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For the past 11 summers, the National Gallery of Art has held
Jazz in the Garden every Friday evening in front of its outdoor café.
This event brings together music and art lovers alike for a night of jazz
under the stars.
Shows begin at 5pm and feature a variety of local artists, from
bands to solo acts—strumming everything from guitar strings to the
strings of a classical violin.
Held in the Sculpture Garden, surrounded by seventeen
monumental works of 20th century sculptures and flowering trees this
garden provides a utopic atmosphere for the live music. With all of
these pleasant features, it is no wonder that this event has become so
popular over the years.
In its tenth season, Jazz in the Garden boasted over 200,000
viewers, making it one of the most popular free events in the area. As
the garden fills within the first hour, the grass immediately becomes
covered with colorful blankets and chairs—attendees arrive early to
claim their territory.
A few savvy Howard students have already caught on to this DC
favorite. Joshua Moore, a junior English major, was attracted to the
event's ‘smooth vibe.'
"Its free. People are always looking for summertime treats in the
city," said Moore. "I had a great time when I attended for the first time
and met a lot of new people, with a love for music and art."
The Garden adds something special to this event. It's not your
typical concert at the 9:30 Club or show at the Kennedy Center.
"The ambiance is really beautiful," said Latrece Gouch, a
Management Team Leader in the School of
Business. "I'm really a fan of modern art and the sculptures here are
beautiful."
But what is perhaps most special about this event isn't
necessarily the music of the beautiful location. It is the event's ability
to draw people from all walks of life, creating a sense of unity and
community rarely found in the city.
"You have college students, families, young professionals,
and hipsters. Everyone really enjoys coming together and being
outside, said Burkholder a rising star in the chemistry
department. "The weather is perfect this time of year and the music
just provides a wonderful background."
It is sure to offer a refreshing change of pace for students who
are bored with the monotony of their usual Friday night haunts and are
interested in investigating something new.
The final show in Jazz in the Garden's season is scheduled for this Friday, Sept. 9 and
will feature the Greg Hatza Organizatio.
is a member of the 
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