Adams Morgan Day 2018 — Keeping the Legend Alive
We marked the 40th anniversary of Adams Morgan Day as another one for this history books last Sunday. While a rainy day gave us as an imperfect backdrop for the big celebration, it certainly didn’t dampen our spirits.
The 40th anniversary gave me time to pause and reflect on why I really love Adams Morgan Day. What is it about the festival that touches me so deeply and keeps me coming back? It is a combination of the people and the place — a neighborly community, diverse cuisine, and live music — that is a exhibition of everything I know to love.
Ten years ago, during my first year in D.C., the Adams Morgan Day Festival is what got me hooked on the neighborhood. I was charmed by the vibe and the good old-fashioned fun had by thousands of local citizens. There was funnel cake and karaoke. African fabrics and candles for sale. Latin bands and women Brazilian drummers. I cruised block by block, and ended the afternoon by belting out tunes through a karaoke machine on the sidewalk.
Other neighborhood festivals hardly existed in Washington DC at the time. The H Street Festival, Columbia Heights Day, and 17th Street Festival were all just getting started. At the time, Adams Morgan Day was the big kid on the block, with decades of history under its belt. I’ve heard stories about the ‘good ‘ole days’ of the festival with both Columbia Road and 18th Street closed, garnering more than 200,000 festival goers, coming from all four corners of D.C. to party in the streets.
My dad ran a neighborhood jazz club when I was growing up — a watering hole for friend and musicians to eat pasta, drink beer, and listen to blues, rock and soul music seven nights a week. There are hints of that same spirit when people talk about 18th Street in the 1980’s. He and I would dance on the sidewalks at the annual ‘Fiesta’ celebration in my hometown with mariachi bands and flamenco, crack confetti eggs on each other’s’ heads on the sidewalk, eat tacos, and corn on the cob.
Adams Morgan Day is the new chapter of that story for me. Local musicians get a chance in the spotlight. Neighbors get outside and greeting one another. Local artists connect with appreciative customers of their crafts. Adams Morgan Day is about coming together, and has been for a long time. It is a place to make some of life’s most precious, carefree, memories.
That legacy was on display yesterday. With a steady drumbeat of rain for most of the day, the plan continued. Volunteers and vendors diligently set up their wares and festival goer in rain boots and jackets steadily strolled down the street, tucked into businesses and under tents. Music blasted from three stages. Jazz, reggae, samba, mariachis, kid DJs, drag queens, and other musicians took center stage. Folks tucked into the American University’s Humanities Truck to flip through photo albums of previous festivals over the years, thanks to DC Public Library and Nancy Shia. I saw a photo from 1978 with the same Department of Parks and Recreation stage at the same intersection with what felt like the same saxophone and bass guitar.
There is something unwavering and true about a free neighborhood festival, open to the public. It is inherently spirited and unpredictable, which is part of the magic. It is a snapshot of modern day life at its finest. It is about people of all ages and background coming out to enjoy the same experience. Yes, D.C. has changed over the years, and Adams Morgan has experienced some of that change along with it. But being one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, it also remains true to its roots of diverse cuisine, art and music. It welcomes new residents and visitors into the fold with open arms.
In the afternoon, the rain stopped and the crowds grew larger. People gathered at the Columbia Stage with anticipation to watch Trouble Funk, the famed go-go band also celebrating its 40th year. The music started and the fans started dancing. Some people had clearly come out in the rain specifically to hear the band. Others were listening to go-go music for the first time. The energy was electric and everyone was having a good time.
One older couple stopped by the information booth said “You want to see a photo of the first Adams Morgan Day?” They pulled out their phone to show us a photo of them in their younger years sitting on the curb of 18th Street with friends, grinning. “Thanks for coming back!” one volunteer said. The husband turned to us, smiled, and said “We never left.”
That is the story of Adams Morgan.
Adams Morgan Day could not be possible without the incredible dedication of local neighbors — kindred spirits working as tireless volunteer to create a true labor of love: Carol Miller, Michele Castro, Kara Davis, Josue Martinez/Corinto Gallery, Joe Lapan/Songbyrd, Denis James, Eric Blodnikar, Floyd Jones/VoloCity, David Smith, June Chang, Jessica Reichard/Accupermit, and David Delaplaine/Roofer’s Union and many more. Rain or shine, these people gave it their all. (Did I mention we’re all volunteers!) They inspire me with their dedication to the event and their love of the community. I feel privileged to call them my teammates and friends.
Tell us your story! What is your favorite part of Adams Morgan Day?
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Learn more about Adams Morgan Day history through our Facebook Page.
Donations accepted here will help kickstart fundraising for 2019.
