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First Lunchtime Music on the Mall Performance Postponed Due to Rain, Norton Marks Kick-Off with Congressional Resolution

June 10, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – To mark the start of this season's Lunchtime Music on the Mall, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a resolution honoring Lunchtime Music on the Mall, sponsored by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with Norton. D.C. native Amadou Kouyate's kick-off performance, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed due to rain until this Thursday, June 12, 2014, from noon until 1:30 p.m. on the National Mall, by the Smithsonian Metro Station, at 12th St. and Jefferson Dr. SW. The performances, which will take place every Tuesday and Thursday during the lunchtime hours in the summer, will include gypsy jazz, indie pop, traditional North Indian classical music, acoustic soul, traditional Irish folk, West African percussion, classic rock and much more. The full list of the first month's performers will be released shortly.

"Today's rain notwithstanding, our Lunchtime Music on the Mall performances have begun the process of bringing the Mall alive for us – D.C. and regional residents who work near downtown," Norton said. "Of course, we welcome the tourists too, but we especially want office workers, as well, to see the Mall as theirs and as a respite during lunch hours from the typical hustle and bustle of the Washington workday."

Norton's resolution acknowledges the work of NPS in bringing weekday musical activities to the Mall, a provision originally in Norton's National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act, which the NPS has implemented administratively. The resolution also recognizes the Mall as a national treasure and a natural showcase for D.C. and regional musical acts. Lunchtime Music on the Mall was developed to especially benefit federal and other office workers who work nearby but seldom see the Mall as a place to have lunch and enjoy the outdoors.

The text of Norton's resolution follows:

Expressing support for Lunchtime Music on the Mall in the Nation's capital to benefit the District of Columbia and regional residents as well as visitors and honoring the public service of the performers and sponsors.

RESOLUTION

Whereas the "National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act" seeks to enliven the National Mall for residents and visitors;

Whereas the National Park Service has begun implementation of the National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act administratively;

Whereas the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has sponsored performing artists at Metro stations and has now agreed to be a sponsor and producer of Lunchtime Music on the Mall;

Whereas the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities is a patron of many performing artists in the District of Columbia and has agreed to be a sponsor and producer of Lunchtime Music on the Mall;

Whereas in addition to out-of-town visitors, many federal and other office workers work downtown and in the vicinity of the National Mall;

Whereas the National Mall is a national treasure, supported by U.S. taxpayers to provide a unique park space with potential for a variety of outdoor enjoyment;

Whereas many excellent amateur and professional musicians reside in the District of Columbia and the national capital region;

Whereas the Mall provides a natural stage for the display of city and regional talent;

Whereas the National Park Service has made available a central location frequented by visitors and commuters alike for Lunchtime Music on the Mall;

Whereas the National Park Service, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities are sponsoring Lunchtime Music on the Mall every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m., during the good weather months;

Whereas Lunchtime Music on the Mall offers benefits to office workers and many of the 20 million visitors annually to Washington, D.C.;

Whereas 2014 is the third season for Lunchtime Music on the Mall: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the House recognizes and commends -

Lunchtime Music on the Mall as an enhancement to urban life and musical culture in the nation's capital and to appreciation of the National Mall;

The performers participating in Lunchtime Music on the Mall; and

The National Park Service, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities for their public service in providing live music performances at no charge to the public.

Published: June 10, 2014