WASHINGTON — This year’s Labor Day Concert features an Americana-themed program complete with marches, folk and bluegrass-inspired music — including some Bob Dylan. The concert, which is always free and open to the public, is this Sunday on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
The show begins at 8 p.m., but gates open at 3 p.m. Early birds can catch a dress rehearsal by the National Symphony Orchestra at 3:30 p.m. Food is allowed, and guests are encouraged to bring their own water, but alcohol and glass bottles are not permitted. Towels or blankets are a good idea, too.
Guitarist and singer Aoife O’Donovan joins the NSO for the concert, as does guest conductor John Morris Russell. An Americana icon, O’Donovan has sung with a variety of internationally renowned artists, including Yo-Yo Ma. Russell is a conductor of international note who has collaborated with artists like Idina Menzel and George Takei.
Showgoers can enter the venue from the north side of Capitol Square, at the intersection of Third Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, or from the south side of Capitol Square, at the intersection of Third Street SW and Maryland Avenue. Parking in the area is limited, so public transit may be your best bet.
The show will result in some street closures and parking restrictions, so passers-by may want to plan ahead. Temporary street closures will begin at 12 a.m. Sept. 2 and last until Sept. 4 at 4 a.m.
These are the impacted areas:
- First Street, from Independence to Constitution avenues
- Maryland Avenue, from First to Third streets
- Pennsylvania Avenue, from First to Third streets
The concert will also impact some traffic patterns on First Street between Garfield Circle and Peace Circle. One southbound lane on First Street will close in addition to two northbound lanes.
There will be some temporary changes to parking conditions as well. On the day of the concert, drivers won’t be allowed to park on New Jersey Avenue between C Street and Constitution Avenue from 7 a.m. to midnight.
