Summer's song

Celebrate the season, the South, and family at an outdoor concert in our Nation's Capital.

June, July, and August sing a livelier song than any other time. Crickets chirp. Tiny voices giggle. Flip-flops slap on bare feet. Ice-cream trucks chime. Lawnmowers hum.

As the mercury rises, so does the chance to spend time with family, share a picnic, and let the sounds of a band join with the melodies of Mother Nature. Languishing in a summer night at an outdoor concert in D.C. is pure magic.

On the West Lawn of the United States Capitol Building and at the Washington Monument, in front of the American flag waving against a clear blue sky, armed forces bands perform free concerts nearly every night during the summer. Rather than laughter and screams of joy, at these concerts you'll hear your heart pound in rhythm with the strains performed by those in uniform. Silence falls over the crowd as if every tune played were first cousin to "The Star-Spangled Banner." You dread the finale and make a pledge to return for more the following evening.

Meanwhile, a more lighthearted venue, and one that kids go absolutely ape over, is "Sunset Serenades" at the National Zoo. While an easy-going singer or band performs on stage, families congregate from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings (July 3 through August 14). Most bring a cooler or a bucket of chicken to feast on while watching the show.

If all you can squeeze in is a lunchtime break, join "Live! on Woodrow Wilson Plaza." From noon to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays (June 19 through September 19), sip on some of the city's top local and regional talents outdoors at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Programs range from talent searches to country tunes to jazz ensembles.

The best part about the concerts we've mentioned is that they are all free. So really there's no excuse for not making music part of your summer. Enjoy.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2003
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