Discover Staunton’s Summer Playlist 

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Imagine your perfect summer playlist. Is it upbeat and full of local and regional sounds that inspire you to dance under the stars or in the streets? Is it a jazzy and relaxing background for a picnic in the park? Does it feature classical masterpieces and antique instruments? Perhaps it’s full of patriotic and country favorites that provide a soundtrack for 4th of July celebrations and firework shows. Or maybe it’s a diverse mix of a little of everything. Fortunately, the Staunton summer music scene has a great deal to offer, from special events to regularly occurring live music. Here’s a guide to your Staunton summer playlist.

Summer Playlist Special Events

Red Wings Roots Music Festival, June 20 – 22

There’s still time to get tickets for this weekend’s Red Wing Roots Music Festival! Join other roots music fans filling out their summer playlists in Natural Chimneys Park for the annual family-friendly event. Some of the biggest names in folk music will appear, including headliners Joy Oladokun, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and The Del McCoury Band. Other notable acts include Rayland Baxter, Kathleen Edwards, Tim Baker & All Hands, Donna The Buffalo, and Bella White. Hosted by The Steel Wheels, the festival features craft beer, food, and vendor booths as well as festival bike rides, yoga practices, geology walks and talks, hoop dance workshop, and lawn games for adults and kids. 

Heifetz Music Institute’s Festival of Concerts, June 26 – August 2

Exceptionally talented young musicians from around the world take the stage in Staunton for Heifetz Institute’s Festival of Concerts! Over 50 different public performances featuring Heifetz students, faculty, and guest artists playing solo or in chamber ensembles make up this summer playlist. The diverse range of concerts includes both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. See world-renowned celebrity guests in the Celebrity Series and Chamber Music Showcase. Heifetz students perform in the Stars of Tomorrow Series as well as the intimate (and free) Chamber Music Matinee series that pair performances and conversations with the musicians. 

Happy Birthday America, July 3 – 4

Head to Gypsy Hill Park this Independence Day for the free, family-friendly Happy Birthday America celebration. Along with live music by Heaven’s Mountain Band, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Prime, U.S. Navy Country Current Band, Jack & Davis Reid, the celebration’s summer playlist will include free concerts by country artists Wilson Fairchild and Emily Ann Roberts. The music will be followed by an exciting fireworks display. Festivities also include a 5K race, a lively parade, a parent/child baseball game, vesper’s service, a beauty pageant, and concessions. 

Staunton Music Festival, August 15 – 24

Every August, Staunton Music Festival (SMF) brings an impressive 80 performers, composers, and historians to Staunton for a series of concerts drawn from over 600 years of classical music as well as new works by contemporary composers. SMF presents the older works with historical accuracy, using period instruments in a variety of historic Staunton venues like Trinity Episcopal Church and Blackfriars Playhouse that are chosen for their superior acoustics. This year’s festival highlights include a staged opera performance of Handel’s Messiah, a Midday Baroque Escape, Rule, Britannia! that’s dedicated to English composers, and a concert version of Mozart’s final opera, “The Magic Flute.” While some evening events are ticketed, many during the day are free.

The Green room

You’re already going to The Green Room for wine, beer, snacks, and company. Why not stop in for live music, too? The Sunsoaked Summer Concert Series has three upcoming summer shows. June 24: Caleb Stine, Rebecca Porter, and Mike Davis. On July 8, the space will welcome The Flybirds, and on August 12, Valerie McQueen will take the stage.

Groovin’ in the Garden Series at Redbeard

Want to enjoy delicious craft beer and food truck fabulousness while you listen to music and browse vendor booths for art, jewelry, handmade clothing and other goods? From now through October, Redbeard Brewing Company’s Groovin’ in the Garden is the place to spend select Saturday evenings. Dance the night away with favorite groups The Judy Chops, Bloo Lagoon, The Invasion, and Sun-Dried Opossum. Food truck selections include Cousins Maine Lobster, Chicano Boy Taco, Daddy Mac’s Grub Shack, and more. Redbeard also hosts Friday or Saturday night Music in the Taproom from 8-10 pm. Check the schedule for details.

Summer Playlist Regular Sounds

Arcadia

The Arcadia Project’s series “Arcadia Presents” hosts free live performances each Saturday through October 18. The performances, which include local and regional musicians, dancers, and a children’s theatrical workshop, will start at 6 pm in front of the old Dixie Theater. They’re designed to provide entertainment for people enjoying Staunton’s Shop and Dine Out Downtown program. Look for Caravanserai Music, Smith Avenue, The Cotton Hill Band, and more. 

Music in the Park at Gypsy Hill Bandstand

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. These community concerts are free and a great way to add variety to your summer playlist!

• Monday Nights, Now – August 25: Staunton’s historic 70-member Stonewall Brigade Band is the oldest-continuous community band in the U.S. Originally a marching band, the SBB added woodwinds after the Civil War and became the concert band it is today. It first played in what is now Gypsy Hill Park in 1889. Concerts featuring marches and big band classics begin at 7:30 pm. Look for themed shows like John Williams selections, The Music of TV,  Latin Flair, and A Spooky, Spooktacular Evening. Here’s the full schedule.
• Tuesday Nights, July 1 – August 26: The annual Praise in the Park concert series brings contemporary and southern gospel as well as gospel bluegrass. Listen to favorites like Heaven’s Mountain Band, Just Us Country Band, Southern Hospitality, One Family Band, and more. Concerts begin at 7 pm. See the full schedule here.
• Wednesday Nights, July 9 – August 27: Tap your feet to energetic tunes and banjo picking at Bluegrass in the Park! Most concerts include sets by two different local and regional groups. Bands include Mark Templeton Band, Nothin Fancy Bluegrass Band, Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, Bluegrass Brothers and more. Concerts begin at 7 pm. See the full schedule here.
• Thursday Nights, July 10 – September 4: Celebrate hot summer nights with the Jazz in the Park summer concert series. You’ll hear classic jazz standards, fresh New Orleans street jazz, and more. Performers include Vosbein Magee Big Band, Johnny’s Blue Locomotive, and Kurt Crandall & True Story. See the full lineup here.

Marino’s Lunch

Marino’s Lunch is a century-old Staunton restaurant, bar, and musical hotspot. Known for casual food and drinks, it also hosts weekly bluegrass and Irish jam sessions, which are a great way to listen to live, spontaneous sounds and to meet the musicians who make them. Also, look for upcoming performers like the Kiz Carter Trio, Mojo Parker, and Don’t Look Up Band. The patio is open for the season. 

Baja Bean Co.

Connect with your friends at Baja Bean Co. for Tex-Mex, craft beer, and cocktails. Check Facebook for scheduled live music, including upcoming shows from Ramona + The Holy Smokes, Ska Music with Skank, and McHale + Justina. Every other Sunday brings acoustic music from Joe Zullo or Jim Waive.

Live Music at the Staunton Farmers’ Market, Saturdays

Along with the freshest fruits and veggies around, the Staunton Farmers’ Market also offers live music each week. Shop for food and artisan products from local vendors.

Ciders From Mars

Ciders from Mars hosts regular live music in a variety of genres along with art markets and various pop-up events.

Other Nearby Music

Lots of Staunton-area venues will also host live music this summer. Check the schedules for more information.

• Barren Ridge Vineyard 
• Valley Pike Market 
• Stable Craft Brewing
• Waynesboro Parks and Rec’s Thursday night Groovin’ at the Greenway series

What are you waiting for? Grab your dancing shoes and start making plans to enjoy your Staunton summer playlist!