiences and treats.
If you’re ever in DC with a free evening, do yourself a favor. Check the 9:30 Club’s event calendar, grab some friends, lace up your walking shoes, and make an evening of it. And definitely plan a cookie stop on your way back home. Your future self will thank you for it.