live music

Five Concerts Remain in Potomac Overlook Summer Series

By Ethan Rothstein

West on 66 performs (photo via Facebook)The Potomac Overlook Regional Park summer concert series is in full swing, with half of its slate of concerts still on tap through mid-September.

The concert series has been an annual tradition at the 70-acre park in North Arlington just off the GW Parkway, providing free outdoor performances of local and regional acts in a family setting, said Park Manager Roy Geiger.

“It’s a kick-back-and-relax time,” Geiger said. “You’ve got whole families coming down, kids in strollers, all ages up to senior citizens. So along come the blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and even some dogs sitting there quietly.”

The crowds at the outdoor venue — which Geiger describes as a Wolf Trap-like feel but “without the big crowds” — vary depending on the weather, but reach into the hundreds on the nice Saturday evenings. The concerts are all put on from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Below is the schedule for the remainder of the season.

  • Aug. 3 — Surrender Friday (classic rock)
  • Aug. 17 — West on 66 (classic rock, pictured above)
  • Aug. 31 — Michael Mulvaney (blues and folk)
  • Sept. 7 — Andrew Acosta (bluegrass)
  • Sept. 14 — Second Wind (Southern rock)

Photo via Facebook

Poncho Sanchez Featured In September’s Jazz Festival

By Ethan Rothstein

Rosslyn Jazz Festival (photo via Rosslyn BID)Renowned percussionist Poncho Sanchez is the headliner for this year’s Rosslyn Jazz Festival.

The Rosslyn Business Improvement District, which puts on the annual event — now in its 23rd year — announced its Sept. 7 lineup this week. It includes Sanchez, a Grammy award winner,  joined by saxophonist and clarinetist James Carter, performing a tribute to John Coltrane.

Before Sanchez goes on stage as the headliner at 5:30 p.m., Soul Rebels, featured in the HBO show “Treme,” will perform at 4:00 p.m. Soul Rebels, made up of New Orleans jazz scene veterans Lumar LeBlanc and Derrick Moss, fuse a jazz foundation with principles of hip-hop in their music.

Opening the show will be a local band, the Kenny Rittenhouse Septet. Rittenhouse is a professor of jazz trumpet at George Mason University and performs in the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Following Rittenhouse on the stage will be Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens, a female gospel quartet that has played, among other places, New York City’s famed Lincoln Center.

The Rosslyn Jazz Festival will be held at Arlington Gateway Park on Sept. 7, starting at 1:00 p.m. and running until 7:00. The concert is free and open to the public, and it will be emceed by on-air personalities from jazz station WPFW 89.3.

Photo courtesy of the Rosslyn BID. Disclosure: Rosslyn BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser.

Verve Pipe to Headline July 4th Celebration

By Katie Pyzyk

The Verve Pipe (photo courtesy Arlington County)The Second Annual Arlington County July 4th Celebration at Long Bridge Park is just one week away, and we now know the headlining act will be a multi-platinum selling rock band.

Revelers can listen to The Verve Pipe while waiting to watch the fireworks display on the National Mall, which is expected to begin at 9:10 p.m. The band is known for its 90s hit “The Freshmen.”

The event runs from 3:00-10:00 p.m. next Thursday. Live entertainment kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with WAMMIE award winning band “The Grandsons,” followed by the Army Voices ensemble from the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and then D.C. area party band “Jeff from Accounting.”

"Fourth of July Fireworks from the Netherlands Carillon" by Clint FarrellFamily friendly activities include a hula hoop contest, potato sack races, kickball games, line dancing, moon bounces and face painting. Local food trucks will also roll in to feed the masses.

More details about the bands and all of the activities offered at the celebration can be found online.

Two other popular places to watch the fireworks from Arlington include the Marine Corps Memorial and the Air Force Memorial. Police will be working traffic control in those areas in addition to helping near Long Bridge Park. ACPD has not yet announced a list of road closures.

Anyone heading out to celebrate is reminded that grills, fireworks and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on county and federal park lands.

Disclosure: Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Flickr pool photo by Clint Farrell

Photos: Columbia Pike Blues Fest 2013

By ARLnow.com
1/26

Sunny and pleasant weather and a big-name headliner attracted the largest crowd yet to the Columbia Pike Blues Festival over the weekend, organizers said.

We’re told more than 7,000 people turned out for the 18th annual Blues Festival, which is held on S. Walter Reed Drive just north of the Pike. Guitarist G.E. Smith, of Saturday Night Live and Hall & Oates fame, headlined the event.

Takis Karantonis, Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, said he wasn’t surprised by the new attendance record. He expects the festival to continue to grow in crowds and quality as community ties continue to strengthen around the developing Columbia Pike town center area.

Asked about the ideal weather condition, Karantonis wouldn’t comment, for fear of jinxing next year’s festival.

“We don’t talk about the weather — before, during and after,” he said.

Disclosure: CPRO is an ARLnow.com advertiser.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Ominous clouds over Arlington and the District (photo by Martin Humm)

Fish and Wildlife Office to Leave Arlington — On the heels of the decision to move the National Science Foundation from Arlington to Alexandria, the General Services Administration is expected to announce soon that the Fish and Wildlife Service is leaving, as well. The Dept. of the Interior agency, which occupies three office buildings in Ballston, is “seeking a less expensive space option outside Arlington.” [Washington Business Journal]

Restaurant Fire in Crystal City — A fire broke out in the kitchen of Cafe Manna in Crystal City around 5:30 last night. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the office building at 2345 Crystal Drive. A sprinkler system helped to extinguish the flames before they spread, but the restaurant suffered smoke and water damage.

Mary Marshall Scholars Announced — Arlington County has named the eight local high school students who will receive $1,500 college scholarships as part of the Mary Marshall scholarship program. The scholarships, awarded to those who are pursuing careers in public service, are named after former House of Delegates member Mary Marshall. [Arlington County]

Teen Battle of the Bands This Weekend — Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd) will host a teen battle of the bands competition on Saturday. The competition, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., will feature at least 8 local teen bands. The concert was organized by D.C.-area high school seniors as part of a month-long internship at Artisphere. Tickets are $5. [Artisphere]

Army Celebrates Birthday — Today (Friday) is the U.S. Army’s 238th birthday. The occasion will be marked with a wreath-laying ceremony from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. [U.S. Army]

Flickr pool photo by Martin Humm

Take Dad Out for Father’s Day Activities

By Katie Pyzyk

Father and son with fishing gear in Bon Air ParkThe weather may be foul now, but it’s supposed to improve this weekend. That means outdoor options are in play for taking dad out to celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday (June 16).

Whether outdoors or inside, there are numerous events taking place around Arlington this weekend where you can spend some quality time with dad. Here are a few to consider:

Columbia Pike Blues Fest — The free event features food, music and children’s activities. Festivities run from 1:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, on S. Walter Reed Drive at Columbia Pike. This year’s headliner is guitarist G.E. Smith, who gained widespread fame through his time as the musical director on Saturday Night Live, following his stint as the lead guitarist for the band Hall & Oates. More information, including a full music schedule, can be found online.

Donuts with Dad — The Cherrydale Branch Library (2190 N. Military Road) still has a few spots open for dads and kids who want to stop by on Saturday for some sweet treats. From 10:30-11:30 a.m., the library will provide donuts and a craft activity for children. The event is free, but advance sign up is required by calling 703-228-6330 or visiting by the library.

Crystal Car Auto Festival — Crystal City is hosting its first annual Father’s Day Auto Festival. Visitors can check out a variety of autos, including innovative electric vehicles and classic muscle cars. The event runs from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free and a cash beer garden offers beer and wine. More information about exact locations for the auto festival can be found online.

Dash 4 Dad Race — Pacers has again partnered with ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer for the four mile Dash for Dad race on Sunday. The 8:30 a.m. race begins at Pentagon Row close to the Pacers store (1101 S. Joyce Street). Registration and road closures for the race can be found online.

Go Fishing — Although the county no longer stocks trout in Four Mile Run due to budget cuts, residents are still allowed to fish in local waterways. Anglers over the age of 16 need a license to fish. The Department of Parks and Recreation website uses a fish logo to indicate parks — such as Alcova Heights, Glencarlyn and Upper Pimmit Run — where visitors may be successful in pulling in a catch.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID and Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization are ARLnow.com advertisers

New Shirlington Music Fest Starts Next Week

By ARLnow.com

Shirlala Music Festival logoThe Village at Shirlington will be hosting a new summer music festival starting next week.

The “Shirlala Music Festival” will include 10 weeks of live music from various genres, plus wine tastings from Shirlington’s Cheesetique store. The festival is an outgrowth of the former Shirlington jazz festival.

The event is free and open to the public, but the wine tasting is $5. It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday, from June 13 to August 22 (except July 4).

This year’s musical lineup includes:

  • June 13 — Jeff Carmella Band (Rock)
  • June 20 — MARS 4-tet (Jazz)
  • June 27 — King Teddy (Swing)
  • July 11 — Dan Haas Trio (Pop Rock)
  • July 18 — Lloyd Dobler Effect (80s & 90s Covers)
  • July 25 — The Shack Band (Rock & Funk)
  • August 1 — Ewabo (Steel Tropical Drums)
  • August 8 — Taylor Carson (Acoustic Rock)
  • August 15 — The Morrison Brothers (Southern Rock)
  • August 22 — Beach Bumz (Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band)

Art, Acoustic Music Festivals Coming to Clarendon Next Month

By ARLnow.com

Clarendon MetroShoppers and passersby will be treated to acoustic music and art in Clarendon starting next month.

On the weekend of June 22 and 23, national art show promoter Howard Alan Events will hold the inaugural “Arlington Festival of the Arts,” a “two-day juried outdoor gallery style art exhibit” featuring various works from “100 of the finest artists in the country.”

The festival is free and will take place each day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on N. Highland Street near the Clarendon Metro station.

“Festival patrons can expect to see bold and vibrant paintings, contemporary and whimsical art, life-size sculptures, photography, handcrafted jewelry and much more,” said a press release. “A food festival hosted by the Clarendon Alliance will be located adjacent to the Metro Station stop on Clarendon Boulevard and Highland Street. Admission to the art show is free and open to the public.”

Market Common at twilightIn addition to viewing art, festival-goers will, of course, also be able to purchase art. Prices will range from $25 to $30,000, according to organizers.

Also in June, the Market Common Clarendon shopping center (2700 Clarendon Blvd) will kick off a summer-long acoustic music festival. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs to the free concerts, in the Market Common Clarendon courtyard.

The concerts will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday nights. The scheduled artist lineup is as follows.

Free Blues Concert Tomorrow at Penrose Square

By ARLnow.com

Columbia Pike Blues Festival 2012A free blues concert will be held Thursday evening (May 16) at Penrose Square on Columbia Pike. The event is being held to promote the upcoming Columbia Pike Blues Festival.

Thursday’s concert will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. and will feature Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone and the Chris Polk Band. The concert, at Penrose Square (2503 Columbia Pike), is free and open to the public.

The 18th annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival will take place on June 15 and feature legendary guitarist G.E. Smith, who’s best known for being the musical director for Saturday Night Live and for being lead guitarist for Hall & Oates, Bob Dylan and other major musical acts.

As always, the Blues Festival will be held on S. Walter Reed Drive just north of Columbia Pike. The performance schedule on June 15 includes:

  • 1:00 p.m. — BG and the Mojo Hands
  • 2:00 p.m. — Clarence “Bluesman” Turner
  • 3:30 p.m. — Chris Polk [Sound Check]
  • 5:00 p.m. — Cathy Ponton King
  • 6:30 p.m. — G.E. Smith

File photo. Disclosure: Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, organizer of the Blues Festival, is an ARLnow.com advertiser.

Pentagon Row Concert Series Moves to Alley, Starts June 6

By ARLnow.com

Pentagon Row Summer Concert SeriesThe 11th annual “Rock the Row” summer concert series at Pentagon Row will start June 6, but in a different location than years past.

Thanks to major renovations at the shopping center’s plaza, this year the concerts will be held in the alley between Pentagon Row and the Pentagon City mall parking garage. The alley will be closed to traffic during the concerts. As before, the concerts will take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This year’s Rock the Row schedule is as follows:

The concerts are free and open to the public.

The renovations at the Pentagon Row plaza include an expanded ice rink during the winter, a turf lawn during the summer, revamped outdoor dining areas, 1,500 square feet of new retail and dining space, lighted water fountains and a stone fire pit. Construction on the project is expected to wrap up this fall.

File photo

Lubber Run Amphitheater Schedule Set

By ARLnow.com

Performance at Lubber Run Amphitheater (photo courtesy Arlington County)Arlington County has released the performance schedule for the upcoming summer season at the Lubber Run Amphitheater.

Opening night at the amphitheater is scheduled for Friday, June 14, with soul and R&B artist Marry Ann Redmond performing. The season will close on Saturday, Aug. 3 with hip hop and jazz artist Rico Amero.

The amphitheater, which underwent a round of critical repairs in 2011, is located at N. Columbus Street and 2nd Street N., two blocks north of Route 50.

The full schedule can be found below. All shows are free and open to the public, and start at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

  • Friday, June 14 — Mary Ann Redmond (soul/R&B)
  • Saturday, June 15 — Halau O’Aulani and the Aloha Boys (Hawaiian dance)
  • Monday, June 17 — Metropolitan Chorus (choral)
  • Wednesday, June 19 — Potomac Harmony Chorus (a cappella)
  • Friday, June 21 — The U.S. Army Blues (jazz)
  • Saturday, June 22 — King Teddy (big band/swing)
  • Sunday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m. — The Constituents (acoustic/Caribbean)
  • Friday, June 28 — Margot MacDonald (singer-songwriter)
  • Saturday, June 29 — Eric Scott (pop/neo-soul)
  • Sunday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. — Black Muddy River Band (acoustic)
  • Friday, July 5 — Colleen Shanley and Grand Junction (bluegrass/folk rock)
  • Saturday, July 6 — Mystic Warriors (New Age/jazz)
  • Sunday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m. — Bob Gibson Big Band (big band/swing)
  • Friday, July 12 — Juniper Lane (pop/rock)
  • Saturday, July 13 — Andrew Acosta and the New Old Time String Band (acoustic/traditional)
  • Friday, July 19 — Ted Garber (blues/rocsc
  • Saturday, July 20 — The Grandsons (rock)
  • Sunday, July 21 at 6:00 p.m. — Russkie Musikanti (Russian folk)
  • Friday, July 26 — “Much Ado About Nothing” (Shakespeare play)
  • Saturday, July 27 — The Tone Rangers (a cappella/comedy)
  • Friday, August 2 — Hexagon (political satire)
  • August 3 — Rico Amero (hip hop/jazz)
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