Norton to Introduce First Lunchtime Music on the Mall Performer Thursday at Noon

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will kick off the pre-launch of Lunchtime Music on the Mall tomorrow, June 14, 2012,at noon, near the Smithsonian Metro stop on the National Mall. Norton will introduce violinist and D.C. native Clarice Labbe, the first artist to perform as part of the series. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with the Congresswoman, will bring local and regional musicians, including vocalists, instrumentalists, and small music groups such as string and jazz quartets, to perform on the Mall during the lunchtime hours on Tuesdays in June, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays after the official launch in July.

"Lunchtime Music on the Mall will help ensure the Mall is a vibrant and inviting place to spend time during the lunchtime hours, not only when tourists are there, but especially when residents of the District and the region can take a breather from their nearby offices and enjoy the performances," Norton said.

Scheduled to perform Tuesday, June 19 is trumpet player Freddie Dunn, and on June 26, rock band Rosie Likes Red.