Every summer, Fredericksburg, Virginia, comes alive with the sounds of live music through the cherished tradition of Music on the Steps. Celebrating its 40th year in 2025, this free, family-friendly concert series transforms the front steps of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Fredericksburg Branch into a vibrant stage, offering a diverse lineup of musical performances that resonate with the community’s rich cultural tapestry.
A Summer Staple in Fredericksburg
Held every Monday evening from June through August, Music on the Steps invites residents and visitors alike to gather at 1201 Caroline Street from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to enjoy the open-air concerts. In case of inclement weather, performances are moved indoors to the library’s theater, ensuring the music continues rain or shine.
2025 Lineup
The 2025 season boasts a mix of genres and talents, reflecting Fredericksburg’s dynamic music scene.
- June 2: Elby Brass – Elby Brass is Virginia’s best street brass band bringing that heavy horn funk to Fredericksburg and beyond since 2009.
- June 9: GriefCat – Griefcat is a viral musical comedy duo making music about modern life with beautiful harmonies, brilliant lyrics, and unpredictable twists.
- June 16: Laurie Rose Griffith and Peter Mealy – Laurie and Peter’s 30th consecutive performance of Music on The Steps will once again present their eclectic mix of musical genres.
- June 23: ThoseNewYorkKids – ThoseNewYorkKids, formally Meaux, is a local singer songwriter who’s made it his calling to remind people to love themselves through the power of music.
- June 30: Twangtown Paramours – The Twangtown Paramours are an award-winning husband and wife Soulful Americana duo.
- July 7: Made in the USA – Made in the USA is your Good Time Party Band playing “Something for Everyone” from the Classic Rock, Modern Country, and Dance genres.
- July 14: Trash Rocket – Fueled by pop melodies, punk energy, and personal lyrics of love and loss, we’ll have you dancing beyond the stratosphere.
- July 21: Eric Byrd Trio – For over 20 years, The Eric Byrd Trio (EBT) has traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Rooted in swing and be-bop, The Trio also embraces gospel and the blues as core elements of their expansive performance style.
- July 28: Tampa Taiko – Tampa Taiko’s Sensei Ron Collins will perform traditional Japanese taiko on drums he’s made from recycled wine barrels.
- August 4: The Steven Gellman Trio – Americana/Folk with a twist. Incorporating unique instruments such as woodwinds and ukulele along with guitar, harmonica and three-part harmony.
- August 11: Semilla Cultural – Semilla Cultural is a local Fredericksburg organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of traditional Puerto Rican bomba. They will surely make you move with their Caribbean drum beats!
- August 18: Zachary Smith and the Mardi Gras Kings – ormed in 1992, Zachary Smith & the Mardi Gras Kings (formerly known as the “Dixie Power Trio”) has developed a reputation as the East Coast’s premier “Louisiana variety band”– playing authentic New Orleans jazz, zydeco, Cajun, street parade, and Louisiana-style funk.
- August 25: Limon and the Latin Feeling Band – Danceable Afrocuban Latin Jazz fusion of music with original compositions and arrangements by Cuban percussionist, Alberto Limónta Perez.
This diverse lineup ensures that each week brings a new musical experience, catering to a wide range of musical tastes and preferences.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor exploring Fredericksburg, Music on the Steps offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene. Mark your calendars for Monday evenings this summer and be part of a tradition that has been bringing joy to the community for four decades.
For the full schedule and any updates, visit the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Music on the Steps page.
Come for the music, stay for the memories. See you on the steps!