MY WASHINGTON: Marine Band leader from Vt. embraces D.C.

Published January 10, 2010 5:00am ET



Faves and raves by

 

COL. MICHAEL J. COLBURN

Director of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band

 

PERSONAL STATS

AGE: 45

NUMBER OF YEARS IN D.C.: 22

NEIGHBORHOOD: Burke

– Alan Suderman

1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT

The White House

2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

My new commuter bicycle (at least when the weather is warm!).

3. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT

Anytime the Red Sox, Celtics or Patriots come to town. Sorry, I’m a native New Englander.

4. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC

The National Mall during the summer.

5. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS

A Marine Band concert, of course!

6. FAVORITE MUSEUM

It’s a tie — the National Museum of American History and the Library of Congress (Jefferson Building).

7. MOST ROMANTIC SPOT

Touring the monuments at night.

8. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY

Hanging out with my favorite people — my family.

9. BEN’S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO?

Ben’s Chili Bowl, without a doubt.

10. BEST OUT-OF-TOWN RETREAT

Pretty much anywhere in my native state of Vermont.

11. BEST INSIDE-THE-BELTWAY RETREAT

Great Falls, even though it’s not technically inside the Beltway.

12. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS

Bob and Edith’s Diner on Columbia Pike (2310 Columbia Pike).

13. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Providing music for the White House as part of America’s oldest professional musical organization.

14. EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C.

I’ve lived here for 22 years, and I still haven’t been to the top of the Washington Monument!