Can’t believe we managed to do a whole piece on the Washington DC Jazz Festival without mentioning the Memorial Day kickoff party. Well, they’re not exactly related, but for anyone who wants make it a full two weeks of toe-janglin’ jazz, the 33rd Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival in Alexandria, Virginia is a fine place to start.
Over three decades in, they’re still keeping it simple: one day only, historic surroundings, five awesome bands and absolutely no admission charge. It’s just a laidback afternoon of Memorial Day music and fun. Ever the humble festival, the line-up is never known for huge “gets”, but jazz hardly needs the names. This year, check out the Jazz Ambassadors Dixieland Band (United States Army Field Band), the Joe Baione Trio, famed drummer Al Williams, the Larry Brown Quintet and the Kaleidoscope Orchestra.
The concert runs from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00, each act playing roughly 45-60 minutes plus/minus breaks and set changes. It’s a packed afternoon of music, and also a great opportunity to explore Fort Ward Park. Stroll the scenic grounds, see the cannons and check out the fascinating architectural recreations. Unfortunately, the Fort Ward Museum is closed every Monday, and doubly closed for the holiday. What I’m saying is that the museum is, like, mad closed, bro!
The Memorial Day Jazz Festival in Alexandria, Virginia will be held May 31, 2010 at Fort Ward Park near historic Old Town. Amphitheatre and grass seating available; feel free to bring chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for sale, but the festival is an alcohol-free family event. No pets. Learn more.
Loyal readers will know our favorite Alexandria, VA hotels by now:
Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria Hotel
901 North Fairfax, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-683-6000
Web site:
http://www.cpoldtownalexandriahotel.com/
Packages:
http://www.cpoldtownalexandriahotel.com/specials.html
Affordably upscale, with shuttle access to both King Street and Reagan National Airport, this is a great choice for attendees of the Memorial Day Jazz Festival as well as all the events of the DC Jazz Festival over the following couple of weeks. Enjoy a relaxed weekend stay.
Holiday Inn Alexandria – Historic District
625 First Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-548-6300
Web site: http://www.hioldtownalexandriahotel.com/
Packages: http://www.hioldtownalexandriahotel.com/specials.html
Another smart choice just moments from all you’ll find to do in Old Town, including popular stops like the Torpedo Factory, Gadsby’s Tavern, and of course Fort Ward Park. Free airport and King Street shuttle, free Internet and competitive rates make the Holiday Inn a continued favorite.
Have fun at the 33rd Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival in Alexandria, VA.
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- 2010 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
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- Old Town Food & Wine Festival in Alexandria, Virginia
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Memorial Day Jazz Festival – Alexandria, VA
Can’t believe we managed to do a whole piece on the Washington DC Jazz Festival without mentioning the Memorial Day kickoff party. Well, they’re not exactly related, but for anyone who wants make it a full two weeks of toe-janglin’ jazz, the 33rd Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival in Alexandria, Virginia is a fine place to start.
Over three decades in, they’re still keeping it simple: one day only, historic surroundings, five awesome bands and absolutely no admission charge. It’s just a laidback afternoon of Memorial Day music and fun. Ever the humble festival, the line-up is never known for huge “gets”, but jazz hardly needs the names. This year, check out the Jazz Ambassadors Dixieland Band (United States Army Field Band), the Joe Baione Trio, famed drummer Al Williams, the Larry Brown Quintet and the Kaleidoscope Orchestra.
The concert runs from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00, each act playing roughly 45-60 minutes plus/minus breaks and set changes. It’s a packed afternoon of music, and also a great opportunity to explore Fort Ward Park. Stroll the scenic grounds, see the cannons and check out the fascinating architectural recreations. Unfortunately, the Fort Ward Museum is closed every Monday, and doubly closed for the holiday. What I’m saying is that the museum is, like, mad closed, bro!
The Memorial Day Jazz Festival in Alexandria, Virginia will be held May 31, 2010 at Fort Ward Park near historic Old Town. Amphitheatre and grass seating available; feel free to bring chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for sale, but the festival is an alcohol-free family event. No pets. Learn more.
901 North Fairfax, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-683-6000
Web site: http://www.cpoldtownalexandriahotel.com/
Packages: http://www.cpoldtownalexandriahotel.com/specials.html
Affordably upscale, with shuttle access to both King Street and Reagan National Airport, this is a great choice for attendees of the Memorial Day Jazz Festival as well as all the events of the DC Jazz Festival over the following couple of weeks. Enjoy a relaxed weekend stay.
Holiday Inn Alexandria – Historic District
625 First Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-548-6300
Web site: http://www.hioldtownalexandriahotel.com/
Packages: http://www.hioldtownalexandriahotel.com/specials.html
Another smart choice just moments from all you’ll find to do in Old Town, including popular stops like the Torpedo Factory, Gadsby’s Tavern, and of course Fort Ward Park. Free airport and King Street shuttle, free Internet and competitive rates make the Holiday Inn a continued favorite.
Have fun at the 33rd Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival in Alexandria, VA.
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