Enjoy the Free National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert

Every year, the National Symphony Orchestra puts on a free Labor Day concert on the west lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington DC.

The Labor Day concert  is the official kick-off of the start of the performing arts season in the nation’s capital, the start of the NSO’s 79th season, and the unofficial end of summer. The concert honors American workers from all walks of life and professions.

The original inspiration of Labor Day was a protest of the traditional 12 hour work day.  Worker strikes, boycotts, unrest and even riots laid the groundwork for labor reform and a dedicated day off honoring all American workers, with rallies and parades starting in 1882.  The first parade was the result of the US troops opening fire on striking workers in New York City that year.

Two years later, after the famous Pullman coach worker’s strike against the nation’s railroads literally shut down commerce coast to coast and erupted in violence.  With over 125,000 railroad workers striking, 13 strikers were killed and more than 50 injured in a riot in Chicago.  Later that year, the first Monday in September was sanctioned by the Federal government as a national holiday.

The 90-minute concert will consist of patriotic and classical music by the 95-piece National Symphony Orchestra.

National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day concert — West lawn of the US Capitol Building, E. Capitol and First Streets, NW, Washington DC (map)

Dates and Times – Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 8:00 p.m., Gates open at 3:20.

Tickets – Free, no tickets required, but all attendees are subject to a bag and security search.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Capitol South – Blue and Orange lines, or Federal Center SW – Blue and Orange lines, then a 4-5 block walk from either station or use the DC Circulator bus.

Parking – Limited free street parking is available near the Capitol Building, but will be difficult to find.

Image: Flickr – US Capitol Building