Regular customers of the New Deal Cafe and fans of live music generally are SO eager to hear music in person again – not on  Zoom, thanks – that they’re willing to DRIVE to get to it. Which is what we have to do, since Greenbelt has been silent through the pandemic. Thankfully, some nearby towns have found ways to safely accommodate live music.

(Scroll down for the non-musical in-person events happening in Greenbelt this month.)

Everything is weather-dependent, of course. That’s what we’re still contending if we’re not ready to go to indoor events.

Old Bowie Town Grille

Bowie has been a popular destination for Greenbelters like me during the pandemic, and their events calendar is filling up again for spring of 2021.

Food Truck and Fresh Air at American Legion in Cheverly

Last Friday night I got to hear and DANCE to music by Ed Crowley (of the Slowpokes) and Dave Sherman when they performed (for tips) at the Cheverly Legion’s wonderful outdoor Food Truck and Fresh Air event.  According to the Legion’s calendar, it’s a regular monthly event,  I found out about it by following the Slowpokes on Facebook.

The Legion tells me there’s no guarantee that musicians will be there, so let’s spread the word and hopefully other local musicians will take advantage of the food, drink and great turn-out there and sign up to perform.

UPDATE: There WILL be live music at the next Food Truck and Fresh Air event – Friday April 30, 6-8:30. And none other than Linwood Taylor and Steve Wolf will be performing! The trucks will be Mulan Dumpling, Bay’s Soft Serve Ice Cream (which has hot dogs) and another truck TBA. Beer, wine, sodas, water will be available for purchase. Bring your growler, we will have craft beer on draft.

Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier

I took this picture of Fast Eddie and the Slowpokes performing in the Emporium’s parking lot last fall. No news of events yet for this spring.

The State Theater – in Falls Church, VA

Yes, some of us are willing to drive to Virginia, that far-off state we hear so much about but try to avoid driving to. Falls Church is generally about 30 minutes from Greenbelt.

Here’s the calendar of FREE outdoor events. Coming up this weekend – blues and bluegrass! 

Jammin’ Java in Vienna, VA

Also about 30 minutes from Greenbelt is Jammin’ Java, a hot spot for free outdoor live music. (They note that there’s a two-item minimum for seating during performances. Seems reasonable to me.) Coming up:

• Friday  April 2, Danger Bird (Neil Young tribute band)
• Sat April 3 – Born Cross-Eyed (Grateful Dead cover band)

Wollam Gardens in Jeffersonton, VA

Greenbelt musician Joe Harris tells me that Wollam Gardens in Virginia (profiled here) has an open mic event the 4th Friday of each month.  It’s over an hour from Greenbelt, but for music AND to see the fabulous cut-flower garden there, it could be a very worthwhile drive.

“Pop-Up” Performances

Per the Washington Post Weekend Section (4/2/21), saxophonist Elijah Balbed performs outdoors at various locations for tips. Look for the tag #jazzMobDC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Post also mentioned that guitarist Dave Manley has been playing at the Takoma Park gazebo. No info about how to find his schedule.

Follow Outdoor Live Music in the DMV

I’m checking the Eventbrite listings for outdoor live music, and you can, too.

Find Live Music in Maryland – Indoors and Outdoors

This calendar is frequently updated.

NOT YET?

Here are the venues that have been suggested to me as possible outdoor venues, so watching their calendars and Facebook pages carefully (so you don’t have to). I’ll update this listing as new information is posted.

Bullpen in DC

The Bullpen, near Nationals Park, plans to host concerts during the summer for fans seated at picnic tables, including local favorites White Ford Bronco (according to the Washington Post’s Weekend Section).

Maryland Meadworks in Hyattsville

Here’s the calendar – nothing there yet.

Mike’s Crab House in Riva, MD, near Annapolis

No news yet.

I know we’re all happy to see these events scheduled right here in Greenbelt, according to the city’s Spring 2021 newsletter.

Moonlit Movies in Braden Field

Fridays, April 2 – May 28 enjoy the popular screenings by the Old Greenbelt Theater (in conjunction with the city). Check listings and buy tickets here.

Artful Afternoon – Spray Paint Art with Shaymar Higgs

Sunday, April 11 from 1 to 3 pm, join Shaymar (of The Space in Beltway Plaza) to create your own spray paint art.  All materials will be provided. FREE.  All participants must wear masks, and pre-registration is required. Shaymar is great – and on the editorial board of Greenbelt Online.

Know of an in-person event?

Let us know by emailing editor@greenbeltonline.org.