Summertime means warm nights and soft breezes; it means barbecues and beach vacations. For the National Gallery of Art, summer means “Jazz in the Garden.”

The popular concert series takes place in the Sculpture Garden from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday evenings next to the grand reflecting pool and fountain. A different local jazz band will perform every week.

“I think it’s wonderful that more and more events like this are happening,” said Jo-Ann Neuhaus, executive director of the Pennsylvania Quarter Neighborhood Association. “It makes the city more enjoyable and more attractive.”

Located at Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue, Northwest, the Sculpture Garden has extended its hours for the summer. Until Labor Day, the garden will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.7 p.m Sunday.

Admission to the Sculpture Garden and concert series is free. The jazz series is sponsored by Guest Services Inc. and the National Gallery of Art. For more information, call (202) 737-4215 or visit the National Gallery of Art’s Web site at www.nga.gov.

— Sarah Bouchard