Fall comes bearing crisp weather, fall festivals, and pumpkin fever, but one precursor to autumn that we love around here is Wolf Trap's season announcement for its smaller, historic venue, The Barns. The popular local venue just released its first set of shows for the 2023-2024 season and the lineup does not disappoint.
Here are a handful of the plethora of shows we're excited about this season. Get the full lineup at www.wolftrap.org/barns. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 11 at 10am and additional shows are likely to be added throughout the fall.
There's nothing like seeing a show at The Barns at Wolf Trap, as the space is comprised of two 18th-century barns that were reconstructed on this property after being found in upstate New York by Wolf Trap founder Catherine Filene Shouse. The intimate and rustic space is noted for its acoustics and historic charm. Learn more about the secrets of The Barns on our blog.
Broadway at The Barns
Darren Criss, courtesy Wolf Trap
Join a slew of Broadway stars as they take the stage at The Barns, including Jekyll & Hyde's Linda Eder (November 2), Wicked's Stephanie J. Block (February 9 + 10), and Jersey Boys' John Lloyd Young (March 1). Plus, join pop culture phenomenon and Broadway star Darren Criss for the holiday season with two nights of A Very Darren Crissmas show (December 2 + 3).
Pop/Rock
Kathy Mattea, courtesy Wolf Trap
Several popular artists are making their Barns at Wolf Trap debuts this season, including Andy Summers of The Police (October 13), legendary singer-songwriter Jim Messina in a double-billing with Pablo Cruise (October 20 + 21), influential bluegrass musician Sam Bush (October 22), and iconic musician and new Mountain Stage host Kathy Mattea (November 8 + 9).
Folk icons Magpie celebrate 50 years with several special guests (October 14) and the soulful sounds of Madison McFerrin fill the air (October 29). Plus, British rockers The Fixx (November 15), the 10th anniversary tour from The Lone Bellow (November 26 + 27), singer/songwriter Joan Osborne (November 30), and Irish folk-rocker Foy Vance (February 2).
Comedy and Audience Participation
Max Weinberg, courtesy Wolf Trap
Iconic comedy troupe The Second City (February 14 + 17) will return to The Barns for two nights filled with laughter in the Comedian Rhapsody tour. Get double the laughs at the 35th Annual Evening of Comedy (April 26 + 27). Audiences will love the interactive experience with Max Weinberg's Jukebox (October 25 + 26). And speaking of Max Weinberg, belt out your favorite Springsteen and the E Street Band hits at the Newmyer Flyer: Van Morrison's Moondance and Bruce Springsteen's The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle tribute performance (November 25). Beatles fans will equally be able to sing along to the return of 1964: The Tribute (February 7 + 8). For a musical revue, don't miss the return of BandHouse Gigs: Tribute to Mark Knopfler & Dire Straights (April 26 + 27).
Cultural, World, & Instrumental Favorites
Red Baraat, courtesy Wolf Trap
Dive into cultural, instrumental, and dance performances all season long at The Barns, including two nights of unforgettable jazz with the Branford Marsalis Quartet (October 17 + 18), cultural and pioneering party rockers Red Baraat, who merge North Indian bhangra with punk, hip-hop, and jazz (October 28), enchanting orchestral selections from The New York Arabic Orchestra (October 27), and virtuosic guitar stylings on display at International Guitar Night (February 28 + 29).
Plus, get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day through dance with storytelling and songs by Dancing with the Celts (March 13 + 14) and honor the traditions of Appalachia with Music from the Crooked Road featuring The New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters, The Blue Ridge Girls, and Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small (March 23).
Chamber Music
The Sitkovetsky Trio, courtesy Wolf Trap
Chamber Music at The Barns returns for another enchanting season, again curated by artistic advisor and internationally renowned pianist Wu Han. Select performances include Zukerman: A Musical Birthday Celebration (November 3 + 4), the farewell tour of the Orion String Quartet (November 19), Imagination: Coleridge-Taylor, Hahn, Ysaÿe, Bloch (January 28), the world-renowned The Sitkovetsky Trio (February 11), Wu Han, David Finckel & Friends (February 23), and Instrumental Odd Couples: Beethoven, Rossini, Duruflé, Britten, Hummel (March 10). Plus, the poetry of Emily Dickinson will be set to music in Emily: A Musical Portrait (April 5), and a medley of string favorites blend in String Magic: Beethoven, Françaix, Bridge, Mendelssohn (April 19).
Tickets for all of these performances, as well as newly announced shows and additional venue information can be found at wolftrap.org. Who are you most excited to see at The Barns at Wolf Trap this fall and spring? Tell us in the comments below and share your experiences with us on social media using #FXVA or @VisitFairfax.
