Last month, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza wrapped up its 18th season at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center! One of DC’s longest running free concert series, locals and passersby enjoyed free lunchtime performances featuring the area's most talented entertainers in a variety of musical flavors such as jazz, neo soul, contemporary pop, bluegrass, country, rock and more.
Over the years we have had the privilege of welcoming world-renown artists to the stage such as Smokey Robinson, Little Richard, MC Hammer and more - including DC legend, Chuck Brown, the "Godfather of Go-Go," who graced the stage multiple times throughout the concert series' storied history.
As the Live! Concert Series progressed over the years, it has turned into an event enjoyable for people of all ages and continues to draw in a very diverse crowd. This season featured a variety of different performers and genres. Good Shot Judy, a swing band, got the crowd up and out of their chairs as they linked arms and spun around the plaza, while Mariachi Estrellas, a Latin/Mariachi group, added a fun Latin flare to the mix. The Young Australian Broadway Chorus, a vibrant musical theatre group, was a fan favorite this year with their energetic performance. This musical theatre group travels to the United States all the way from Australia to perform at different sites around the country including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, DC and many more.
Along with the live music, over the past couple of years, the lunchtime festivities have grown to include "Play on the Plaza" - where guests can challenge each other to entertaining games such as putt-putt, giant chess and corn hole while enjoying the daily concerts.
The Live! Concert Series was launched in the year 2000 to help establish a pedestrian link between the National Mall and the business district north of Pennsylvania Avenue and build a stronger sense of community in Downtown DC. Located in the heart of the city, Woodrow Wilson Plaza has become a gathering place for people to connect with friends, grab a bite to eat and take in the sites. “The Live! Concert Series on the Plaza is one of many events we sponsor in order to bring the DC community together here at the building,” said John P. Drew, President and CEO of TCMA. “We want the Wilson Plaza to have a lively atmosphere where locals and tourists can enjoy themselves and take a break during the day.”
On Fridays throughout the concert series guests were not only able to enjoy the live music, but could also take advantage of our farmer's market, Capital Harvest on the Plaza (CHoP) every Friday from 11AM-3PM. This season, CHoP celebrated its 10th year at the Reagan Building - continuing to offer the best of locally-sourced fresh produce, made-to-order meals, flowers and more!
Be sure to check out our farmers market, which extends into November of this year, and stay tuned for more details on next year's Live! Concert Series on the Plaza.
