Gypsy Sally’s to Open Sept. 12 on Water Street

Gypsy Sally’s, the live music venue and multi-use event space at 3401 Water Street, NW, above Malmaison Restaurant, will open Thursday, Sept. 12.

“Featuring local, regional and national Americana acts on its stage, Gypsy Sally’s hopes to complement the venerable Blues Alley as well as evoke memories of Georgetown’s entertainment heyday when locals and tourists had their choice of multiple venues,” the company said. Located nearly at the banks of the Potomac River, Gypsy Sally’s wants patrons to feel the vibe of the departed Bayou, the Cellar Door, Desperado’s and Crazy Horse Saloon.

Venue owners David and Karen Ensor, husband and wife, bring a diverse and extensive history of experience, knowledge and passion for the live music industry to their project, the group said.
“As a veteran musician and restaurant worker, this has been a dream a long time coming,” David Ensor said. “We are very excited to create an active relationship with the community to grow and create a space that Georgetown can make its own.”

Here’s more directly from the enthusiastic Gypsy Sally’s folks:

Gypsy Sally’s is comprised of three separate spaces, the largest space devoted to the Music Room. Gypsy Sally’s also has a Vinyl Lounge where patrons will enjoy music from classic vinyl records and an Art Gallery, both of which are perfect for events and rentals. The 1902 building was formerly an ice factory and is generously proportioned with tall ceilings perfect for live music.

The room is designed with tiered seating platforms to improve sight lines and has had acoustic treatments to ensure great sound. Consulting on the audio equipment are Greg Lukens of Washington Pro Sound and Tim Kidwell of the Birchmere.

An Americana theme pervades the space, with authentic barn wood, American flag murals and even an antique VW bus. “Our hippy bus is sure to leave a few patrons scratching their heads and asking why? Our response is simply, why not?” quips David Ensor.

Directing the Gypsy Sally’s kitchen is Donald Spencer, an experienced chef coming from Range, Bryan Voltaggio’s Friendship Heights eatery, and before that, 2941 and Panache.

Gypsy Sally’s will delight the locavore, as its cuisine goals are driven by the local farmers’ markets and food purveyors, with an emphasis on all aspects of the F.L.O.S.S. philosophy: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. “We are very fortunate to have Donald as our chef since he appreciates our locavore philosophy and our passion for music,” Karen Ensor said. The menu will change seasonally with a focus on sustainable, organic and locally acquired meats and produce wherever possible.

Gypsy Sally’s opening night on Sept. 12 will feature performance by singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale, who is also the host of the Americana Honors and Awards Show and nominated, along with Buddy Miller, for Album of the Year. Concert music lovers can look forward to concerts by the Grandmothers of Invention, the Gibson Brothers, Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison and other nationally acclaimed acts.