An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMultimediaNewsArticle Display

Smithsonian concerts to coincide with Cherry Blossom Festival

  • Published
  • By By Chief Master Sgt. Jenn Pagnard
Washington D.C. --  The 2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, April 13 with dozens of events throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C. Several concerts by two of the Band's ensembles are scheduled during the 25-day celebration for Washingtonians and visitors alike to enjoy.

On March 21 and 28, Max Impact, the premier rock band of the U.S. Air Force, will perform short, 20- minute concerts at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum's "America by Air" pavilion. The Air Force Strings will present mini-concerts at this same location on April 4. All of these performances will begin on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No tickets are needed for these free concerts.

The Air Force Strings will also perform a concert at the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum on April 12 at 11:30 a.m. The performance will feature works of Japanese American composers. The concert will be conducted by Major Michael Willen. According to the National Park Service, the cherry blossoms are scheduled to peak from April 8 to 12--just in time for this concert! This concert is free and no tickets are needed.

Willen is looking forward to performing this unique repertoire at such a poignant location. He said, "This festival has been called 'The Nation's Greatest Springtime Celebration,' and we're thrilled to be a part of it. With this concert, we look forward to emphasizing our nation's important partnership with Japan at the amazing Hirshhorn Museum."

This is the perfect opportunity to see one of the most beautiful sights in the world--the cherry blossoms in full bloom in our nation's capital and enjoy some free concerts at two wonderful locations. For more information about these and other concerts, please visit our web calendar.