Even a thunderstorm couldn’t dampen Arlington’s resolve last Friday, with a full-capacity crowd present to hear blues singer-songwriter Chris Pierce at Lubber Run Amphitheater, reopening for the first time since its 50th Anniversary Season in 2019!
This coming weekend, Avant Bard presents a concert version of their hit “Gospel at Colonus” (Friday, July 16), and the Jogo Project brings their fusion of jazz and Go Go music (Saturday, July 17), followed by a family program by The Levine School of Music (Sunday, July 18).
Once the clouds lifted last Friday, Chris Pierce was welcomed to the stage by Arlington County Board Vice-Chair Katie Cristol and the Chair of the Arlington Commission on the Arts and Humanities Anika Kwinana. He then proceeded to weave his spell on the appreciative audience. With blue skies in evidence, even larger crowds continued through the opening weekend for performances.
The FREE events continue through Aug. 15, with concerts on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and family programming on Sundays at 11 a.m.
The summer continues with a mix of familiar names and Lubber Run debuts, including jazz vocalist Akua Allrich (Friday, July 23), reggae masters Nkula (Friday, July 30), the Colombian sounds of the all-female ensemble La Marvela (Friday, Aug 6) and the National Chamber Ensemble (Saturday, Aug. 14).
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 Arlington Children’s Theater to bands like Eddie from Ohio and superstar Ritchie Havens.
Admission to Lubber Run Amphitheater remains FREE. This Venue will refer to the Virginia Department of Health (VDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for preserving public health. Access to the venue is first come, first served and that may be restricted due to capacity. A face covering is recommended for all unvaccinated patrons. Those who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a face covering when outdoors. If you have COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, know you have been exposed or are feeling sick, please stay home. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation to preserve the good health of our community.
The Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series runs July 9 through August 15, 2021, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with 11:00 a.m. family-oriented programming on Sundays (run-times vary).
So bring a picnic, some friends and enjoy the arts at Lubber Run Amphitheater, located at 200 N. Columbus Street in Arlington (N. Columbus Street and 2nd Street N.).
While there is a small parking lot, there is abundant free street parking in the surrounding Arlington Forrest neighborhood. For directions on how to get to Lubber Run Amphitheater and leave the car at home, check out the video at Arlington’s Car Free Diet, a program of Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS), a bureau of the Department of Environmental Services!