Tom Grooms can still remember the first Memorial Day Jazz Festival in Alexandria 30 years ago. Today, he’s a radio personality with Smooth Jazz 105.9; back then, he was a morning radio man with the late, great WHFS.
"There’s a long heritage here," he said.
Grooms will be the master of ceremonies at the 30th annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival on Monday, May 28, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Fort Ward Park, located at 4301 W. Braddock Road. Admission is free for this event, which features a different musical act each hour. The park features amphitheater and grass seating. Attendees of the festival can bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase, picnic baskets are welcome, and grills are available in the park at the picnic sites. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
The music lineup for this year’s festival includes Kaleidoscope Orchestra Big Band at 1 p.m.; Juanita Williams with the Fred Hughes Trio at 2 p.m.; The Mike Stephens Project (M.S.P.), whom Grooms said is a highly regarded East Coast act, at 3 p.m.; Al Williams at 4 p.m.; and headliners Chopteeth at 5 p.m. The music promises to be a blend of jazz, big band, swing, blues and other genres.
"They’re all well-known to Alexandria. They come out not only just to play music, but we’re really thinking about the kids overseas and the families going through tough times," said Grooms.
He said much like last year’s event, this year’s festival and celebration take on a special meaning during a time of military action. "The war’s still going on, and I think it’s more intense," said Grooms. "We always have a Memorial Day Festival, but when you’re in wartime, it means so much more."
Parking will be available on both sides of West Braddock Road, and additional parking will be available at the Minnie Howard School, located at 3801 West Braddock Road. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium, located at 1108 Jefferson St. For more information on Alexandria’s annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival, call the Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.