Summer is around the corner, and it’s time for go outdoors. It’s also a times to check out great music. There isn’t a shortage of live music venues in the Washington, DC region. In addition, there are websites that deals the DC music scene. However, the concert going experience has changed in the past couple years. High tickets and outrageous service fees have made some concerts out of reach for some. In addition, you got music venue (see Nissan Pavilion) that are far out to travel, and even more difficult to leave. I found some good places to see live music without breaking the bank:
Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center: Since March 1997, the Millennium Stage has presented more than 26,000 performers from all 50 states and more than 40 different countries to nearly 2 million people–some of whom are experiencing the arts for the first time. Launched as part of the Performing Arts for Everyone Initiative, some 400 people stop by every day to catch performers at 6 p.m. The Millennium Stage is also a significant participant in various local festivals, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival on the National Mall.
Netherlands Carillon Concerts: Every Saturday afternoon from May to August, guest artist play the 50-bell carillon which was given to the U.S. in appreciation for the liberation of Holland on May 5, 1945, during World War II. Visitors are welcome to go up in the tower to watch the carillonneur perform and view the city of Washington and other surrounding features. For further information call 703-289-2500/2552 or visit our web site for concert listings at http://www.nps.gov/gwmp. During the concerts, visitors are welcome to climb the tower to watch the carillonneur perform and view the city of Washington and other surrounding features.
Fort Reno Concert Series: It’s been a DC summer tradition for over 3 decades. Unlike other concert series the DC region, this summer concert series is a volunteer only operation. Among those who grace their stage in the past includes Fugazi, Head-Roc, Q Not U and many more. These concerts start at 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday starting in June. Please check the website for updates. Fort Reno is located across the street from Woodrow Wilson High School (closest Metro: Tenleytown-AU).
Farragut Sounds in the Square: If you in the Golden Triangle area in DC around Thursdays at noon, you need to check out the Sounds in the Square Concert Series. The free summer concert series features music ranging from blues to jazz, rock to reggae at Farragut Square located at Connecticut Avenue and K Street, NW in the Golden Triangle. Now in its eighth year, Sounds in the Square attracts office workers during the lunch hour, area residents and tourists in the Golden Triangle. Show starts at noon Thursday. Closest Metro: Farragut North or Farragut West
Friday Night Live: Herndon, VA rocks with its Friday Night Summer Concert series. It features live performances by local and national recording acts. The music ranges from Rock to Reggae to cover bands. This concert series starts in May and ends on the last Friday in August. The concert runs 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The series take place at 77 Lynn Street in historic downtown Herndon.
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden: After a long day at work, you need something to relax. Starting May 25, you’re summer weekend will sound a lot more jazzy. The National Gallery of Art presents their Friday Night Jazz Series throughout the summer. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., rain or shine, you can listen to an eclectic mix of top Washington-area jazz artists. Concerts take place in front of the Pavilion Cafe next to the grand reflecting pool and fountain. Picnickers are welcome to bring blankets. Closest Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial
Live On Woodrow Wilson Plaza: On the grounds of the Reagan Building, you got place to business, places to dine, and a summer concerts series not to be missed. From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live on Woodrow Wilson Plaza features hot entertainment in a cool cafe atmosphere throughout the summer. It was also performances from the annual DC Hip-Hop Theater Festival. Show starts at 12 p.m. Monday-Friday Closest Metro: Federal Triangle
Downtown Silver Spring Music Scene: In past couple of years, Downtown Silver Spring has gone through a makeover. It has the AFI theatre, new shops and new concert series for the summer. Twice a week in the summer, the Plaza on Ellsworth Drive host great live ranging for music lovers. The genres range from R&B; to Classic Rock and more. The show runs from 6-8 p.m. on Saturdays from June 16 to August 18. Closest Metro: Silver Spring
Reston Town Center Concert Series: Every Summer, Reston Town Center has live music Saturday night called Concerts on the Town. Each week, a different band or artist performs under light. Quity Office’s open-air pavilion offers great spot to enjoy music and other mall events. This event also takes place during Taste of the Town in June and Reston Festival in July. Show takes place at Reston Town Center Pavilion from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Strathmore Free Outdoor Concerts: Montgomery County, Maryland’s world class concert hall, offers free outdoor concerts on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer at the Gudelsky Concert Pavilion Gazebo at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Maryland. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. The free outdoors concert series run from June 20th to August 22nd.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park Concert Series: Running from Memorial Day weekend to September 15th, Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington, VA. Is a great place to see live music. You can catch live musical performances by local groups are held at the stage/field every other Saturday evening during the summer. There is no admission fee, but donations of $5+ per person are requested as they help fund the series. Picnic suppers are welcome (no alcohol, please).
Sunset Serenades at the National Zoo:Animals are the only things going wild at the National Zoo. Every Thursday during the summer season, you can catch live performances range from jazz and folk to blues and rock and roll at the National Zoo’s Lion/Tiger Hill. You can bring a picnic or buy snacks at the Mane Restaurant, while you enjoy the concert. Closest Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo
