JMU Free, Annual 'Concerts on the Lawn' Move Indoors this Summer

Sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University, the 2017 Concerts on the Lawn series will take place between May 21 and June 25 in War Memorial Auditorium at Memorial Hall. No concert will be held on May 28. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 21 @ 6 p.m. – Memorial Hall

Massanutten Brass Band and Massanutten Youth Brass Band are British-style bands in the Shenandoah Valley whose repertoire includes marches, concert works, hymns, movie music, and music written specifically for brass bands. Under the direction of Kevin Stees, Massanutten Brass Band was the 2007 Champion of the North American Brass Band Association’s 2nd Section. The band placed third in the 1st Section in 2009 and 2010, and second in the 1st Section in 2012. The Massanutten Youth Brass Band, now in its eighth year, draws its members from 13 high schools in the Central Virginia area. The band is under the direction of Rhonda Stees. 

Sunday, June 4 @ 6 p.m. – Memorial Hall

The Massanutten Brass Quintet and Valley Brass Quintet team up for a performance that includes several selections by each group followed by a joint grand finale. Back for its second appearance on the series, the Massanutten Brass Quintet is a core group of five musicians who formed a quintet to compete at the North American Brass Band Association’s national contest in 2004. Since then, they have been performing concerts throughout the Valley. The Valley Brass Quintet is the area’s newest quintet.

Sunday, June 11 @ 6 p.m. – Memorial Hall

Just Jazzin', a 20-member ensemble that plays big band and contemporary swing and Latin tunes, has played at concerts, dances and benefits in the Central Virginia area. The band also performs with college and high school jazz ensembles, and gives master classes to young jazz musicians throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Directed by Tom McKenzie, Just Jazzin’ features vocal soloist Danny Baralle, as well as Waynesboro (Virginia) native Bryan Kidd, saxophonist and former chief arranger for the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C.

Sunday, June 18 @ 6 p.m. – Memorial Hall

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Concert Band, newly under the direction of Melissa Harper, will perform Broadway tunes, movie music, Americana favorites and Sousa marches. A frequent performer in the summer and during the holiday season, the band traces its lineage to the late 19th century; it took the form of a modern-day concert band in 1983.

Sunday, June 25 @ 6 p.m. – Memorial Hall

Back for its second appearance on the series, Sentimental Journey is a 17-piece big band featuring many of the area’s finest musicians. Started in 1986 by Dick Miller and directed by Ray Hoaster, the band plays throughout Central Virginia for dances, weddings, school master classes, private parties, charities, and swing and jazz concerts. This concert features the best of the Big Band Era, including classics by Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Count Basie and Glenn Miller.

Parking is available at Memorial Hall, which is located at 395 South High Street. Concert updates will be available at (540) 568-6987 or www.facebook.com/JMUconcertsonthelawn