Lubber Run Amphitheater – Free Concert Series

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression

Saturday, June 8, 8pm

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression

Veronneau

Sat, July 20, 8pm

Veronneau

Soul in Motion

Sunday, June 30, 11am

Soul in Motion

Lauren Calve

Friday, June 28, 8pm

Lauren Calve

QuinTango

Friday, June 21, 8pm

QuinTango

Lubber Run Summer Concert Series

Since the construction of the first permanent stage in 1969, generations of Arlingtonians have enjoyed free summer cultural events at the sylvan venue nestled two blocks off Route 50, ranging from Encore Stage & Studio to bands like Raul Midón, Eddie from Ohio and superstar Ritchie Havens.

The Lubber Run Summer Concert series features free performances from a variety of genres including big band, blues, soul and orchestral music as well as cabaret to the Lubber Run Amphitheater. Working in partnership with the Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation which funds four family-friendly shows at the end of the season, we bring the very best of DC metro area arts to the heart of Arlington.

The series will run Saturday, June 8 through August 2, 2024, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 11am. View an at-a-glance season schedule.

View our events on Facebook to share or save to your calendar. Wondering about the weather and last-minute cancellations? Visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

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2024 Lubber Run Summer Concert Schedule

Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 11am*

*Please note exceptions to the general schedule as indicated by an asterisk.
View our events on Facebook to share or save to your calendar. Wondering about the weather? Visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression -  Sat, June 8, 8pm

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are bona fide, and they want the world to know it.

A rising force out of Lexington, Kentucky, the band led by Joslyn Hampton come out swinging on their sophomore album, ready to uplift and inspire through their singular and stirring soul-funk sound. 2019’s critically acclaimed debut album made them a favorite headliner at regional clubs and music festivals. After a grueling and relentless tour schedule – one that saw them supporting Tower of Power at New York’s Sony Hall and Tyler Childers at Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre – the band is back with Bona Fide, a sonically and emotionally charged record that captures their breathtaking live energy as well as their humanity.

Released August 25, 2023, Bona Fide is a resounding testament to Joslyn & The Sweet Compression’s unparalleled talents, as well as an homage to the band’s co-founder (and Joslyn Hampton’s step-father), Marty Charters, who passed away in 2022.

Musically, Bona Fide blends soulful and smoldering neo-funk with elements of ‘70s and ‘80s R&B. Hampton pulls from her inspirations – Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey – as well as from the opera singers she studied in college. “I find myself applying all of the things I’ve learned to my passion now, and placing it in my music,” she shares.

The result is a unique, hooky style that helps Joslyn & The Sweet Compression stand apart from their contemporaries. To Hampton, Bona Fide is a record about a ride she calls "the human rollercoaster.”

“You have falling in love, getting cheated on, celebrating this life – you only get one,” she says. “We go through so many human emotions on this album, and that’s what I want to bring to life: The ride of being a human! I want to take you to the moment you found the love of your life when you looked across the room. This album is literally meant to take you to every human emotion you have.”

“I want them to see themselves in my songs and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.”

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are Bona Fide, ready to bring their love and joy to audiences everywhere.

Artist Website

YouTubeSpotifySound Cloud

Munit Mesfin - Fri, June 14, 8pm

Munit Mesfin Munit Mesfin is an Ethio-American singer and songwriter whose musical stylings range from jazz to soul, funk to reggae. Last year, she presented a Roberta Flack Tribute concert, which shone a light on the classics that this Arlingtonian native brought to the world! This year, she is bringing an Ethio-jazzy and soulful set, bringing the music she grew up on, music performed by legends such as the father of Ethio-Jazz, Mulatu Astatke, the legendary Tilahun Gessesse, Alemayehu Eshete, Asnakech Worku, Gigi and more while she dips into the jazz and soul music records that shaped her performance style, with tributes to Aretha, Roberta, Ella, and Sarah and more! Come for a night of her jazzy Ethiopian soul!
Artist Website

Rumba Club - Sat, June 15, 8pm

Rumba Club This 36 year old East Coast ensemble “has joined the pantheon of great latin jazz groups” says the 52nd Street Review. Veteran members have performed, recorded and toured extensively with jazz and Latin greats of the past and future: Tito Puente, Lionel Hampton, Monguito Santamaria, Manny Oquendo to name a few. Each of their four recordings on the prestigious PALMETTO record label, are produced by late Latin jazz luminary, Andy Gonzalez of FORT APACHE BAND fame. ‘Radio Mundo’, played to raves from DOWNBEAT, JAZZ TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, LATIN BEAT and the LA PRESS. These recordings are heard everywhere on SiriusXM, satellite and many other radio stations around the world.
Artist Website

Arlington Children's Chorus - Sun, June 16, 11am

Arlington Children's Chorus The Arlington Children's Chorus is a Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing enriching choral music instruction to children in Arlington, Alexandria, Washington, D.C. and other communities throughout the DC and Northern Virginia area. The ACC was founded in May 2010 by Kevin Carr and is led by Artistic Director Felix Polendey and Executive Director Anika Tené. The Arlington Children's Chorus has performed at the White House, The Kennedy Center, The National Gallery of Art, and the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, with the Pan-American Symphony Orchestra and have entertained audiences at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, among a host of others. The Arlington Children's Chorus is a diverse and inclusive group who embrace the joy of singing in a non-judgmental and non- competitive manner while enjoying high quality instruction and performance opportunities to develop character, responsibility, teamwork, kindness and community spirit.
Artist Website

QuinTango - Fri, June 21, 8pm

QuinTango QuinTango's musicians are top-notch classical instrumentalists whose distinctive "chamber tango" style blends intimacy and bravado with passion and precision. Equally at home on concert stages or in classrooms, QuinTango re-imagines tango classics, shares deeply personal originals, and treats their audiences to tango-inflected versions of familiar ballads. From the White House to Buenos Aires, from festivals in Europe to classrooms in Appalachia, QuinTango's music and personal narratives make lasting connections with every performance.
Artist Website

Vox Pop - Sat, June 22, 8pm - canceled

Vox Pop at Lubber Run Vox Pop is a seven-person, mixed voice a cappella group from the Washington, DC area. Since 2003, 'Vox Pop' is a name that has become synonymous with high-energy, entertaining live performances. They have been featured as headline performers at such venues as The Music Center at Strathmore, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, World Cafe Live at the Queen, and Jammin' Java. The group has an award-winning performance style, having earned top prizes at the Aca-Challenge (2015) and SingStrong DC Aca-Idol (2016) competitions, as well as 2nd Runner Up at the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes. In 2017, Vox Pop was a headliner of the National A Cappella Convention in Memphis, TN.
The group has also made a name for themselves in the recorded a cappella world. Vox Pop's latest release, Very Good..., is the culmination of hard work refining their sound and style, resulting in a slickly produced album that is energetic from start to finish. The group recorded the album in the fall of 2017 with top a cappella producer Angela Ugolini. Vox Pop's talents have been recognized with Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominations in 2014, 2016, and 2019 including 2x Best Contemporary A Cappella League (CAL) Album, Best CAL Song, and Best Non-Scholastic Arrangement.
Artist Website

Arlington Philharmonic - Sun, June 23, 6pm* - canceled

Arlington Philharmonic-Pops in the Park June 2023 The Arlington Philharmonic is a professional symphony orchestra in Arlington, Virginia led by A. Scott Wood, Conductor and Music Director. The Philharmonic’s mission is to make classical music accessible to every Arlington citizen, to promote the value of classical music in our civic life, and to build strong, creative partnerships with schools, local government, businesses, and other organizations. Each season, the Philharmonic presents a series of free public concerts.
This year at Lubber Run the Arlington Philharmonic will perform its annual Pops in the Park concert. Bring a picnic, your kids, and your dog(s)!
Artist Website

Lauren Calve - Fri, June 28, 8pm

Lauren Calve On Lauren Calve’s debut album Shift, she invites you to come along on her journey of self-discovery and change, demonstrating a musical masterclass in the art of emotional storytelling. "The subtle understated yearning in her voice, the intonation in her haunting delivery, Calve is longing for something more" (DittyTV),  and you can hear it throughout the ten-track collection. Shift was recorded in Nashville with producer, engineer, songwriter Dex Green, Fred Eltringham (drums), Audley Freed (guitar), Robert Kearns (bass), Marlon Patton (drums), Jared Reynolds (bass), and Joe Costa (engineer). Watch Calve perform "Be My Home" on Mountain Stage Radio Show.
Artist Website

Crush Funk Brass - Sat, June 29, 8pm

Crush Funk Brass The Crush Funk Brass Band is a brilliant, innovative group of young musicians hailing from Washington DC. Comprised of alums from The University of the District of Columbia, Bowie State University, Howard University and IU. Influenced by all genres of music, the band’s style is unique, embodying the brass tones of New Orleans, with an Urban Capital City modern pop-fun(k) twist. The mission of the band is simple: “To bring life to the city through music where least expected, to enrich the lives of others and to continue growing and striving for high musical excellence.”
Artist Website

Soul in Motion - Sun, June 30, 11am

Soul in Motion Presented in partnership with Arlington Public Library

Learn about African history while dancing and moving to the drum battery from the Soul in Motion African Dancers and Drummers. They have performed at premier dance events in the Washington D.C. area and across the country. Join us as they celebrate 40 years of Diversity in our Community.
Artist Website

Jazz Blu - Sat, July 6, 8pm

Jazzy Blu Jazzy Blu is one of the leading Jazz and R&B bands in the Washington Metropolitan area. The band produces the melodic sounds of Smooth Jazz, Neo-Soul, and R&B, while blending the influences of Funk, Jazz, R&B, Neo-Soul, Blues, Rock, and Alternative music. They create a groove-filled emotional roller coaster that takes you through an array of themes, moods, and experiences.
Jazzy Blu has entertained audiences everywhere from small lounges to large theaters. They have performed at various venues across the United States, from sold-out crowds at the historic Washington, D.C. landmark Blues Alley, to the infamous Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theatre, and Howard Theatre.
Jazzy Blu has both opened for and shared the stage with notable and Grammy Award-winning artists such as Boys to Men, Brian McKnight, Ohio Players, The Whispers, The O'Jays, Jon B, Roy Ayers, and Raheem Devaughn just to name a few. Whether preparing an audience for a sold-out performance of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, The Color Purple, or opening for the eight-time Grammy Award-winning Mary J. Blige, Jazzy Blu is “a band for every occasion.”
Artist Website

Munit and z Lovebugs - Sun, July 7, 11am

Munit and z Lovebugs Munit and z Lovebugs are an adorable Ethio-Haitian-American family band born of the time spent together during the pandemic with Munit on voice, ukulele and drums, Gabriel on bass, Meezan on ukulele, trumpet and voice, Ayana on voice, saxophone and being the fun dancing machine of the band! They play songs that leave children 3 to 103 feeling better than they did when they came in - songs of love, peace, positivity, and joy, songs about our place on our planet Earth, sung in English, Amharic, French, Spanish and no words at all :) ! They love when they see those around them shine, singing along, and joining in as they perform their originals and the classics! They have performed in many festivals, community sings, libraries and schools in DC, MD and VA. Here's to singing together, sharing stories, and making memories across the generations with Munit and z Lovebugs!
Artist Website

National Chamber Ensemble - Sun, July 7, 6pm

[Rescheduled from Fri, July 5, 8pm]

National Chamber Ensemble The National Chamber Ensemble is a highly acclaimed American classical music ensemble known for its diverse and inclusive programming, featuring both classical and contemporary compositions. They have been praised by critics, with The Washington Post describing them as "delightful" and DC Metro Theater Arts hailing them as "one of the gems of the entire Metro area". The ensemble has also been recognized for its commitment to showcasing the works of underrepresented composers, including women and composers of color.
National Chamber Ensemble returns to Lubber Run on July 5 for a special performance! Transport yourself to a midsummer musical celebration with NCE's blend of beloved classics and festive holiday tunes, all wrapped up in the spirit of Independence Day.
This year, we're thrilled to welcome a talented group of young string players who will join the ensemble for an unforgettable side-by-side performance. It's a unique opportunity to witness emerging talent alongside seasoned professionals.
Designed to delight audiences of all ages, the program promises an evening filled with music, humor, and moments to remember. The night concludes with Mozart's timeless masterpiece, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (A Little Night Music), offering a perfect introduction for young listeners to the wonders of chamber music.
Enjoy the beauty of Lubber Run Amphitheater, where the setting pairs perfectly with the sounds of great music and lighthearted humor. Don't miss out on a magical evening under the stars!
Artist Website

Anthony "Swamp Dog" Clark - Fri, July 12, 8pm - canceled

Anthony Clark Anthony Clark is a world class musician who has performed and recorded with some of the best local and national blues acts. Anthony started out playing the drums at the age of five, and by the time he was twelve, started listening to the blues greats. Musicians like Little Walter, Big Walter Horton, Paul Butterfield, and Sonny Boy Williamson, just to name a few.
The band has played up and down the east coast, from Pennsylvania, to Tennessee. His CD “LIVE” has been featured on many college, and Internet radio stations. The music is a blistering mix of contemporary blues with a funk edge.
Today you can see Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clark at various festivals and clubs opening for the likes of Deanna Boggart, Shemekia Copeland, and Mr Sip.
Artist Website

Cumbia Heights - Sat, July 13, 8pm

Cumbia Heights Cumbia Heights is an alternative tropical band formed in Washington DC, inspired by the cumbia movement that Latin America bore. Bringing driving beats mixing classic tropical rhythms, pasos prohibidos, and a dirty punk attitude, Cumbia Heights straddles the “alt-tropical” space while pulling from their own Sazón.
Artist Website

 

 

Wes Iseli & Party Magic Show - Sun, July 14, 11am

Wes Iseli Join us for the Wes Iseli & Party Magic show. Get ready for a fast-paced show with lots of surprises! Loaded with audience participation, comedy routines, and animal effects, award winning magician Wes Iseli and his family are bringing the magic to Lubber Run Amphitheater in this family-friendly show. It is fun for all ages!
Artist Website

 

 

The 257th Army Band, The Band of the Nation's Capital - Fri, July 19, 8pm

The 257th Army Band The 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital,” is the official musical ambassador for the D.C. Army National Guard. The band boasts a proud lineage going back to the organizational lineage and association with the legendary Corcoran Cadets, the D.C. militia that inspired John Philip Sousa to compose his march of the same name. Noteworthy performances include musical support for the Inauguration of President Obama, performances in Greece, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Panama, consecutive appearances at the Great American Brass Band Festival and concert tours throughout New England, Texas and the Mid-Atlantic. Although centrally located among the finest military bands in the world, The 257th Army Band is officially recognized as “The Band of the Nation’s Capital”.
Artist Website

Veronneau - Sat, July 20, 8pm

Veronneau Live Duo PhotoAward-winning, world-jazz group VERONNEAU return to Lubber Run by popular demand! 

Led by Quebecoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau, and UK guitarist Ken Avis, VERONNEAU have had 3 Top 10 charting albums and over a million Spotify streams of their version of La Mer. For this band it’s all about the song, as they mix original compositions with classics from the world of bossa nova, french chanson and swing, performed in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish. 

The Arlington based band just returned from a month-long European tour, following the release of their Live at Blues Alley album, capturing a performance which the Washington Post described as “inspiring and joyful”. They were among the headliners at DC Jazz Festival and performed at this year's Vocal Jazz Summit....but, of course, VERONNEAU are most at-home performing at Lubber Run. 

Artist Website

Mr. Jon & Friends - Sun, July 21, 11am

Mr. Jon Mr. Jon & Friends is multiple Parents’ Choice Award winning music for kids and their families. This energetic family music is all about fun, movement, and laughter! Mr. Jon performs over 250 shows a year for kids over 7 different states, sharing the stage with bands like The Pop Ups, Milkshake, and The Imagination Movers. Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids and their families that inspire fun, laughter, and dancing. Using rhymes, songs, books, and puppets, this interactive musical comedy show is not to be missed! Sometimes with a band, sometimes as a duo, and sometimes solo, the music of Mr. Jon & Friends is for everyone and is sure to bring a smile to your face!
Artist Website

The Longtimers - Fri, July 26, 8pm

Longtimers by Mike Landsman The Longtimers play an original mix of R&B, Country, Cajun and Rock n Roll that they call "American Tavern Tunes." Members include Tom Clifford of local all-star band King Soul on vocals, guitar, harmonica, and accordion; Moe Nelson of the Hula Monsters and King Teddy on upright bass, vocals and harmonica; Ben Holmes of King Soul and Corey Arceneaux & the Hot Peppers on drums and vocals, and Pete Rose on electric guitar and vocals. The band plays the first Thursday of every month at the historic Hank Dietle's Tavern, as well as other engagements in the region.
Artist Website

"Hail! Hail! Rock n Roll" A Tribute to Chuck Berry - Sat, July 27, 8pm

Chuck BerryAn all-star band led by Kenny Pirog of indie surf-rock band Wanted Man, celebrates the King of Rock n' Roll Chuck Berry; "Roll Over Beethoven," "Sweet Little Sixteen," "Johnny B. Goode"...the hits kept on coming. Featured pianist Daryl Davis has performed with Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Platters, The Drifters, The Coasters, Bo Diddley and many more. Longtime Danny Gatton bassist Jon Previti adds his trademark sound along with Larry Ferguson (drums), and Elijah Jamal Balbed, one of the areas top sax players with his own band and the Jo Go Project. Are you ready to rock!

 

Groovy Nate - Sun, July 28, 11am

Groovy Nate Presented in partnership with Arlington Public Library

Groovy Nate® is a children’s entertainer who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves, exotic musical instruments, and comedy— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic. He is also a GRAMMY NOMINATED ARTIST WITH THE ONE TRIBE COLLECTIVE. Groovy Nate's shows encourage children and adults to move, sing, and play creatively with one another.
Artist Website

The Tone Rangers with guests: The Chromatics - Fri, August 2, 8pm

The Tone Rangers Please join The Tone Rangers and their special guests, The Chromatics, for “You Get What You Pay For,” an evening of a cappella and comic wonders under the stars.
Artist Website

Policies

Admission to Lubber Run Amphitheater remains FREE.

Lubber Run Amphitheater events are suitable for the entire family, unless noted. While ‘sensible cancelations’ in extreme weather should be anticipated (driving-rain, lightning, tropical storm warnings, etc.), in the case of drizzle or intermittent rain, the decision to cancel is made at the last possible moment. The information will be posted on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Due to the packed performance schedules of area bands, canceled performances cannot be rescheduled. Bring a picnic, but alcohol is prohibited in all Arlington public parks! Smoking is discouraged. 

Getting There

Address:
200 North Columbus Street
(North Columbus Street & 2nd Street North, two blocks north of Rt. 50)
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Google Maps

By Metro Bus  – Take Bus # 4B or 4E to Park Dr. and N 2nd St

Bookings

The Lubber Run Summer Concert Series programming begins in mid-January. We recommend that performers interested in being considered for the upcoming Lubber Run season email links to sample recordings/videos starting January 1. Please understand that we endeavor to create a diverse and fresh range of offerings each season, and submission of your materials for consideration does not guarantee a booking. Please email them to: Josh Stoltzfus, Cultural Development Director at jstoltzfus@arlingtonva.us

                                                                                        

The Lubber Run Summer Concert Series is produced by Arlington Arts, the presenting arm of Arlington Cultural Affairs Division, in collaboration with the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, and with the cooperation of the Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation.