Community Calendar

Born into bluegrass royalty and driven by an unrelenting spirit of innovation, The Travelin’ McCourys are redefining what it means to carry a tradition forward. With roots planted firmly in the legacy of Del McCoury, this award-winning quintet-Ronnie and Rob McCoury, Christian Ward, Alan Bartram, and Cody Kilby-blazes new trails with genre-bending collaborations, electrifying performances, and a sound that’s both timeless and progressive. From sacred steel to jam-band grooves, they honor the past while charting an exhilarating new course through the bluegrass landscape. The river runs deep-and it’s moving fast.

Tyler Childers is bringing his On The Road tour to Charlottesville, VA on September 22nd in John Paul Jones Arena!

John Jackson Piedmont Blues Festival

Come join us at Eldon Farms for a day filled with soulful tunes and good vibes! Celebrate the legacy of John Jackson and the rich history of Piedmont Blues during an afternoon full of incredible live music, food trucks, family fun and more. Get ready to tap your feet and groove to the music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of the Piedmont Blues. See you there!

There will be historical displays, talks about John Jackson's Rappahannock roots, his family and music. There will also be food trucks on site.

Bring the whole family - STUDENTS ARE FREE!

Artist performing at our 2025 Festival:
Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr.
Corey Harris
Valerie and Ben Turner
Erin Harpe & Jim Countryman
Andrew Alli and Josh Small
Bobby G and the Heavies
Jeffery Scott – John Jackson’s nephew
Jim Lloyd and J.A.M. – Junior Appalachian Musicians
Justin Golden and the Rhapsody Project-Richmond Chapter

***Final order of performance will be posted once determined***

Arts Council of the Valley invites you to join in the arts-focused fun on the First Friday* of EVERY month! Throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, 38 venues offer a variety of new art exhibitions, live performances, poetry, comedy, music, artmaking activities, food, and so much more. You can find a list of venues, online map, and details for all First Fridays of the Valley events – all updated monthly – at valleyarts.org/first-fridays-of-the-valley/! Thanks to Kathy Moran Wealth Group, Exclusive Sponsor for 2025 First Fridays of the Valley.

*In 2025, July's "First Friday" arts programming will be held on THURSDAY, July 3 (NOT JULY 4)

Get ready for MercyMe, TobyMac and Matthew West! Your three favorite artists are hitting the road for an unforgettable tour that will bring together a collection of iconic songs and powerful moments of worship, celebration, and community. With songs that have defined worship and Christian music, these powerhouse artists will bring the energy, the heart, and the unforgettable moments you've come to expect to Charlottesville, VA on October 4th. Whether it's the anthems of hope, faith, and celebration of their powerful new hits, these nights are your chance to experience the soundtrack of worship—live and in person.

Join us for Fleet Fest 2025 on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Naval Station Norfolk – the world’s largest naval base! ⚓️🇺🇸

This free and open-to-the-public event is your exclusive opportunity to step aboard U.S. Navy ships, meet Sailors, and experience life in the fleet firsthand. 🛳️👨‍✈️👩‍✈️

🎶 Enjoy live music
🍔 Savor delicious eats from local food trucks
🛩️ Watch thrilling military demonstrations
🧑‍🔬 Bring the whole family for a day full of hands-on learning and patriotic fun!

Celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States Navy with us in unforgettable style! 🎂🇺🇸

📍 Location: Naval Station Norfolk
📅 Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
🎟️ Admission: FREE!

Acclaimed GRAMMY Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, composer, and MacArthur Fellow recipient of the prestigious “Genius Grant” Chris Thile is a multifaceted musical talent, described by The Guardian as “that rare being: an all -round musician.” Thile is a founding member of the highly influential string bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek and has collaborated with numerous luminaries, including Yo-Yo Ma, Fiona Apple and Brad Mehldau. For four years Thile hosted the radio favorite Live from Here with Chris Thile (formerly known as A Prairie Home Companion). With his broad outlook, Thile creates a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike, giving the listener “one joyous arc, with the linear melody and vertical harmony blurring into a single web of gossamer beauty” (The New York Times). Don’t miss this extraordinary solo performance that will take your breath away!

The 44th Annual JMU Contemporary Music Festival
Featuring Vietnamese-American Composer Viet Cuong
Concert I @ 2 pm: CONCERT HALL
Concert II @ 4 pm: RECITAL HALL
Concert III @ 7 pm: CONCERT HALL

Join us for the 44th Annual JMU Contemporary Music Festival featuring music from guest Vietnamese-American composer, Viet Cuong. Described as “alluring” and “stirring” by The New York Times, “arresting” (Gramophone), “irresistible” (San Francisco Chronicle), and “exhilarating” (Chicago Tribune) Cuong’s music has been commissioned and performed on six continents by musicians and ensembles. Cuong has also been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert and has worked closely with GRAMMY-winning orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world. The Festival features JMU’s Madison Singers at 2 pm, the Chamber Orchestra at 4 pm, and the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra at 7 pm. Tickets may be purchased individually per performance or as a series ticket.

The winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, this lush romance unfolds with what The New York Times calls “the most intensely romantic score of any musical since West Side Story.” Mother-daughter duo Margaret and Clara tour Florence in search of the city’s wonders. A fateful moment sparks an intense romance between Clara and a handsome local, Fabrizio. Audiences are swept along a winding road filled with love and longing, where paths twist and diverge to discover new opportunities and a secret kept in the shadows for far too long. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com. Produced by arrangement with Turner Entertainment Co. Owner of the original motion picture “Light In The Piazza.” Based on the Novel by Elizabeth Spencer. Contains adult content, adult language, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

The winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, this lush romance unfolds with what The New York Times calls “the most intensely romantic score of any musical since West Side Story.” Mother-daughter duo Margaret and Clara tour Florence in search of the city’s wonders. A fateful moment sparks an intense romance between Clara and a handsome local, Fabrizio. Audiences are swept along a winding road filled with love and longing, where paths twist and diverge to discover new opportunities and a secret kept in the shadows for far too long. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com. Produced by arrangement with Turner Entertainment Co. Owner of the original motion picture “Light In The Piazza.” Based on the Novel by Elizabeth Spencer. Contains adult content, adult language, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.