This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Come on back out to Lubber Run Amphitheater, reopening for the first time since its 50th Anniversary Season in 2019!
Known for his moving rendition of the song “No One” from the hit ABC series “A Million Little Things,” blues singer-songwriter Chris Pierce kicks off the free Lubber Run Amphitheater Concert Series on Friday, July 9. The events continue through Aug. 15, with concerts on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and family programming on Sundays at 11 a.m.
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, with events ranging from Arlington Children’s Theater to bands like Eddie from Ohio and superstar Richie Havens.
Singled out for his song “American Silence,” NPR Music praised Chris Pierce for “channeling Richie Havens and Bob Dylan.” Rolling Stone described, “It’s the sound of everyone who’s hungry for change, steadying themselves and marching toward a common goal.”
Pierce was diagnosed at 15 with the rare hearing disorder Otosclerosis. Persevering through partial deafness, Pierce has emerged as an artist noted for his prescient observations about contemporary social issues. He has toured extensively with artists ranging from Buddy Guy, Jill Scott and Keb’ Mo’, to Seal and B.B. King.
Following Chris Pierce on Friday, July 9, Lubber Run Amphitheater’s Reopening Weekend continues with nationally acclaimed Brazilian-jazz ensemble Veronneau (Saturday, July 10), and the first of the season’s 11 a.m. Sunday family-oriented presentations, Arlington’s Encore Stage & Studio (Sunday, July 11). Avant Bard returns to open the following weekend with a concert version of their hit “Gospel at Colonus” (Friday, July 16). The summer continues with a mix of familiar names and Lubber Run debuts, including reggae masters Nkula (Friday, July 30) and the Colombian sounds of the all-female ensemble La Marvela (Friday, Aug 6).
Admission to Lubber Run Amphitheater remains free. This venue will refer to 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 to COVID-19 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 Aug. 15, 2021, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with 11 a.m. family-oriented programming on Sunday mornings (run-times vary). So bring a picnic, some friends and enjoy the arts at Lubber Run Amphitheater, located at 200 N. Columbus Street.
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 Arlington’s Car Free Diet, a program of Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS), a bureau of the Department of Environmental Services!