Monday, July 9, 2012

A Great Time in DC-Capitol Fourth with the McConnells!





What a magnificent week! Jon and I were delighted to host Mike and Cindy McConnell (pictured above with Maestro Jack Everly) during their 5-day stay with us in Washington DC for the Fourth of July celebrations. The McConnells placed the winning bid on vacation package with us that included sight-seeing, certifiably "foodie" dining at some of the best DC restaurants, and VIP tickets to the Capitol Fourth concert with the National Symphony Orchestra and our very own Maestro Jack Everly.





Sharing in the co-hosting duties was the Symphonic Choir's very own Associate Artistic Director, Dr. Michael Davis, pictured above during one of our most enjoyable morning "roundtables" in our dining room.





Always a highlight any time we are able to get a table, we dined at the fabulous OYA restaurant on Monday evening...sushi, barbecue, scallops, chili tater tots, and molten chocolate cake...YUM!





Despite the temps in the 100's, our intrepid guests had a wonderful visit to the Potomac River home of our first President, George Washington's beautiful Mount Vernon.





On Wednesday evening, it was time to make our way to the West Lawn of the US Capitol, for a star-spangled concert including the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Jack Everly, host Tom Bergeron, Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara, the cast of GLEE, and composer John Williams.





Did I mention our seats were in the FIFTH ROW??!!




Backstage with Indy Pops Producer Ty Johnson, who arranged our tickets for us. THANK YOU TY AND JACK!!




Olympic speed skating medalist Apolo Anton Ohno led a tribute to the athletes competing in this summer's London Games.





Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara..."S'Wonderful!"





Time for fireworks and John Phillips Sousa!





After the performance, we had VIP tickets to the party in the US Capitol, where we got to visit the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and even the floor of the US House of Representatives.

This was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Thanks to Ty Johnson and Jack Everly who made it possible. And to Mike and Cindy McConnell for their dedicated and generous support of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir!

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