A couple of weeks ago, a friend reached out to let us know he’d be in town and wanted to see if anyone from our little industry crew was free for dinner. This group came together during COVID, when we formed a virtual networking circle to stay connected while everything else was shut down. What started as a professional support system slowly became something more—friendships built on shared experiences and mutual respect. These days, we occasionally get together in person, and every time we do, I’m reminded how much I value it.

I secured a babysitter and was genuinely looking forward to the night. It’s not always easy to carve out that kind of time, but it’s always worth it.

We met for dinner at Founding Farmers, one of those reliably great spots where the food and drinks are solid, and the energy is warm and welcoming. About eight of us gathered around the table—some faces I’ve known for years now, others I hadn’t seen in a while. We caught up on life, work, and everything in between. The kind of conversation that reminds you why it’s good to get out of your inbox and back into real life.

After dinner, we made our way to Blues Alley, a legendary jazz club tucked into a side street in Georgetown. I’d never been before, and walking in felt like entering another era—low lighting, candlelit tables, and that wonderful sense of anticipation that only live music brings.

We saw the April Varner Quartet, and April herself was the evening’s star. Her voice was absolutely spectacular—silky, powerful, and evocative of the 1940s in the very best way. I’m not usually a big jazz person, but I was completely drawn in. She held the room with such grace and presence, it was impossible not to be moved.

There’s something incredibly restorative about nights like this—when good food, meaningful conversation, and unexpected joy all line up. I left Blues Alley feeling full in every sense of the word: grateful for community, for music, and for friendships that have endured and evolved.

If you ever get the chance to see April Varner live, take it. And if you haven’t made it to Blues Alley yet, it’s absolutely worth your time—even if jazz isn’t normally your thing, it just might surprise you.