City of Alexandria to Host 32nd Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival on May 25
May 18, 2009 

News Highlights: 

• Festival features the internationally acclaimed U. S. Army Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C.

More Information:

• Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation 

The City of Alexandria will host the 32nd Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival on Monday, May 25, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.
 
The festival opens with The Jazz Ambassadors, the United States Army’s premier touring jazz orchestra. Formed in 1969, The Jazz Ambassadors have received international acclaim performing America’s original art form, jazz. Performing for more than three decades, they have earned the title, “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army.” The Memorial Day Jazz Festival also features music by the Barbara Martin Quartet, with traditional vocal jazz; followed by local favorite, Al Williams, a WAMMIE Award winner, performing contemporary jazz; then Dixieland Direct, specializing in traditional New Orleans Dixieland music; and ending with the sounds of the Bruce Swaim Quartet, featuring Lyle Link, with standards and contemporary jazz.

The park features amphitheater and grass seating. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase, picnic baskets are welcome, and grills are available in the park at the picnic sites. No alcoholic beverages are allowed, and pets should be left at home.
 
Limited parking will be available on W. Braddock Rd. and at the Minnie Howard School, 3801 W. Braddock Rd. The public is encouraged to take public transit, bike, or walk to the event. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/localmotion for the City of Alexandria Bikeways Map. The map features the City's best on-street and off-road bikeways as well as locations of grouped bicycle parking. Bicyclists are encouraged to dismount when they enter the park, and use the limited bicycle parking available at Fort Ward Park during their visit to the festival.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation, or to request materials in an alternative format, call Cheryl Lawrence at 703.838.5095, ext. 655 (TTY 703.838.4902), or e-mail cheryl.lawrence@alexandriava.gov.

For additional information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events Office at 703.838.4844.

PIO#143-09