WASHINGTON—Ask anyone about Washington and they’ll immediately think of history or politics. But what about music? Prior to our visit, we thought the best street performers were  in New York or New Orleans; however, D.C. proved us wrong.

As we strolled through the National Mall and surrounding areas, we were met with the soothing hum of the saxophone and the gentle strummings of the guitar. People gathered to listen to the players on their instruments— their passion and excitement visible with every note. 

Each of the street performers we saw was accompanied by a large speaker playing background music which enhanced the individual performances. This is something we hadn’t seen in New York or anywhere else, and it made the whole experience much more enjoyable. We were tapping our feet and bobbing our heads to popular hits and original works while taking in the beauty of our nation’s capital. 

What we found to be most enticing about the music was the people who were performing it. We talked to many of these performers, but one stood out to us in particular: Mr. Augustus Baraza.

Baraza has been playing the saxophone since the ‘80s, and moved to the United States from Kenya 20 years ago, which is when he started performing on the streets of D.C. 

Not only is Baraza an incredible saxophone player, but he is also a minister, and he incorporates that aspect of his life into his performances. 

“Before I start playing contemporaries, I do hymns for almost two hours so people feel spiritual nourishment when they listen to me,” he said. “After [the hymns], I pick up Michael Jackson; I pick up Backstreet Boys; I pick up everybody.”

Baraza said his favorite part about playing music in D.C. is meeting people and making new friends. While playing, he has met Anderson Cooper and Miss America. Right now, he is hoping that Donald Trump will walk by soon. 

Baraza is a prime example of the amazing backstories different people have in Washington. One way to hear those stories is through the city’s music.