National holidays and the National Symphony Orchestra’s free concert extravaganzas go together like hot dogs and beer at a baseball game. On Sunday evening, the NSO pays tribute to the “Legends of Washington Music: Sousa, Ellington and Brown.” That’s Chuck Brown, folks; none other than the Godfather of Go-Go. The concert also marks the beginning of Steve Reineke’s tenure as the NSO principal Pops conductor.
“I cannot think of a better way to begin [my tenure] than by celebrating three of the finest musicians from the nation’s capital,” Reineke said.
| Onstage |
| The NSO Pays Tribute to the Legends of Washington Music |
| Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol |
| When: 8 p.m. Sunday |
| Info: Free |
“Each has made huge contributions to the gloriously variegated world of popular music, and I am very happy to tell you that we’ll all be joined by the living legend of the three, Chuck Brown himself.”
As part of his 75th-birthday celebration, Brown joins in the show onstage with the NSO and follows the orchestral portion with a performance by his band.
“I’m gonna love it,” said Brown. He is even modest about the accolades and title he has received over the years.
“I never called myself the ‘Godfather of Go-Go,'” he explained. “The fans and the radio stations gave me that label; I never would have designated that name for myself. I don’t have that much of an ego.”
Nevertheless, Brown oozes pride over the fact that the NSO has commissioned two arrangements especially for this salute. “Dancin’ with Chuck Brown” is a medley by Tim Berens of three Chuck Brown favorites: “That’ll Work,” “Harlem Nocturne,” and “Bustin’ Loose.” The second commission is called “Run, Joe,” arranged by Sam Shoup.
“I never would have dreamed this would happen,” Brown continued. “They took these songs and worked me in [them] too!”
The concert opens with the music of John Philip Sousa, born in D.C. in 1854 and world-renowned as the “March King.” Duke Ellington, who came along in 1899, will receive his tribute through the performance of his music — the distinctive sound that epitomizes jazz to the rest of the world.
As Brown takes the stage, he’s certain he’ll get love, just as he gives it.
“I get the love everywhere I go,” he enthuses. “People come up to me to take pictures and get autographs. It doesn’t matter where I am, and I’m so happy about that.”
