Memorial Day Concert Dress Rehearsal

One of the benefits of living in Washington is that we can take part in as much or as little as we want, and can change our minds about going or not going to events based on the weather or assorted other things. Since it was a beautiful evening yesterday, we decided go to the Memorial Day concert dress rehearsal. It is not as busy, and most of the performers are there. So we walked on over, got through security, and wandered on to the Capitol grounds. It's not the same as the actual event, but just as interesting. I think a lot of the locals go at this time rather than get caught up in the mess of the mobs and traffic of the real time event. The gates open at five, and many folks bring picnic baskets and make a whole day of it. The usual hosts were there - Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna - as well as Lawrence Fishburne, Gloria Estefan, and assorted other performers we aren't as familiar with. We've been coming to this and most Capitol concerts for the last nine years. For visitors it must be exciting to get caught up in this and everything else going on this weekend - the Nationals have baseball games, rolling thunder is closing down streets all over town, and the Memorial Day parade will be held tomorrow down Constitution Avenue. We sometimes take it all for granted and anytime we think about moving from here we end up changing our minds. It's a place of excitement and irritation. So as long as we an stand the irritations, we are probably here to stay. 

Memorial Day Concert Dress Rehearsal

We usually try to attend the Memorial Day Concert On the Capitol Westlawn every year, but oftentimes go to the dress rehearsal. The weather or the mood could dictate the choice. The dress rehearsal is much lower key, the crowds are plentiful but less, but you don't get to see the entire show with the full cast of characters. Since it is the start of the summer season, it's just a traditional thing to do. So since yesterday was such a great day, we walked over for the 8 PM start. We brought along a blanket to sit on, a water bottle, and a jacket. It's really a very pleasant experience regardless of the occasion. Unfortunately we sat right behind a huge tower so didn't have a really good view of the stage. What I like the most is the sunset and how it affects the Capitol Building. It is one of my favorite places, and it looks good in just about any season or angle. The real show starts tonight at 8 PM. The best part is that even though it is a Sunday, I have another day off from work tomorrow. But I would have been off anyway because I started working part time about a month ago. I'm still adjusting to the new schedule, and would highly recommend it. Just don't pick a Tuesday-Thursday work week if you want to have Monday holidays. But if you prefer to enjoy every Sunday evening, it can't be beat since every Monday now is a holiday - at least in my head.