June in the Harbor
By Lani Gering
Musical Sounds of Summer at National Harbor
The first day of summer is right around the corner and things are heating up in the Harbor. The Movies on the Potomac are back with Family Nights on Sundays and Date Nights on Thursdays through September, the Capital Wheel and Carousel are in full swing with special offerings and live entertainment is scheduled throughout the season. Thanks to our friends at Bendure Communications, more details follow:
From jazz concerts to military bands, dueling pianos and more, National Harbor celebrates summer with music for everyone.
National Harbor has long been known as Washington’s premier waterfront destination. With its many boutique retail shops, renowned restaurants, water activities and unique entertainment, including a robust summertime music lineup, it provides the perfect location for summer fun.
National Harbor’s Summer Sounds features live music every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Plaza Stage (150 National Plaza). National Harbor’s own Bobby McKey’s Dueling Pianos performs the first Friday of every month, the following weeks feature local entertainers through September.
Salute the Sunset military concerts take place on the same stage every Saturday at 7 p.m. through September. Performances include the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” U.S. Army Rappers, U.S Air Force Concert Band, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact, U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note Septet, D.C. Army National Guard 257th Army Band, U.S. Air Force Strings, U.S. Air Force Band Singing Sergeants, U.S. Air Force Band Air Force Strings, U.S. Air Force Concert Band, U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, U.S. Navy Band Country Current, and U.S. Navy Band Latin Ensemble. The U.S. Air Force Band concludes the series on Friday, September 19 with an Air Force Birthday Concert.
One of the region’s premiere jazz events, the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival returns to National Harbor for its 15th year from July 18-20. The festival kicks off in Spirit Park (115 Waterfront Street) from noon to 4 p.m. Performers include Phaze II and saxmen BK Jackson, Phillip “Doc” Martin and a special tribute to the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, featuring the Chuck Brown Band. Tickets start at $71.09 (including $6.09 fee) and are on sale until July 17 here. In addition to great music, convenient parking and food and merchandise vendors, there will be on-site beer and wine lounge and private VIP tent seating. View the entire schedule at lakearborjazz.com.
Flight Deck introduces the Rhythm of the River Summer Music Series every Saturday from June 7 – August 9 from 6-8 pm. Enjoy DJ Borja teaching Latin Line Dancing, live music, great drinks and a fun time! For a list of scheduled entertainers log on to thecapitalwheel.com/events.
Once again, MGM National Harbor has a packed schedule of live entertainment in their 3,000-seat state-of-the art theater. Highlights include Zac Brown Band on June 6, Kansas and 38 Special on June 7 and Rob Thomas on August 10. Check out the full calendar of events at mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com
“We are delighted to welcome so many talented musicians to National Harbor this summer. I love to see the diverse talent being showcased” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “It’s a fantastic way to enjoy great music as well as all the shopping and dining that National Harbor has to offer.”
Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration
“Rooted in Resilience, Growing in Unity”
National Harbor will hold its fourth Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on Thursday, June 19th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, inviting the community to come together for a cultural celebration. The event, “Rooted in Resilience, Growing in Unity,” honors Juneteenth’s legacy commemorating the ending of slavery when the emancipation proclamation was finally enforced in Texas on June 19, 1865.
The event at National Harbor will kick off at 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with a Black-owned marketplace in the Capital Canopy (151 National Plaza). More than 30 vendors will showcase Black-owned businesses and provide a range from clothing to accessories to home goods.
Live entertainment will take place from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and will include music, performances and interactive experiences on the Plaza Stage (150 National Plaza). National Harbor’s Juneteenth Celebration starts at 11 a.m. on June 19 with a Black-Owned Marketplace, food vendors and a variety of businesses, also features the Top5 Band at 5:30 p.m. on the Plaza Stage. Founded in 2015 by Prince George’s County’s own Anthony “Antfarmusic” Robinson, Top5 brings one of the most explosive and unforgettable sounds in music.
Movies on the Potomac will feature Black Panther starting at 7 p.m. on the big waterfront screen (150 National Plaza.)
“We are excited to host our fourth annual Juneteenth celebration,” said Lauren Fells who is the marketing content manager and is coordinating the event at National Harbor. “This is a great event to showcase diversity and unity in our community. It’s a day filled highlighting black owned businesses, arts, music, culture, and food.” National Harbor has a number of African American owned businesses, many of these are women owned and several are veteran owned. “There is something for all ages to experience.” Fells added.
For more information on the above events and all things National Harbor, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.