Labor Day Concert on the Capitol Lawn

We went to the Memorial Day dress rehearsal concert in May on the west lawn of the Capitol. It was quite busy for a dress rehearsal, and we heard the Beach Boys. Smokey Robinson and Kenny Loggins were at the dress rehearsal concert for the Fourth of July. We knew the weather was going to be lousy for the fireworks so at least we got in some of the activities. We ended up standing and or walking through most of it. When we first moved here ten years ago, we bought folding chairs that are carried in shoulder bags. But they are ten pounds each and we used them probably twice. So last evening we decided to attend the Labor Day concert and brought a blanket and a couple jackets since it is starting to feel more like fall in the evening. This concert is really low key compared to the others - the crowds are smaller, the security is less visible, it's not telecast, and the show itself is typically the national symphony orchestra playing music with no "big" name acts. We got there exactly at eight and sat down on the blanket. I have to say it was the worst concert we've been to in ten years. Either the crowd was not animated, or the group that was there chose the worst songs to sing - no one had ever heard of her or them. What was nice was the absolutely beautiful evening. And it was the first Labor Day that I knew I wouldn't have to go back to work when the holiday weekend ended. 

Capitol Fourth Dress Rehearsal and Parade

Because of the threat of rain today, the Capitol fourth dress rehearsal concert was packed last evening. It turned out to be a beautiful evening, and we had a chance to hear Smokey Robinson and Kenny Loggins, as well as a few other folks. It is amazing to know that these events take place just a couple of blocks from where we live, and it feels weird to walk from a very crowded place to a quiet suburban neighborhood. Then this morning we decided to get our walk in before the expected showers, and passed through the parade route along Constitution Avenue and the Archives. The line to get in was winding around the block, but on the crowded steps out front was a band playing, with George, John, Tom, and Ben acting as hosts to the gathering below. We passed by a few floats, including the Tazmanian Devil, that was being blown up for the big event. These are the times we miss living just down the street from the rest of the family! We are hoping the rain stays away so we can watch the fireworks from our annual spot near the house office buildings. That's where the neighbors gather and we see a lot of familiar faces. This is our tenth year living in DC. It feels like just yesterday that we moved. 

Army Band Concert on the Capitol Steps

It's something we look forward to every summer. Since we moved here ten years ago, we always try to get to the concerts on the Capitol steps on Friday evenings. The concerts are held just about every day of the week, but Friday always worked out the best for us. But now that I think of it, any evening would work since I retired in February! They start at 8 PM and last an hour. The weather was perfect last night, and the evening was simply beautiful. Bus loads of visitors were milling about, as well as the usual locals with their pets. Some brought their dinner. Because of the Capitol dome renovation and for security reasons, the location of the band changed again. They face the Capitol and the crowd faced the mall. Regardless of the vantage point, the view is spectacular with the sun setting on the mall. It's got to take a lot of work to set up and dismantle all this equipment. I'm sure they have it worked out like clockwork. One of these evenings we will need to check out the summer concerts in Yards Park. There's just so much to pick from! And that's one of the reasons we like living here. 

Memorial Day Concert and Parade - Washouts?!

I forgot that the dress rehearsal for the Memorial Day concert was Saturday. It was a beautiful evening too. So we missed that. We thought about going to the televised concert last evening, but it was pouring rain. I wouldn't have minded seeing the Beach Boys - after all, theirs was the first concert I ever went to! So we watched a bit on TV instead. The crowds were really sparse. I felt bad for all the visitors and performers. This morning we took our usual morning jaunt on the mall. It was much busier than yesterday, and the crews were already dismantling the stage in front of the Capitol. But all along Constitution Avenue and the mall the streets were already closed for the parade at 2:30. Folks with large badges and t shirts touting Memorial Day parade 2016 were seen everywhere. The VIP section in front of the archives was all ready for whomever gets a perfect seat there. It used to be when we walked later in the day we would run in to these events as they were in progress. But in the hotter months we try to walk earlier to avoid heatstroke. And wouldn't you know the weather forecast is for 100% right around the time of the parade. I wouldn't be caught dead sitting or standing in rain. But I'm sure it won't stop most people from going. I wish I was a bit more adventurous - but I'm just too practical. Maybe next year?

Sunset and Whistling on the Capitol Grounds

It's been a few weeks since we walked over to the Capitol on a Friday evening. During the summer we like to go over and listen to the army band concert on the steps. It's not so much the music, or who is playing it. It's a great way to end the week, enjoy the sights and sounds, and relax for a while. This time of the day is also my favorite. As the sun sets on the Capitol grounds, everything just looks good. From the Japanese maples and pink/red myrtles, the solitary figure on the bench, the owner with her pooch, and all the visitors and locals alike who happen by or plan to be there by 8 PM for the start of the concert. Last night was a night for the trumpeters and the retired band members who were either filling in for vacations, or just contributing to the event. After the hour, there is always a salute to the five branches of the armed services as each tune is played. This was the first time I heard the Coast Guard song since my Dad died on Father's Day last month. I thought I heard him whistling along. 

Army Band - Pershing's Own - Concert on the Capitol Steps

We've been going every year since we moved to DC from Milwaukee. June is the start of the summer concert series provided free of charge by the army band on the Capitol steps. All the military bands perform around the city at various venues, but we like this one because all we have to do is walk over a couple of blocks, we like Friday evenings, and it's a nice place to sit and watch not only the band, but all the visitors and the surroundings. Residents bring their folding chairs and blankets, the dogs, kids, and have picnics. A lot of tourists stumble by and get to enjoy yet another interesting event on the Mall. This particular concert had music from the villains and good guys from the movies, including Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. At the end of every session is a salute to the armed forces. Each of the five military branch songs are played, and the people in the audience are asked to stand if they served in any of them when their song is played. This time, they asked family members to stand as well. Although I didn't, I silently cheered for three of the five in honor of my father (Coast Guard), mother (Navy), and son (Army). It always brings a tear to my eyes, and is a nice way to remember their service in such a great way. The walk home is always so pleasant passing by the lighted Capitol Building. It's nothing like Milwaukee, and one of the perks about living in the city - if you like that sort of thing. 

Passing By the Billy Joel Concert at Nationals Stadium

It was just announced that Billy Joel would be receiving the Gershwin Award. Working at the Library, these announcements are routine. I personally never get to attend any of these events, but some of my coworkers have - Paul McCartney to name one. And in the Jefferson Building are posters displayed with all the past winners by the Coolidge Auditorium. Last evening Billy Joel had a concert at Nationals Stadium. It started at eight, so we decided to take a walk in that direction. That end of town has been transformed completely since we moved here, and there is a lot more construction going on. Several new apartments, condos, restaurants, and shops are in the works all near the stadium to South Capitol Street. We passed by several demolitions on our way over. When we reached the stadium, we heard it was a sell out concert. Many folks were bustling in while the opening act performed. We wanted to hang around and wait to hear the first couple songs. Of course, none of what we heard was familiar to my ears, and I know quite a few of his hits. I haven't been to a concert in ages, but this was the next best thing to actually being there, even though we couldn't see the stage, the performance, or even recognize the music as it bounced off the metallic stadium. So we retreated to our house only a few blocks away to the quieter, suburban Capitol Hill neighborhood. It's nice living close enough to all that action, but I wouldn't want to actually live in it.