Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms

• American Cities, World Cities & Harbors
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Just as cherry trees feature in the traditional stories of George Washington, they have become a tradition in the capital that bears his name. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 flowering cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C. Since then, periodic gifts of trees between Japan and the United States have been symbolic of goodwill between the two countries.

Every spring, the blooming Yoshino cherry blossoms perfectly frame the monuments near Washington’s Tidal Basin with their distinctive white and pink petals. The occasion is complemented by celebrations, special events, and thousands of visitors looking to enjoy the ambience in their own way. In 2012, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be observing the 100th anniversary of the original cherry tree planting.

Mindi Abair is a contemporary saxophonist, singer, and songwriter who has blended pop and soul into her unique jazz style. Before her solo debut, she collaborated with many major artists. She is now one of the biggest solo jazz acts of the 2000s, with ten #1 radio singles. Abair was recently was featured on the 2011 season of American Idol.

Links

National Cherry Blossom Festival
National Park Service: Cherry Blossom Festival
NPR: “How D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms Almost Didn’t Bloom”
Mindi Abair