Bayou Doc Returns to TV

We are pleased to announce that our Emmy-nominated PBS documentary about the 45-year history of your favorite club, The Bayou: DC’s Killer Joint, will air on WETA-TV on Monday, June 5, at 9 p.m. and stream on WETA Metro at 8 p.m.

WETA Metro is available on channel 26.5, via cable networks Verizon FIOS (channel 470) and RCN (channel 599) and streaming on YouTube TV, PBS.org, the free PBS Video App and on WETA.org.

For nearly half a century, The Bayou nightclub electrified the Washington, D.C., music scene with a dazzling array of heavyweight performers, undiscovered stars, local heroes, and offstage follies.

Cast in the shadow of a freeway overpass and square to the gritty Georgetown waterfront, the brick-and-stone marvel showcased the titans of rock ‘n’ roll and Dixieland jazz, and so much more. From biker gangs to Dire Straits; from a rat sandwich to Bad Brains; from strippers to Kiss, The Bayou served a tasty stew that stirred the senses and quelled the most ravenous musical appetites.

Jazz icons Count Basie, Woody Herman, and Buddy Rich livened the place, though none more so than Wild Bill Whelan: The impish house cornetist cued the rollicking tone that would define the club’s 45-year existence.

Beyond the foolery, The Bayou emerged as an iconic Washington, D.C., music emporium. Foreigner made its club debut there, the band so green its road manager had to mark the way from dressing room to stage. An obscure Irish foursome, U2, opened for local punk greats The Slickee Boys. Billy Joel recorded live cuts for his LP Songs in the Attic there. Bruce Springsteen, unannounced, showed up to jam during a Robbin Thompson gig. Beloved chanteuse Eva Cassidy made her final performance there.

Why were Mickey Mantle and Robert Plant kicked out of the place? What exactly went on beneath The Bayou stage, even during performances? Why did Star Wars creator George Lucas target club lighting director Tim Pace? Tune in and see.