Passing of the Conductor’s Baton

By Aimée O'Grady June 1, 2018

Photo by Beth Miller-Herholtz

Allegro continues the tradition of the Summer Concert series

Allegro Community School of the Arts was quick to say yes when the Warrenton town manager approached co-founders, Sam and Lachelle Yoder, to continue the Bluemont music series for the town. The Yoders recognized the concerts not only align themselves with Allegro’s mission, but also help weave our community together more tightly. Studies indicate cultural capital can help sustain a community. Considered a more grass-roots effort to sustainability, culture capital engages artists and organizations in the development and revitalization efforts in communities. Allegro hopes to build upon Warrenton’s existing cultural community to solidify the sense of place for local residents.

The newly branded Summer on the Green Concert Series presented by Allegro will showcase popular music weekly from July 7 through August 18. Residents and tourists are invited to historic Old Town along with blankets and chairs to enjoy an evening outdoors.

For Marie Washington, a Fauquier County native and practicing attorney in Warrenton, the concerts are a cherished part of her childhood: “My parents always took me to the concerts. It was joyous occasion to be on the courthouse lawn with the street blocked off. It was fun to be outside with family and friends with a picnic setting. With our busy lives, it is nice to be able to wind down and enjoy being with loved ones and enjoying the arts. I always get excited when I get the calendar for the summer, so I can make sure I book my schedule around the concerts I want to attend.”

Rick Davis, the dean for George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, said, “I like to think of the arts as a kind of metaphorical campfire or hearth – a place where people gather to find light, warmth, and companionship. Around the campfire you tell tall tales, share your deepest fears and also your greatest joys, and keep the scary darkness at bay. So when we say that the arts create community, we’re talking about fulfilling those basic human needs in a very positive and personal way,”

Allegro hopes the concerts will re-engage residents who are increasingly disconnected. Lee Owsley the owner of Latitudes Fair Trade agrees the concerts help define our place: “[The concerts are] one of those community events that define what it is to live in a small rural town that also appreciates the importance of the arts. It’s a place for people to gather to socialize around ‘the important things of life’. Our town is richer and more cohesive for events such as these.”

The Silver Tones Swing Band will launch Summer on the Green on July 7 at the Warren Green on Culpeper Street in Warrenton. Sponsorships for the Summer on the Green are welcome. Allegro recognizes there is more to community sustainability than weekly concerts, but they are grateful to have the opportunity to provide this as one piece of the larger puzzle.

For more information on the Summer on the Green Concert Series presented by Allegro, visit the Facebook page (facebook.com/Allegrocsa). If you or your business is interested in sponsoring a concert, please contact Lachelle Yoder at lachelle@allegrocsa.org.

2018 Summer Concert Series

Fees: Adults are $5 each; Allegro Friends are $4 each; and Children under 12 are $2 each. With each ticket purchased, the event offers family time between 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. which will provide children activities. Each performance event will feature a food truck, wine and beer garden, and concessions.

Saturday, July 7

Silver Tones Swing Band

Saturday, July 14

Warrenton Makes Music (FREE EVENT): Bottleshop Music

Saturday, July 21

Elizabeth Lawrence Band

Saturday, July 28

Circa Blue

Saturday, August 4

Pan Masters

Saturday, August 11

Cabin Fever

Saturday, August 18

To Be Announced

Sponsors of this event include: Appleton Campbell, Allen Wayne, Puffenbarger Insurance, The Fauquier Bank, HMN Photography, Leckner Ford, Piedmont Lifestyle Publications, Law Office of Marie Washington, and Med Spa 360 Dermatology.

About Aimée O'Grady 44 Articles

Aimée O’Grady is a freelance writer who enjoys transforming stories told by Fauquier residents into articles for Lifestyle readers. She learns more and more about our rich county with every interview she conducts. She and her husband are happy with their decision to raise their four children in Warrenton.