Marion Barry Performs at Republic’s Blues Night

Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Marion Barry dropped into Takoma Park's Republic last week for the late-night menu. That's when the restaurant's music booker, Catherine Rytkonen, invited him back for Monday Blues Night. Not only did he show up, he requested a song from the band and then picked up the mic.

Barry performed T-Bone Walker's "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)"—a song he's busted out on several occasions—with Frederick, Md.-based band Hard Swimmin' Fish.

"Everybody kind of went nuts," Rytkonen says. "He sounded pretty good. That raspy, bluesy voice, it's pretty amazing."

Maybe Barry missed his true calling?