The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is proud to announce its annual performance series of Holiday Music in Public Places from December 6 to December 14, 2007. The series is free and open to the public. The music, a dazzling collage of District talent, will serve as a gift from the District of Columbia Government to visitors and residents of the nation's capital. 

Holiday Music in Public Places will begin with a special preview performance by the Duke Ellington Female Ensemble at Macy's, Metro Center at 5:30 pm, Thursday, December 6, 2007 and will end Friday, December 14, 2007 with the Narek Bell Choir performing at Union Station's Main Hall between 4 and 5:30 pm. The week will also feature a kaleidoscopic range of musical genres, from the Hammered Dulcimer to Rhythm & Blues. For a complete listing of performances, times, and locations, see the schedule below or call (202) 724-5613.

"This is our gift to the residents," says Tony Gittens, Executive Director of the DC Arts Commission. "It is one way that arts can raise our spirits during the holiday season."

Background: Since 1968, the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities has developed and promoted local artists, organizations, and activities as part of its mission to enrich the quality of life of the people of Washington.

Holiday Music in Public Places schedule of free events:

• Thursday, December 6, 2007 from  5:30-6:30pm
  Macy's, 1201 G Street NW
  Duke Ellington Female Ensemble, holiday choir
  

• Monday, December 10, 2007 from 12:15-2:30pm
  Downtown Holiday Market, F Street NW (between 7th and 8th streets)
  Project Natale, straighthead jazz
  
  
• Tuesday, December 11, 2007  from 3-5pm
  Market 5 Gallery, 7th and North Carolina Ave. SE
  Ken Kolodner, hammered dulcimer
  
  
• Wednesday, December 12, 2007 from 11:45-1:15pm
  Capitol Riverfront BID, Navy Yard Metro, 1100 New Jersey Ave., SE
  Reverb, holiday gospel quintet
  
  
• Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 5:30-6:30pm
  G Street Alley, Gallery Place, 7th and G Street NW
  Howard University Brass Ensemble, brass quintet
  
  
• Friday, December 14, 2007 from 4-5:30pm
  Union Station, Main Hall, 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE
  Narek Bell Choir, hand bell choir