Is it really summertime if there’s not a free concert on the books? It was June 2016. My fiancé and I were in Blackstone for a wedding and had a choice afterward: drive a couple of hours back home or drive about the same amount to Virginia Beach?
We pulled off in a parking lot, found a beachfront hotel for relatively cheap, stopped at a store and bought clothes for the following day, and off we went. After we arrived, we grabbed a bite at a local Greek diner, and the waitress asked if we were there for the show. What show?
She informed us that in an hour or so, one of our favorite country music performers would take the stage nearby, and the concert was free. It was RSVP, though, but public beach access was a good workaround for that. With a handful of our closest strangers, we enjoyed the show by the water. We didn’t care that we didn’t have the closest spot; it was just cool to be there. I hope you discover an awesome free concert near you through today’s lead story because I’m so glad you’re here.
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Concerts in the Park has been held in Falls Church for 34 years. (City of Falls Church)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: Warm temperatures and sunny skies make summer the ideal time to enjoy a summer concert. Luckily, communities across Virginia host a range of free concerts that are aimed at bringing people together to enjoy local and national acts.
Upcoming shows:
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Concerts by Canoe is a free summer concert series at Twin Ridge Recreation Area on Philpot Lake in Henry. Attendees can arrive by canoe, kayak, tube, SUP, or motorboat on July 10 and 24, and on Aug. 7.
- Head to the McLean Central Park amphitheater every Thursday evening from June through July for some live music as part of the Summer Concerts in the Park series. Concerts start at 7 p.m.
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The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series runs from June 24 through Aug. 29. The series will feature 124 performances across 20 venues. Organizers are expecting more than 35,000 attendees this year.
Want to catch a performance? We’ve got more free concerts near you at the link below.
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Sean Dietrich performs at Danville’s historic North Theatre. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)
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By Amie Knowles
Is this Sean Dietrich Week? If you missed yesterday’s newsletter, I finally got to meet my favorite writer—and of course, I wrote about that.
Near the very end of his performance at Danville’s historic North Theatre, Sean broke out the ol’ banjo. He started picking a beautiful rendition of “I’ll Fly Away,” a song originally written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929.
What was different about the tune was that he didn’t sing it alone. Sean invited the entire audience to sing with him, and I wish you could’ve heard that old auditorium come alive. It was one of the prettiest sounds my ears have ever had the joy of hearing.
I don’t have that specific moment available to share, but I sure do have the next best thing. I’ve added a link to Sean performing the tune—granted, solo—and I hope you enjoy the timeless favorite.
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Out of the nearly 1 in 10 men who report experiencing depression or anxiety, only half receive treatment. (Eddy Billard/Unsplash)
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Did you know that of the nearly 1 in 10 men who report experiencing depression or anxiety, only half receive treatment? That’s one of the reasons why we’re shining a light on Men’s Health Month, which takes place each June.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, signs of distress in men may present as:
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Increased anger, irritability, or aggression
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities
- Overworking or excessive distraction
- Risky behavior, including increased alcohol or drug use
- And more.
Even though men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women in the United States, many males report that a perceived stigma around mental health keeps them from seeking treatment. However, there’s a free, convenient option available for men, women, and nonbinary individuals—and the conversations are confidential.
The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat. Through the 988 Lifeline, individuals can discuss their mental health challenges with trained counselors ready to address coping strategies, localized support, and more.
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes a story from Aila Boyd. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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