by Mary Beth Ray
Chair, Van Ness Vision Committee and ANC 3F commissioner
The chilly weather was no match for the hot jazz and warm community vibe at last Thursday night’s first “Music at Van Ness” series.
UDC Jazztet: Steve Novosel on upright bass, Pete Muldoon on guitar, Jon Lewis on percussion and Jordon Dixon on saxophone. (photo by Rachel Elwell of UDC)
The renowned UDC Jazztet got the crowd swinging in no time, with tunes by Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller. Acacia Bistro provided the perfect setting, and owner Uzay Turker offered up the ever-popular jazzeritas and jazztinis at happy hour prices.
UzayTurker, owner of Acacia Bistro (photo by Mary Beth Ray)
The Van Ness Vision Committee of ANC 3F played host and welcomed neighbors from across the area, including residents from Connecticut Avenue, Forest Hills and North Cleveland Park, as well as commercial property owners and area merchants.
“This is exactly what our neighborhood has been needing,” said neighbor Marie-France Mathes. “I feel like I’m in Europe.”
The first “Music at Van Ness” event drew quite a crowd. (photo by Mary Beth Ray)
Neighbors of all ages came out. “We had a lovely time,” said music teacher and director Anne Gault. She brought her three-year-old son, who adored the band and said, “I want to play the saxophone when I get bigger.”
“It was a perfect evening,” said Van Ness Vision Committee member Marjorie Share. “It was a true partnership: not-for-profit (Vision Committee) / local business (Acacia) / academic-government (UDC). Can we do it again tonight?”
The Van Ness Vision Committee, all community volunteers, was formed in 2013 to make our Connecticut Avenue corridor more beautiful and more vibrant. “Music at Van Ness” is a brand new series which aims to bring music to Van Ness once a month, weather permitting. Our next Music at Van Ness event is “Caroling on the Avenue,” on Thursday, December 18th. Stay tuned for details.
If you would like to help with this or other Vision Committee activities, please contact the chair, Mary Beth Ray, at marybethray@verizon.net.
Here are more photos of the event:
Mary Beth Ray, right, Van Ness Vision Committee chair, and husband Sheldon.
Photo by Rachel Elwell of UDC.
Photo by Rachel Elwell of UDC.
Denise Warner, president of the Forest Hills Citizens Association, and ANC 3F Commissioner Sally Gresham. (photo by Mary Beth Ray)
Photo by Mary Beth Ray.