By Eve Thompson
Labor Day weekend--the last hurrah before summer officially ends. We celebrate the holiday in style here in Reston with the annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival--one of my absolute favorite events of the whole year. If you're new to Reston, or have never made it down to Lake Anne for this event, make sure to put it on your calendar.
In fact, the Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival is so much fun, it's going to be an entire week this year. The fun starts August 30 and culminates on Saturday, September 5. And the best part is it is free. Fun for the whole family, this festival showcases talented local emerging artists and national jazz performers. Not only will there be great music, the Lake Anne merchants are featuring specials and there will be a fun featured film as part of the ongoing Summer Film Festival series.
Ready for a week of great music? Here is the full list of activities:
- August 30 (sundown) - Summer Film Festival Series Movie "Jazz on a Summer's Day" (1959 Classic)
- September 1 (7-10 p.m.) - The Red Tree Solo (Café Montmartre)
- September 1 (8 p.m.) - Jazz Trivia Night (Kalypso's Sports Tavern)
- September 1 (6-9 p.m.) - Mykle Lyons Trio (Plaza)
- September 2 (8-10 p.m.) - The Caterpillars Duet (Café Montmartre)
- September 2 (9:30 p.m.) - Jazz Karaoke Night (Kalypso's Sports Tavern)
- September 3 (7-9 p.m.) - Take A Break Concert Series featuring the Chris Vadala Quartet (Plaza)
- September 4 (7:30-10:30 p.m.) - Cabernet (Café Montmartre)
- September 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) -- The Jason Kearse Trio (Plaza)
Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival Line Up
- September 5
1 p.m. Ted Garber
2 p.m. Cissa Paz
3 p.m. Integriti Reeves4 p.m. Nia Olabesi
5 p.m. Mykle Lyons
6 p.m. Texas Chainsaw
7 p.m. Adrian Duke (Headliner)
9:30 p.m. Post Festival Late Night with Sam Gunderson (Kalypso's Sports Tavern)
Don't forget about the merchants. Here are some of the specials you can expect:
- Chesapeake Chocolates: Special Edition chocolate musical notes and instruments. Wine Tasting Sept. 3 from 5:30 to 7:30p.m.
- Reston's Used Book Shop: 50% off all books about music
- Small Change Kids Consignment Shop: Melissa & Doug musical toys 50% off
- The Reston Museum: Music sale on local jazz performers Beverly Cosham, Menda Ahart and Felicia Crowley
But that's only until Saturday, you say. You are right. So on Labor Day, head down the road to Herndon for the annual Herndon Labor Day Festival! It's Monday, September 7, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn Street, Herndon, VA 20170). There will be tastings of Virginia wines and craft beers, great music, a craft show, sponsor gallery, and food vendors. The Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and the Herndon Woman's Club produce this fun event.
- Admission
Wine, Craft Brew Tastings and Entertainment - $20
(ID required to purchase tastings)
Concert only or designated driver - $5
Extra beer tastings - $2 per ticket- Cash only at gate
- Children 12 and under free
- No pets allowed
- Wine and craft brew tasting and selling of open containers ends at 4 p.m. - 2015 Participating Virginia Wineries
Cardamon Family Vineyards
Chateau O'Brien
Desert Rose Ranch and Winery
Horton Vineyards
Mattaponi Winery
Mountain Cove Vineyards
Rebec Vineyards
Rogers Ford Farm Winery
Thistle Gate Vineyard
Two Twisted Posts Winery - Featured Craft Brews
Forge Brew Works, Belgian Blonde
Mad Fox Brewery, K?lsch
South Street Brewery, Satan's Pony - Amber Ale
O'Conner Brewing Co., El Guaop - IPA
Brothers Craft Brewing, Great Outdoors- Pale Ale
Devils Backbone Brewing Co., Vienna Lager - Food Vendors
International Grill
Island Smoothies and Coffee
Italian
Rito Loco
Sherri's Crab Cakes
Enjoy your last official weekend of summer. I know I'm looking forward to it!