The Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District has teamed up with the iconic Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center for this year’s TGIF Summer Concert Series, offering after-work celebrations on Friday evenings. Bobby Thompson’s Blues City Shakedown will highlight the series on Friday, Aug. 11.
The concerts will be at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station. The events will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers.
Each TGIF party will begin on the Plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. The weekly after-party will rotate to nearby local bars from 8-9 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.
Awe-inspiring master guitarist and vocalist, Bobby Thompson cut his teeth learning to play in the old blues clubs of D.C. from the likes of Bobby Parker. After honing his craft as a much sought after support man, Thompson decided to step out as a solo artist, releasing seven albums since 2011.
Bobby has become more than the instrumentalist. He loves performing in acoustic solo and electric band settings, and brings an authenticity and professionalism to both. As a songwriter, Thompson has expanded beyond the guitar techniques and jams he has been known for, and built a following off of a holistic view of how a live music experience can take the listener on a journey.
In 2018, Bobby won a WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) award for 2018 best blues album, and although there are strong overtones of the blues in his writing, he sees himself essentially as a folk-blues singer-songwriter. Songwriting, blues elements and great guitar merge in this one time concert. Known for rarely slowing down, Bobby's fronted bands like Blueheart Revival and Revelator Hill, and been a sideman for artists such as Justin Jones (930 Club Records), Laura Tsaggaris, and he toured with SOJA for three months back in 2009.
“We are very appreciative of Chuck Levin’s Music for its sponsorship of this concert series and thank it for 65 years of service to the music and arts of our County and the DMV,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These concerts are fun and free gatherings that allow residents and visitors to enjoy the cultures, foods and sounds of our diverse Wheaton community. Please join us in Wheaton on a Friday evening this summer.”
The Wheaton TGIF concert series continues into mid October. The remainder of summer dates includes:
- Aug. 11: Bobby Thompson’s Blues City Shakedown
- Aug. 18: Quimbao
- Aug. 25: Jah Works
Chuck Levin’s has been a staple in the DMV and the music industry. Opened in 1958 in Washington, D.C., and relocated to Wheaton in 1968, Chuck Levin’s has become a cultural landmark where musicians of all levels congregate to buy, browse and rent equipment. This year’s concert series will celebrate the acclaimed history of the store by showcasing a wide range of regional talent.
Chuck Levin’s has had a collaborative relationship with the Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District since the district’s inception in 2016. Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District has become known for its cultural diversity—in people and music, traditional art forms and culinary experiences.
For updated information on the concert series, go to https://www.wheatonmd.org/.
