A vibrant music scene may not be the first thing folks think about when they think of Del Ray, but if you listen closely on the last Sunday of the month, you may hear the driving bassline of an adult cover band or the slightly nervous, entirely enthusiastic vocals of a 15-year-old fronting a rock group for the very first time.

Tucked away in the No. 9 Lounge—the eclectic, upstairs space above the Evening Star Cafe on Mount Vernon Avenue—Rock Del Ray has quietly (sometimes not so quietly) become the beating heart of the local music scene. It’s a place where the pool table is pushed aside, the drinks are flowing, and neighbors gather to support local musicians of all ages and skill levels.

At the center of this monthly sonic celebration is Del Ray resident Jalyn Henton.

“I have lived in Alexandria for over 20 years,” Henton says. “For me, music has always been as essential as air. From my first show—Huey Lewis and the News—to being in local bands, my greatest joys have come from listening to, playing, and experiencing live music.”

Along with founding the event, Henton is also the undisputed, charismatic MC of Rock Del Ray. He is the guy on the microphone keeping the energy high, but his role goes far beyond introducing the acts or working sound. He is also the event's primary workhorse. Henton owns the gear—the PA system, the monitors, the microphones—and spends his Sunday evenings lugging it all up the stairs into the No. 9 Lounge so that everyone else can live out their rock and roll dreams and have a seamless show.

Oh, and he’s also usually performing, too. You can often catch Henton on stage with local acts "Blue North" or "Fork in the Road," playing covers that span the decades. They share the stage with a rotating cast of 2 to 4 local bands each night, featuring names that range from the cleverly self-deprecating ("LackLustre") to the hyper-local ("The DeRDs,") to Henton's own early project, "Slappers Only."

But Rock Del Ray is more than just a good time; it has a mission. For over a decade, Henton and his family have been deeply involved with the Rock of Ages Music (ROAM) School community in Alexandria.

“Seeing the value of live performance inspired me to start Rock Del Ray, where local musicians can play, connect, and workshop new material in a supportive environment,” Henton explains.

Crucially, the monthly concerts on occasion serve as community fundraisers. The proceeds support "Friends of ROAM," a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where Henton serves as a board member. The charity provides need-based financial scholarships to young music students in grades 6-12, covering up to 95% of the tuition for private instruction, ensemble “rock band” programs, and summer camps offered through ROAM.

ROAM’s founder and owner, John Patrick—former drummer for the critically acclaimed rock band Virginia Coalition—and ROAM coaches/teachers, like Adam Orlando, are committed members of the Rock Del Ray community, stepping in to support shows and young bands, and even playing an annual teacher's show.

“Supporting the next generation of musicians is important to me,” Henton notes. “Alexandria is home to a remarkably talented and vibrant community of musicians who turn to music as a creative outlet and source of connection.”

This June marks Rock Del Ray's second anniversary. Over the past two years, they have featured more than 20 different artists and bands, proving that the city's creative pulse is stronger than ever.

As for what’s next? Henton’s invitation is open. Whether you are a teenager wanting to test out your first original song, a "dad band" ready to unleash a screaming Zeppelin cover, or just a neighbor looking for a great Sunday night out, there is a place for you at Rock Del Ray.  Just raise your arm, stick your pinky and pointer finger in the air, and rock on.  (...responsibly -- It's Sunday night, and you probably have a call in the morning.)