Black Cat is the place to come to see the latest local bands. This club features rock, pop and rhythm-and-blues artists and has been known to book some big names, such as Morphine and The Foo Fighters frequently. Live acts perform in the main space while an eclectic mix of young party animals hangs out in the Red Room. Light fare is available, and the bar has microbrews on tap.

Although its physical location makes Tropicalia easy to walk past, its reputation ensures that people search for the staircase beside the subway that leads to this entertaining space. There is none of the dinginess you would normally associate with a basement space; on the contrary, you will find psychedelic lights in pretty much any color you can think of. Situated in the U Street Corridor, this dance hall attempts to bring some Brazilian flavor to the U Street Corridor of Washington, DC. The DJ ensures that you groove to the Brazilian beats on the dance floor, but there's more to come; you can also catch live Brazilian bands on Sunday nights.

Built in 1924, the Warner has long been a respected part of theater life in downtown Washington. Housed in an imposing building, it underwent an extensive USD10 million restoration in 1992. The intricately decorated vaulted ceilings and rich brown-and-rose interiors contribute to the lavish rococo decor. The Warner Theatre is one of a small number of venues in the city that present theatrical productions with a national reputation. This is where Washingtonians are likely to see touring Broadway plays and musicals. Some musical tours also stop at the Warner.

A veritable storehouse of talent is what you will find at the Velvet. Located in the bustling U Street neighborhood of the city, this music club is a local hit. Opt from a passel of events from stand-up acts, live concerts, DJ nights or a musical extravaganza. With tasty libations and a relaxing ambiance, Velvet is your one stop for a creative dose.

Founded in 1910, the Howard Theatre was once the face of great and renowned musical performers and artists. Lauded for its exclusive design and classy interiors, this stage has hosted performances of popular artists like Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington and Chuck Brown. However, this glorious period came to end in 1968 when the property was damaged. In 1974, Howard Theatre was re-opened and it hosted shows till 1980; in 2010, a project was undertaken to restore this oldest venue of the city. After the makeover, it once again features great gigs and has reclaimed its title of being one of the best music venues in town.

This club somewhat resembles Dr. Frankenfurter's laboratory in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The large, open space features a bar and a chest-high stage with a rather impressive sound and lighting system. Four bars are located throughout the venue, serving premium draft and bottled beer. Light snacks are also available for when those late night hunger pangs start kicking in. You can relish a wide range of items like sandwiches, wraps, paninis and sweets among many others during your visit to 9:30 Club.

The Kennedy Center is a must-see for any visitor. The center consists of Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater, Family Theater, KC Jazz Club, Opera House, Terrace Theater and the Theater Lab, which show productions that include plays, operas, ballets, concerts and films. Among the center's highlights include the Shakespeare Festival produced by the Shakespeare Theatre. Free tours introduce visitors to the Hall of States, Hall of Nations, the main theaters and gifts from many countries honoring the 35th president.

This is perhaps the best-known venue in Washington for jazz and blues performances. The club is tucked away in lower Georgetown, near the C&O Canal. A number of national acts can be seen here, and the atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated. The place bills itself as a "Jazz Supper Club," and the food is almost as good as the music, much of it is Creole-inspired. On most nights, artists perform two sets, but occasionally a third set is added on the weekend. The cover charge changes each night.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center is a complete complex boasting theaters, studios, stages, dressing rooms, a cafe and a production space. With 60,000 square feet of space the center has its own theater and dance company, orchestra and choral group. Art has found a place to live and breathe here in Washington.