Jazz Vocalist Sachal Vasandani will give a concert at the unbelievably gorgeous National Cathedral in DC tomorrow evening at 7:30pm. (Thanks, Kiran!)

With a flair for infusing the familiar with a fresh, original sensibility entirely his own and an ability to write songs of a diverse and popular style, Vasandani has captured the attention of the jazz world over the past few years from coast to coast and is quickly climbing towards the top of the music scene.

“Sachal Vasandani’s singing reveals emotion and intellect,” says Wynton Marsalis, artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. “Versed in the blues, standards, and modern jazz…his sound is consistent and unique.”

Get there a bit early if you can; the grounds of the Cathedral are just swoon-worthy (and perfect for picnics). Check out the Bishop’s Garden, to the left of the massive edifice– it’s one of the most beautiful parts of DC, IMO

In case you didn’t click one of the earlier links, I’ll quote Mutineer Manish’s review of the talented Mr. Vasandani right herre:

Because of the friend connection, I wasnÂ’t expecting more than a pleasant evening out. And though I love jazz classics, IÂ’m not fan enough to dig the dissonance of an improv jam session. Vasandani emerged from the gloom of rear stage. He was tall and floppy-haired and stood a bit stiffly, like a pre-makeover John Mayer. He wore a blazer, but he wasnÂ’t as natty as chart-topping young fogies like Harry Connick Jr. and swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. We plunged into our sidecars and lemon drops and waited for the show to begin.

When Vasandani opened his mouth, we utterly forgot about the drinks. The first time you hear a magnetic singer pull from his bag of vocal tricks, itÂ’s like falling in love. Those who hadnÂ’t heard him before were shocked.

Manish noted that Sachal sounds like other popular artists and I actually think this can be a good thing. A lot of people are either intimidated by or unsure of Jazz– though they’ll dance happily to standards at weddings and the like. If the location (like I said: swoon) and price (free) weren’t attractive enough, then the knowledge that you aren’t going to be subjected to something terribly difficult to listen to should close the deal.

Pictures of the venue, after the jump.

All concerts are free and open to the public; seating is unreserved, on a first-come, first-served basis…For more information, please call (202) 537-6216.

As the case is with almost every DC landmark worth its granite, parking can be somewhat limited (though I’ve never had a problem with it). If you take my advice and get there EARLY enough to stroll around, you’ll probably snag a space, too. 😉 If you’re more pressed for time, Metro may be the way to go.
This page has detailed instructions on which buses take you from Red-line trains to the Cathedral.

Washington National Cathedral
Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW
Washington, DC 20016-5098
Tel: (202) 537-6200
e-mail:tours@cathedral.org