By Ken Kensky | Published July 18, 2026 at 12:40PM ET
Photo by Joy Asico-Smith for National Geographic
Towards the end of an always-busy Pride month, DC’s Different Drummers brought out our Marching Band, Color Guard, and Jazz Combo group “2nd Independence” to perform at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration grand opening event.
Photo by Joy Asico-Smith for National Geographic
On Friday June 26, 2026, DCDD’s ensembles performed 3 sets at the Museum of Exploration to celebrate the grand re-opening and remodeling of the space.
The opening marked a major revitalization of the nearly 130-year-old campus in Washington, DC, featuring over 100,000 square feet of new public space dedicated to inspiring the explorer in every visitor (National Geographic). This was the public’s first opportunity to explore the museum, featuring live performances from a variety of local groups, hands-on activities, and opportunities to meet the National Geographic Explorers.
DCDD’s Marching Band & Color Guard marched up 17th Street to the museum front courtyard for two performances, with the second set only slightly delayed by a passing storm.
In between, DCDD’s Jazz Combo “2nd Independence” took the stage in the museum’s cafe, the “Explorer’s Eatery,” and jammed on a number of jazz standards and adaptations of pop tunes. They also had the honor of being the first band to ever perform on the Explorer’s Eatery stage.
DCDD’s members had a special chance, being among the first to glimpse brand-new interactive exhibits and inspirtional architecture that define the visitor expeience at the Museum of Exploration. The museum staff, event coordinators, and sound technicians made it even more of a pleasure to perform at this exciting event.
Photos by Joy-Asico Smith and Elman Studio for National Geographic
Learn more about the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington DC on their website.