Mars Arts D.C. After Hours at Barrel House Cafe & Bar
Global Sounds. Local Energy. One Neighborhood.
Your Midweek Plans Just Got Better. Who says you have to wait until the weekend to go out?
Mars Arts DC brings live music, good food, great drinks, and fresh energy to Barrel House DC with a monthly music series spotlighting some of the DMV’s most exciting artists and the global sounds shaping Washington, D.C. And the best part? It’s Pay What You Can ($5 minimum). Come experience incredible live music at a price that works for you.
Starting at 8:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays in fall and winter, these are nights built for working adults who want to get out, catch a great show, grab a drink, and discover something new. Meet up with friends, make a night of it, or simply pull up and see where the evening takes you.
Fall & Winter Lineup
The Experience Band and Show
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Barrel House Cafe & Bar
Kick off the series with a little New Orleans flavor and a whole lot of D.C. energy. The Experience Band and Show brings a second-line jazz sensibility to the stage, blending brass, funk, R&B, and the unmistakable bounce of Go-Go. Expect big brass, deep grooves, and the kind of grown-folks energy that makes Wednesday night feel like the weekend.
Taisha Estrada
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Barrel House Cafe & Bar
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Taisha Estrada’s music moves effortlessly between neo-soul, jazz, rock, Latin rhythms, and intimate bilingual storytelling. Her sound is soulful without trying too hard, sophisticated but never distant, with grooves that invite you to lean in and stay awhile. This is the one for a good cocktail, good conversation, and music that lingers after the last note.
Juan Manú
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Barrel House Cafe & Bar
Take a midweek trip through Latin folk, Mexican roots, Tejano culture, and contemporary songwriting with D.C.-based artist Juan Manú. A skilled violinist, guitarist, vocalist, and storyteller, Juan brings warmth, rhythm, and a distinctly personal perspective to every performance. Expect an intimate, globally inspired evening that feels right at home over dinner, drinks, or a late-night conversation.
EducArte
Wednesday, January 13, 2027, 8:30 p.m.
Barrel House Cafe & Bar
Start the new year with the vibrant sounds of Brazil. Brazilian musician, arts administrator, and EducArte co-founder Pablo DeOliveira brings the rich traditions of Brazilian music into conversation with the D.C. music scene, with samba and the cavaquinho. Expect rhythm, warmth, and a little Brazilian sunshine in the middle of January.
Pranav Shikarpur
Wednesday, February 10, 2027, 8:30 p.m.
Barrel House Cafe & Bar
Ease into February with an evening of Hindustani classical music and the hauntingly beautiful sound of the bansuri, the Indian bamboo flute. Pranav Shikarpur brings years of study and a deep connection to Indian classical music to an intimate performance that is atmospheric, melodic, and quietly captivating. Come curious, settle in with a drink, and let the music take you somewhere unexpected.
Pay what you can. Come for the music. Stay for the vibe.
Mars Arts D.C.
Presented by Mars Arts D.C. in partnership with Barrel House Cafe & Bar, this series brings together music, nightlife, culture, and community—creating a new space for local artists and a fresh way to experience the incredible sounds of Washington, D.C.
Mars Arts D.C. is a partnership of Mars, Incorporated and Washington Performing Arts, with support from Jacqueline Badger Mars.
