For more than 60 years, The Birchmere has been a cornerstone of Alexandria’s live music scene. Founded in 1966 by Gary Oelze, the once small sandwich shop evolved into a 500-seat venue, becoming one of the region’s most beloved music halls.
Today, owner Susan Pilchard Oelze and Promotions Director Michael Jaworek carry forward Gary’s legacy following his death in 2023.
“Gary started here from nothing but a really small sandwich shop that he brought music into,” said Susan. “Soon it grew into a second venue, and now this one. This is home.”
Before The Birchmere became an Alexandria institution, Gary Oelze opened its first location in Arlington in 1966.
Oelze and Jaworek have worked on preserving the intimate listening experience and balancing tradition with the realities of an ever-changing music industry. Performances range from jazz, bluegrass, rock, folk, comedy, and more.
Inside the venue, signed albums and concert memorabilia greet you as you walk in, paying tribute to the legends who’ve graced its stage. Johnny Cash once strummed the opening chords of “Ring of Fire,” Ray Charles gave his final performance of “Hit the Road Jack,” and Dave Matthews even recorded a live album. It’s equal parts living museum and shrine to American music. Plus, the food is well worth a round of applause.
Through decades of change in the industry, The Birchmere has remained rooted in its identity as a place where artists and audiences can connect with live music. Its longevity is a testament not only to the venue’s commitment to that experience, but also to the strong community support and cultural vibrancy that Alexandria brings.
The Birchmere owner Susan Pilchard Oelze and her late husband, founder Gary Oelze.
AEDP: The Birchmere recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Looking back, what do you think has allowed it to remain such a beloved venue while so much of the music industry has changed?
Susan: “Unlike years ago, there’s so much more competition now. What it really comes back to is why a place can stay alive, popular, and thriving for so long. It’s because of the family that’s been built here. People know that when they come here, they’re always going to see the same people, they’re always treated well, and they’re always treated like family. I think that’s the significance of what this club contributes to the economy of Alexandria. It’s more important than how many seats you sold. It’s about what this club brings to the city.”
Michael: “It’s very much a relationship business … It’s challenging to break into, but those relationships are what make it work.”
AEDP: Why has The Birchmere chosen to grow in Alexandria? How has the relationship between the venue and the community evolved over the years?
Susan: “This is where it started. If you could pick this building up and move it, it still wouldn’t be The Birchmere. People expect it. They love the mural. They come here to take pictures and listen to good music.”
Michael: “It’s a well‑educated, forward‑thinking market, and also diverse in terms of background, whether from another country or from another state … those components allow us to succeed where we can do shows they cannot do in other cities.”
AEDP: The Birchmere has hosted legendary performers and unforgettable moments. Is there a particular artist, performance, or memory that stands out to you as capturing what makes this venue special?
Michael: “When Vince Gill was here one time, he did a four-hour show—two with the band, one solo, and the fourth hour with the band again. It was like he was on stage for four minutes, because it went by so fast. It was so wonderful.”
AEDP: For someone who has never been to The Birchmere, what do you hope they experience the moment they walk through the doors?
Susan: “People know when they come here it’s completely quiet. They’re here to listen to the show. The artists know they’re performing for an audience that’s really listening.”
Michael: “Every detail is thought of, from the sound quality to the seating process… “I hope they walk in and say, ‘Why haven’t I been here before?’”
Come see for yourself! Visit www.birchmere.com to browse upcoming performances and be a part of Alexandria’s music history. Photos courtesy of The Birchmere.
