Celebrate Fairfax has become one of the best regional music festivals around. The three-day event always has solid headliners and other good national acts paired with a deep and rich stable of local talent. This June 5-7, there are more than 40 acts across multiple stages, as well as children’s entertainment and food options galore. While this event appeals to young and old alike for multiple reasons, it’s the music that keeps us coming. Here’s a look at some of highlights to help you map out your three days. THE METHOD | Rock ‘n Blues Stage, 6:30 p.m. BLUES TRAVELER | Bud Light Main Stage, 8 p.m.
Friday, June 5
TAMI D’MAR | Fairfax Corner Music Café, 6:15 p.m.
Beautiful pop rock from this local. She can rock it, chill out and bring some danceable beats to the table as well.
This is where the party starts. The Method recently won On Tap Magazine’s "Last Band In" battle of the bands contest by totally blowing the crowd away at Continental in Rosslyn. The group combines rock, funk and just about anything else that gets the feet moving and the heart pounding. This tight six-piece is a truly exceptional act.
This talented jam band that earned fame in the ‘90s with hits such as "Run Around" is still chugging right along. Catch John Popper and company and bring back some great memories.
Saturday, June 6 LLOYD DOBLER EFFECT| Rock ‘n Blues Stage, 2 p.m. THE FIXX | Bud Light Main Stage, 3 p.m. FLO ANITO | Fairfax Corner Music Café, 4 p.m. JUNIPER LANE | Star Hill Music Showcase, 4:45 p.m. OLD SKOOL ALL-STARS | Bud Light Main Stage, 7:30 p.m.
JON KAPLAN | Fairfax Corner Music Café, 12:30 p.m.
Local singer-songwriter Kaplan never disappoints. If you need a reason to get there early on Saturday, he’s it.
This Silver Spring-based power pop rock act is playing shows in support of its new album. If you’re unfamiliar, swing by the Rock ‘n Blues Stage to see what you’re missing.
British New Wave/’80s act The Fixx made it big with songs like "One Thing Leads to Another." They’re still touring and recording, including this stop at Celebrate Fairfax.
At times reflective, other times humorous, all the time entertaining, area singer-songwriter Flo Anito is a welcomed reprieve between rock acts.
Maybe just the cave dwellers haven’t caught on to just how talented and amazing Juniper Lane has become. This On Tap Featured Artist creates melodic rock lead by vocalist Vivion Smith. One of the best bands in D.C.
This is one trio of acts: Tone-Loc, Naughty by Nature and Sugar Hill Gang. Now it’s time for a trip down memory Lane. In the late ‘80s, Tone-Loc released a pair of singles that pretty much sounded the same, but offered unforgettable lyrics: "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina." Naughty By Nature hit it big with the No. 1 song "O.P.P.," which got as much play in 1991 as anything Nirvana ever did. Then there’s the Sugar Hill Gang, which is really going old school: The group arguably has the first recorded rap song in the legendary "Rapper’s Delight." Now that’s old school.
Sunday, June 7 THE RESERVES |Star Hill Music Showcase, 1:15 p.m. PHIL VASSAR | Bud Light Main Stage, 3:30 p.m. LUKE BRINDLEY | Bud Light Main Stage, 5 p.m.
ANDY HAWK & THE TRAIN WRECK ENDINGS |Star Hill Music Showcase, 11 a.m.
Nothing like a little blue grass in the morning to get the blood flowing, and Andy Hawk and gang do it very, very well.
This local folk/rock outfit has a much anticipated new album coming out soon, and from what we’ve heard, it’s amazing. Just off a successful New York trip, the group looks to show their stuff.
JUSTIN TRAWICK |Star Hill Music Showcase, 2:30 p.m.
No need to leave the Star Hill Stage too early as local singer-songwriter Justin Trawick will be performing his catchy, infectious guitar rock/pop. If anyone can keep it going in the afternoon of the third day of a festival, it’s this guy.
Continuing to show the diversity of music in the Celebrate Fairfax repertoire is Virginia’s own country star Phil Vassar, who has recorded with a Who’s Who of country music, including Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson.
Wait, the festival isn’t done yet. Local singer-songwriter Luke Brindley has crafted come great music over the years, and is working on recording a new album. Hopefully we hear some of the new and the old as Celebrate Fairfax closes out.