Click here for an audio version of this story:
Bluegrass, mariachi and American funk could all be heard as thousands of D.C. residents descended upon Adams Morgan on Sunday for the annual Adams Morgan Day Festival.
A man dances to music from the Virginia Woodpickers
The free festival, which started in 1978, featured vendors selling food, homemade crafts and jewelry, and art from around the world.
Vendors included American University students selling bracelets made by orphans in Nicaragua, chefs offering kabobs from Southeast Asia and D.C. artists exhibiting their latest work.
Thai jewelry maker Mu Saratis has sold handmade necklaces and earrings at the festival for 10 years.
The festival featured food from around the world including the Asian kabobs pictured here
“This is the best show I have in one year. There are a lot of people, they spend money and enjoy the day,” said Saratis. “The best thing is I have participated in this show for about ten years and it has never rained.”
Mission South, a local rock and blues band, was one of the many acts that performed during the street festival.
The band’s three members, who attend colleges around the country, rarely get to play together in their home city once school starts back.
“It was great to be playing in D.C. Just looking down 18th Street and seeing tons of people and the bars and clubs that we play during the summer—you couldn’t ask for more,” said John Beck, bass and vocals for the band.
Artist Dana Ellyn discusses her work with festival attendees
According to artist Dana Ellyn, she loves coming to the festival to not only introduce her art to new attendees, but also to catch up with previous buyers.
“Ten years in, it’s great that I get the same people who come back and then new people every year. That’s very rewarding,” said Ellyn.
Adams Morgan Day is sponsored by Adams Morgan Main Street Group, a local nonprofit that hosts a variety of outdoor festivals and events throughout the year.
A sampling of music from the festival:
Man in the Mirror/Party in the USA Medley by Mission South
The Virginia Woodpickers
Mariachi Band
heathercaygle 