Live from the Lawn: Damn Tall Buildings

Damn Tall Buildings at Strathmore

Live from the Lawn is Strathmore's free Wednesday night concert series on the big lawn behind the Music Center, and the July 22 show brings Damn Tall Buildings, a Brooklyn string band that got its start busking on street corners. Expect fast bluegrass with swing and old-school blues mixed in, played by a band that clearly grew up performing for crowds that could walk away at any moment, so they never let the energy dip. The show starts at 7:30pm at the Gudelsky Gazebo Stage. It's free with no tickets needed, though Strathmore asks you to RSVP on their site so they can reach you if weather moves things around.

This series is built for families. You spread out a blanket or set up lawn chairs, the kids dance in the grass near the stage or roll down the hill, and nobody shushes anyone. Bring your own picnic or buy dinner at the BBQ tent, and there's a Ben & Jerry's truck parked nearby for dessert, which for my kids is the actual headliner. Outside alcohol isn't allowed. If it rains, the concert moves inside the Music Center with first come, first served seating, which is another reason the RSVP is worth 30 seconds.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Arrive around 6:45. The patches of lawn with a clear view of the stage and a tree at your back go first.
• ✓RSVP even though it's free. That's how Strathmore sends rain updates, and this series moves indoors when storms roll through.
• ✓Bring bug spray. It's a Maryland lawn in July at dusk. You know what's coming.
• ✓Budget for the ice cream truck. The Ben & Jerry's line gets long right when the band takes a break. Send a scout early.
• ✓Under 8 at home on Wednesdays? Strathmore also runs Cool Concerts for Kids on Thursday evenings at 7pm, made for the little ones.