WASHINGTON – The rhythm of summer is back at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

For the 13th season, the Jazz in the Garden series will provide free tunes and an end-of-the-week catharsis.

The weekly concert series features a variety of performers and styles. Concerts begin at 5 p.m. each Friday.

Last year, an average of 9,000 people filled the Sculpture Garden for each concert. The Sculpture Garden is between 7th and 9th Streets and Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive.

“That means you have to come early to get a good spot,” says Deborah Ziska, a spokesperson for the National Gallery of Art. “I’d say between 4 and 5 p.m.”

The concrete benches fill up quickly, but prime spots on the lawn go fast, too.

“Bring a blanket, bring a picnic if you want,” Ziska says.

“One thing you cannot bring in is alcohol.”

Guards check personal bags at all the entrances and confiscate any alcohol they find.

Sangria and beer are for sale on site.

Here is the schedule for the summer concert series:

• Ruthie and the Wranglers
  May 24 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Chopteeth
  May 31 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• DC Jazz Festival presents Sin Miedo
  June 7 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Deanna Bogart Band
  June 14 from from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Hendrik Meurkens
  June 21 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Swingtopia
  June 28 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Ernest “EC3” Coleman and Friends
  July 5 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Juanita Williams
  July 12 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Euphonasia
  July 19 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Incendio
  July 26 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Brian Simms
  Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Josh Bayer
  Aug. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Doc Scantlin’s Palmettos
  Aug. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Dixie Power Trio
  Aug. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden
  
• Bruno Nasta (jazz violin) and the U.S. Naval Academy “Next Wave” Jazz Ensemble
  Aug. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  Sculpture Garden

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