Tim Bracken, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Spring has officially arrived, so that means more options for great outdoor concerts.
The Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. is offering a wide variety of performances this year, including soul, rock, comedy and full-fledged theater productions.
The venue is partially covered, with less expensive ticket prices for lawn seating.
Read on for a list of highlights from this year’s schedule at the Filene Center.
June
- The popular musical “Rock of Ages” is scheduled for June 8 and June 9. The production features popular ’80s rock hits, and is one of the longest running shows on Broadway.
- All-female ’80s pop sensation the Go-Go’s take the stage June 13. The Psychedelic Furs open the night.
- Legendary comedian Bill Cosby performs June 15.
- On June 22, “Sing-Along Grease” features the classic movie projected onto giant screens. Audience members can dress up as their favorite characters from the movie and sing along with the flick.
- 1960s bubblegum takes over Wolf Trap June 23. The “Happy Together Tour” features the Turtles, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Mark Lindsay and Gary Lewis & the Raiders.
- Steve Martin has had a successful comedy and film career, but on June 24 he is scheduled to show off his banjo chops with a performance with the Steep Canyon Rangers.
- Eight-time Grammy winner Anita Baker brings her R&B vocal skills to the Filene Center June 29.
July
- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring a double dose of Latin-influenced rock and roll to the stage July 9. Both bands have won Grammy awards.
- She & Him is a musical collaboration between television sitcom star Zooey Deschanel and alt-pop songwriter M. Ward. Check them out July 11.
- The National Symphony Orchestra’s “Video Games Live!” concert is scheduled for July 13. This is a multimedia performance, complete with live action video game characters to go along with visuals and music from games such as Zelda, Halo and Tron.
- In honor of Verdi’s bicentennial birthday, the National Symphony Orchestra and the Wolf Trap Opera Company are presenting a brand new production of “La traviata.” The three-hour opera will be sung in Italian with English subtitles.
- Canadian songwriter Gordon Lightfoot comes to Wolf Trap July 25. Lightfoot has been performing for nearly 50 years, and continues to inspire and entertain audiences with his distinctive baritone.
August
- On Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony” will feature a live orchestra playing along with classic Looney Tunes cartoons. The show has been praised as a fun experience for all ages.
- Songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter got her start in the D.C. area in the late
