Washington, DC—St. Elizabeths Hospital kicks off its summer concert series at 7 pm, Thursday, June 28, 2007. The “Summer Sounds of Saint Elizabeths: Celebrating 50 Years of Music Therapy” free concerts will take place from June through September on the campus grounds, in the rear of the CT-3 Building near the Alabama Avenue Metro Station.

The concerts are organized by the Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services. St. Elizabeths was a pioneer in music and dance therapy and helped launch a national movement using creative arts as a mechanism for healing and expression. More than 70 music therapists have been trained at St. Elizabeths.

“This concert is a fun event that is integrated with our treatment and recovery process”, said Dr. Patrick Canavan, Chief Executive Officer at Saint Elizabeths. “We want our patients to be able to participate now in the kind of events that they might attend after they are discharged, and we are inviting family and friends to enjoy the concerts with them.”

Concerts also are open to the public. The Department of Mental Health is making a strong effort to tell neighbors and the community about the concerts and encourage them to attend.

“The campus of St. Elizabeths is a beautiful place, and we want the community to know they are welcome to come over, sit on the lawn and listen to great music on a warm summer evening”, said Stephen T. Baron, Director of the Department of Mental Health.

The concert series also will highlight the Smoke Free Initiative at the Hospital—part of a campaign to promote wellness for patients and staff. The campus will be smoke free by August 1.

Concert dates are listed below. Concert time is 7 pm unless otherwise noted otherwise.

June 28, Thursday
Performers:  DC African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, and Teri S

July 12, Tuesday *
Performer:  Tastes Like Chicken Band

July 19, Thursday
Performer:  In Process (an a cappella quartet)

August 2, Thursday
Performer:  To be announced

August 9, Thursday *
Performer:  Bertell Knox Jazz Quartet

August 14, Tuesday
Performer:  To be announced

August 23, Thursday
Performer:  Umoja String Quartet

August 28, Tuesday*
Performer:  To be announced

September 6, Thursday
Performer:  To be announced

September 13, Thursday*
Performer:  To be announced

September 20, Thursday*
1 pm to 2 pm
Performer:  Luis Garay’s Percussion World

September 25, Tuesday
Performer:  To be announced

* These concerts are open to St. Elizabeths patients and staff only.