Strathmore Announces Summer Music Concert Lineup

From Strathmore: What’s in a name? Strathmore’s summertime tradition of presenting free eclectic concerts on its sprawling lawn has a new name, but the fun and music remain the same. Beginning Wednesday, July 12, 2017 with folk-tinged singer-songwriters Karen Jonas and Lauren Calve, Live from the Lawn will feature eclectic music ranging from big band to jam band and everything in between—Americana, roots and world music, jazz, pan-African, soul, funk, and more. The series flows seamlessly into a survey of the American South with Look Homeward, combining influences from their home state of North Carolina. Longtime Strathmore favorite Big Ray & The Kool Kats performs big band covers of pop and R&B hits that will have the lawn jumping. Trio Fémina and the 4-piece Matuto blend intoxicating global influences, from Brazilian backbeats to Andean Music, reggae, hip-hop fusion, and bluesy riffs. Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys emanate the influences of their home base of Nashville—smoky vocals and swirling folk, bluegrass, and country. UkeFest, Strathmore’s tribute to the small, but mighty ukulele, brings some of the country’s best players together to perform with the Strathmore Uke Orchestra. A favorite of D.C.-area audiences, local soul singer strong blends jazz, blues, and African rhythms. Summer goes out with a bang during a special Saturday Live from the Lawn show with go-go phenoms Team Familiar, led by Donnell Floyd.

Performances are at Strathmore’s Gudelsky Gazebo. Picnic blankets, low beach chairs, and small coolers are welcome. Food provided by Ridgewells Catering will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, concerts will move indoors to the Music Center.Parking is available in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage for $5.10 payable with credit card or SmarTrip card. Free parking is provided in the Mansion lot on a space-available basis until 7 p.m. for vehicles with disability tags; enter at 10701 Rockville Pike.More information is available by calling (301) 581-5100 or at www.strathmore.org.

Events in Live from the Lawn are:

KAREN JONAS

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 7 p.m.

Virginia native Karen Jonas first struck out on the Americana scene with her 2014 release Oklahoma Lottery, combining fiddle, guitar, lapsteel, and organ with intensely personal songwriting to deliver country swagger and tenacious storytelling. Her newest album, Country Songs, speaks volumes through its poetry and nuance, with bright fiddling, soulful vocal stylings, and two-steppin’ basslines.Concertgoers can enjoy pre-show music by Lauren Calve beginning at 6:30 p.m. Calve is an Americana singer-songwriter who knocks out audiences with her powerful vocals and impeccable guitar-playing grit.

LOOK HOMEWARD

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 7 p.m.

Look Homeward’s style of song takes listeners on a journey through the American South via the sounds of their home state—North Carolina. This soulful band draws influences from the boisterous bayou to the Appalachians while entertaining with lively bluegrass, foot-stomping folk music, spirit-filling gospel, and a whole lot of Southern charm.

BIG RAY & THE KOOL KATS

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 7 p.m.

Trumpeter Ray Caddell leads this band of seasoned musicians, ready to turn on a dime from big band to dance hits to pop and R&B favorites—plus Motown, Sinatra, and so much more. Big Ray & The Kool Kats can turn a hot summer night into an unforgettable event with a 4-piece rhythm section, four sizzling horn players, and multiple high-power vocalists.

FÉMINA

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 7 p.m.

It’s not every day that the Andes Mountains produce reggae, Latin, and hip-hop fusion, but world music trio Fémina have established a unique style by stitching together musical genres from around the world. Their diverse songbook and eye-catchingly colorful theatrical performances underscore their electrifying on-stage chemistry, dream-like harmonization, and knack for international rhythms. Fémina’s enticing artistry and extraordinary flair leaves listeners captivated by their spirited sounds.

MATUTO

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 7 p.m.

Colliding cultures and syncopating sounds are at the centerpiece of Matuto, a 4-piece group known for their infectious dance floor rhythms and cross cultural musicality. Combining accordion, guitars, bass, drums, and triangle, Matuto creates bubbling Brazilian backbeats, Appalachian melodies, and bluesy riffs. From their beginnings playing in the party atmospheres in Brazil to performing at music festivals across the globe, Matuto’s music is a movement that explores humanity and borders through the intermingling of their musical styling.

LINDSAY LOU & THE FLATBELLYS

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 7 p.m.

Americana roots take center stage for Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, a string band with a home base in Nashville. Melding soul, folk, and bluegrass, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys serve heart and soul through warm harmonies and lead singer Lindsay Lou’s demandingly smoky vocals. The 4-piece string band has taken virtuosic musicianship and dynamic bluegrass from music festivals around the world to the intimate setting of the dining room, where their latest album, Ionia, was recorded.

UKE FEST

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 7 p.m.

It’s back and better than ever! Strathmore’s Uke & Guitar Summit celebrates its 7th year with a grand finale featuring Benny Chong, Craig Chee, Sarah Maisel, Sam Marchuk, Maureen Andary, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, and the Strathmore Uke Orchestra. Uke Fest is the all-star celebration of the little instrument that brings people together in harmony.

AKUA ALLRICH

Wednesday, August 30, 2017 7 p.m.

Soul singer and D.C. native Akua Allrich is no stranger to thrilling the nation’s capital with her charisma, voice, and artistic expression. Blending jazz and African rhythms, Allrich has distinguished herself as one of the area’s most vibrant vocalists, often singing in Portuguese, French, English, Spanish, and more. Her latest release, Soul Singer, has Allrich approaching timeless jazz standards with blues and pan-African influences.

TEAM FAMILIAR

Saturday, September 9, 2017 7 p.m.

Get ready for the funkiest party of the summer. Formed by D.C. native and go-go legend Donnell Floyd, this soulful group rules the roost, performing with top recording artists and reigning supreme on the sultry go-go scene.

Live from the Lawn
Wednesdays, July 12, 19 & 26, 2017
Wednesdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2017
Saturday, September 9, 2017 7:30 p.m. Admission FREE Mansion at Strathmore (Gudelsky Outdoor Concert Gazebo)10701 Rockville PikeNorth Bethesda, MD 20852