Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Jazz in the Garden is Back

Sculpture Garden
If you know me, you know that one of my favorite DC traditions is Jazz on the Grass, officially known as Jazz in the Garden. The scene is decidedly DC and attracts regulars who work downtown, but also, due to its location, tourists, actual music fans and many many scene-and-be scene folks.

Jazz in the Garden takes place at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden at 7th St and Constitution Ave NW. On summer Fridays the Garden is packed --and I mean packed-- with revelers, mostly imbibing in the famous NGA sangria, wine, imported beer, or other beverage; purchased on site of course. Outside alcohol beverages are verboten. Remember that. Don't wanna get yourself kicked out. Seen it happen. Yep. Don't do it.

Anyway, it's gotten almost too popular to always fully enjoy. Unless you're there really early, it is very difficult to get a decent seat, on the grass or otherwise. Forget securing a seat on the fountain; impossible. But I still go. Too much fun with friends!

The first Jazz in the Garden is on Friday May 27. It's each Friday at 5:00PM-8:30PM, rain or shine. The last Jazz is September 9. In a change, this year the Garden will remain open to visitors until 9:30PM, an hour after the music ends. The event is free.

Bring some crackers, some fruit and a blanket. I'll get a pitcher of sangria. See you there...

PS, the first few performers of the season: 

May 27
Origem
Brazilian jazz

June 3
DC Jazz Festival presents Mark Prince
progressive jazz

June 10
Deanna Bogart
blusion or blues fusion

June 17
John Lee
guitar fusion jazz/rock

June 24
Sheila Ross
jazz vocalist