Norton Marks June 30 Kick-Off of Lunchtime Music on the Mall with Congressional Resolution of Support
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said that the annual Lunchtime Music on the Mall Festival series featuring performances by a wide variety of local artists will begin on Thursday, June 30, and will take place every Thursday from noon – 2:00 p.m. during the summer months on the National Mall across from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on Jefferson Drive between 4th Street and 7th Street. Lunchtime Music on the Mall, which is sponsored by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with the Congresswoman, gives visitors, as well as federal and other office workers downtown, a chance to go outdoors for lunch and experience the National Mall, while supporting local artists.
Before Congress left for recess last week, Norton introduced a resolution honoring Lunchtime Music on the Mall and its sponsors. Her resolution acknowledges the work of the sponsors in bringing weekday musical activities to the Mall, a provision originally in Norton’s National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act that 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 artists.
“With Lunchtime Music on the Mall, the sponsors are performing a valuable public service for thousands of residents of this city and region who work downtown near the Mall, as well as visitors during the height of the tourism season,” Norton said. “Music on the Mall also provides a unique opportunity to showcase our wealth of talented local musicians. The Mall is a priceless national treasure, but it should not be a dead space during the workday. One of the best ways to make any space more inviting is to set it to music.”
The text of Norton’s resolution follows.
RESOLUTION
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 honor the public service of the performers and partners.
Whereas the National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act seeks to enliven the National Mall for residents and visitors;
Whereas the National Park Service, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Smithsonian Institution, and D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities are partners in sponsoring the 2016 Lunchtime Music on the Mall every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. during the summer months;
Whereas many Federal and other office workers work downtown and in the vicinity of the National Mall;
Whereas the National Mall is a national and regional tourist attraction;
Whereas Lunchtime Music on the Mall offers benefits to workers and visitors alike;
Whereas the National Mall is a national treasure, supported by United States taxpayers to provide a unique park space with potential for various kinds of outdoor enjoyment;
Whereas many talented amateur and professional musicians reside in the District of Columbia and the national capital region;
Whereas the National Mall provides a natural stage for the display of city and regional talent;
Whereas this year Lunchtime Music on the Mall will be located on the National Mall across from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum entrance; and
Whereas 2016 is the fifth season for Lunchtime Music on the Mall: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and commends--
(1) Lunchtime Music on the Mall for providing enhancement to urban life and musical culture in the Nation's capital and for appreciation of the outdoors at the National Mall;
(2) local performers bringing their talents to Lunchtime Music on the Mall; and
(3) the National Park Service, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Smithsonian Institution, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, 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.
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