National Archives Hosts Free Jazz Concert as Part of the Constitution Week Activities
Press Release · Friday, August 11, 2000

Washington, DC

Bring the family down to the National Archives to hear the U.S. Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, perform on Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, in front of the National Archives Building, Saturday, September 16 at 1 P.M. The free concert is part of the National Archives weeklong commemoration of the 213th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Seating for the concert is on the steps of the National Archives Building.

The Commodores, under the direction of Master Chief Musician Leland V. Gause, combine the best of jazz and popular music. Their 18 jazz and big band musicians and vocalist Yolanda C. Pelzer have performed all over the world, including two public concerts in Dublin to celebrate the 4th of July in 1998. Other venues have included the Detroit Montreux Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for the whole family to have some fun and be among the first to see Page Two of the U.S. Constitution in its new state-of-the-art housing. The parchment sheet will be displayed for the first time in 12 years, beginning on Friday, September 15, for three days only, in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building.

Beginning at 11 A.M. on Saturday, September 16, preceding the concert, meet some of the framers of the Constitution: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and James Monroe. They'll be on hand in period costumes to offer an insider's perspective on the drafting of the Constitution.