Free Concerts and Ben & Jerry's: The Perfect Summer Combo

Strathmore's free concert series is back. And it might be the best thing you do all July.

You know that feeling. The one where you're standing on a lawn, the sun is just starting to dip, and a live band is playing something you didn't know you needed to hear. The air is warm. The people around you are smiling. And for a few hours, nothing else matters.

Strathmore is bringing that feeling is back with Live from the Lawn free summer concert series returning this July, and it's bringing a lineup so good you'll want to pack plant yourself on the grass every Wednesday and Thursday.

Free Music. Real Artists. No Catch.

The Gudelsky Gazebo Stage in North Bethesda is about to become your favorite summer destination. On Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, Live from the Lawn delivers a global mix of artists—theatrical funk, flamenco-pop, Appalachian folk, and more. On Thursdays at 7 PM, the Cool Concerts for Kids series shifts the focus to younger audiences with interactive, age-appropriate performances designed around music and movement.

And it is all free.

A Tradition Built on Community

Strathmore has been doing this for years. The series is designed to be open and welcoming—"a summer tradition built on community," as Artistic Director Joi Brown puts it. "Inviting neighbors to gather, spend time together, and discover artists in a relaxed outdoor setting."

Live from the Lawn kicks off July 1 with Strutman Lane, an eight-piece band from the DC area that brings fresh energy to classic pop with funk grooves, soulful melodies, and a spirited live show. They started in a garage in 2019 and have since headlined Black Cat DC. They are the kind of band that makes you forget you are standing on a lawn.

The rest of the Wednesday lineup is a world tour in four weeks:

• July 8: Maruja Limón, an all-female sextet from Barcelona that blends flamenco, pop, and Latin rhythms into something vibrant and irresistible.
• July 15: Striking Matches, a Nashville-raised guitar-driven duo whose blend of country, blues, and rock has been featured on the TV series Nashville.
• July 22: Damn Tall Buildings, a Brooklyn-based bluegrass trio with attitude, grit, and a busking spirit that earned them a decade of touring.
• August 5: Shayna Steele, a vocalist with a voice that fills outdoor spaces.
• August 12: The 18th Annual UkeFest Finale, a celebration of all things ukulele.

On Saturday, August 1, at 7:30 PM, ninth-generation Creole artist Marcella Simien bridges tradition and innovation with her blend of soul, blues, jazz, and American roots music.

Hold That Summer Feeling

If you have ever stood on a lawn at dusk, listening to live music, and felt like the world was exactly where it should be—hold that feeling. That is what this series is about. It is not about the artists. It is about the space they create for you to pause.

Concerts for Every Age

The Thursday series, Cool Concerts for Kids, is designed for the younger set—but parents will love it too. These interactive performances center music, movement, and participation:

• July 9: Larry & Joe, a duo that brings together Venezuelan and Appalachian folk traditions in an entertaining cultural exchange.
• July 16: Wendy & DB, a Grammy-nominated children's music duo blending blues, rock, and interactive fun.
• July 23: Big Bang Boom, a power-pop "dad band" that gets the whole family moving.

These concerts run shorter and start earlier—7 PM on Thursdays—so even the youngest listeners can stay for the whole set.

The Best Part

Here is the truth that Strathmore understands. Great art should not require a great wallet. Keeping the Live from the Lawn outdoor concert series free allows every member of the community access to quality arts experiences.

That is a philosophy that says: you belong here. Your kids belong here. Your neighbors belong here.

The Only Thing Left Is to Show Up

RSVP is highly encouraged to receive weather updates and event reminders. But you do not need a ticket. You just need a blanket, and a willingness to sit on a lawn and listen.

What to bring: Blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. Outside alcohol is not permitted, but Strathmore's BBQ tent sells sandwiches, salads, boxed meals, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Ben & Jerry's will be there too.

Rain plan: If the weather turns, performances move indoors to the Music Center with limited first-come, first-served seating.

Support: You can support the free series through a "pay what you can" contribution or by becoming a Strathmore member.

Location: Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD.

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