Jazz vocalist Lavenia Nesmith returns to the Mandarin's Empress Lounge with her swinging band. Joining Lavenia are Dan LaMaestra on piano, Bhagwan Khalsa on bass and Lenny Robinson on drums.

The Baltimore Sun raves about Lavenia Nesmith: "Her versatile voice, rich and resonant, can be powerful and poignant, sultry or sweet."

Vocalist Lavenia Nesmith began singing in church as a child in her native Washington, DC. Not surprisingly, her major musical influences were in the gospel world, most notably Mahalia Jackson. After earning a music degree from Federal City College, (now UDC), Nesmith married and raised a family. In recent years, she has returned to more regular performing in both gospel and jazz. In her Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, Nesmith tells the singer's life story in words and song. Nesmith performed one of those songs at the Kennedy Center's celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the March on Washington. In addition, Nesmith is Executive Producer and performs in a Tribute to Female Legends of Jazz, "SISTA'S CAN SA-A-NG" which has performed to sold-out crowds.

A sunken enclave and an inviting escape from the city, Empress Lounge offers signature martinis and cocktails served in Venetian crystal, and an extensive selection of champagnes offered by the glass, and by the bottle, sakes, cognacs and teas. To the refrains of a pianist or a jazz trio during weekend nights, guests can enjoy tasty delights such as a Study in Sushi, Brochette of Lemongrass and Ginger Marinated Shrimp with Thai Curry Sauce or Crispy Spring Rolls.  The Empress Lounge is a non-smoking room, but a large terrace overlooking the hotel's Japanese Garden is adjacent to the lounge area for patrons who wish to smoke.

The main focal point of the Lobby and Empress Lounge is the playful painting “Empress Dowager over DC”. Chinese Artist Zhong-Yang Huang was commissioned do a Washington, DC interpretation of his piece “Above The Forbidden City” that depicts the Last Empress of China flying over Beijing, China. The Empress was a very powerful woman who was only barely behind the curtain of three emperors, as well as behind the introduction of Western powers and influences into China. She lived in the Forbidden City, the most powerful city in the Eastern World, and had a fascination with the West. The Empress is now swinging over Washington DC, the most powerful city in the world. Her fascination with the western world could be considered complete.

Parking: Valet parking is available at the hotel for a reduced rate of just $7.00 per car. Parking tickets can be validated for this reduced rate in the Empress Lounge upon spending $20.00 per person in food and beverage. Parking is not permitted on Maryland Avenue, but street parking is available for free after 6:30pm on neighboring C Street, D Street, and Maine Avenue. (Standard valet rate is $20.00 per car without validation)