Watch Reston Chamber Orchestra
<lst>Reston Chamber Orchestra — www.restonchamberorchestra.org.
<bt>The Reston Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1988 and has since become one of the area's best community orchestras. Preferring to remain a small chamber orchestra, the group performs around the community and region, sometimes in conjunction with the McLean Symphony Orchestra. The music director is Dingwall Fleary, who has held the position for 10 years. The orchestra is always on the lookout for new members and volunteers. Visit www.restonchamberorchestra.org.
<ro>"Take A Break" Concerts
<lst>Reston Community Center Lake Anne
1609-A Washington Square Plaza, Reston.
<bt>The RCC invites you to "take a break" and enjoy the sounds of this eclectic line-up of musicians. Every Thursday from June 1 to the end of August the RCC provides free concerts and invites the public to bring a lawn chair and picnic basket. In the past bands have ranged from 1950's pop to World Beat-Reggae. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com for more.
<ro>Listen to Music Lakeside
<lst>The Lakeside Inn
11150 South Lakes Drive, Reston.
703-264-0781
<bt>Local single and duets acts take the stage every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9 p.m. The Lakeside Inn overlooks Lake Thoreau and offers a variety of food. For more information go to www.thelakesideinn.com.
<ro>Attend Friday Night Live
<lst>Friday Night Live
777 Lynn St., Herndon.
<bt>From the beginning of May until the end of August, Friday nights in Herndon are the place to see free live music as the town green, located behind the Herndon Municipal Center on Lynn Street is converted to an outdoor concert hall for the Herndon-Dulles Chamber of Commerce's concert series "Friday Night Live." Never a cover and always entertaining, the chamber and other local sponsors, including Washington, D.C.'s alternative radio station, DC101, bring together some of the region's most promising young acts. Vendors provide the food and beer and the bands provide the music for this family-oriented local music event. For band line-ups and more information, visit Friday Night Live's official web site at www.herndonrocks.com.
<ro>Music Under the Stars
<lst>Herndon Town Green — Herndon.
703-435-6800.
<bt>A series of free musical performances occur Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m., hosted by the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department. Performers scheduled for this summer include: Juniper Lane, modern rock, July 6; The Doug Segree Band, July 13; Scythian, Celtic music, July 20; Naked Blue, folk-pop, July 27; Emily Easterly, Aug. 3; Lisa Moscatiello & the Space Dots, Aug. 10, and The Silent Critics, acoustic rock, Aug. 17.
<ro>Watch the Towne Square Singers
<lst>Towne Square Singers
269 Sunset Business Park Drive, Herndon.
703-481-5930
<bt>Enjoy singing or listening to music? So does Jean Goldsby. More than 20 years ago Goldsby founded Herndon's Towne Square Singers — a group of talented vocalists that perform at the Industrial Strength Theater. Still performing to this day, the group has taken on a variety of projects and productions and perform mostly in December, late April and early May. The group rehearses each Monday evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Herndon. Auditions are held twice a year in September and January. For tickets and performance dates contact the Herndon Community Center at 703-435-6868.
<ro>Simply 'Devine'
<lst>Ned Devines
2565 Centreville Road, Herndon
703-793-7376
<bt>Ned Devines is one of the premier places to see local rock n' roll bands who are trying to make it big. Gonzo's Nose, The Alternate Routes, Jack's House and a slew of other local acts have all come through here, entertaining the masses. With live bands on Friday and Saturday, as well as DJs on Wednesdays, this is a must see venue. Visit www.neddevines.com for more.
<ro>Jamming at Jimmy's
<lst>Jimmy's Old Town Tavern
697 Spring St., Herndon.
703-435-5467.
<bt>In the heart of Herndon's historic downtown, Jimmy's Old Town Tavern holds an open mic night Wednesday at 9:30 p.m Performers range in genre and include singer-songwriters as well as full bands. Acoustic artists play first, followed by the bands. After the bands perform, the scene transforms into an "Open Jam" session where anyone can play. Visit www.jimmystavern.com for sign-up details.
<ro>Folk by Local Folks
<lst>Tortilla Factory
648 Elden St., Herndon.
703-471-1156.
<bt>Enjoy playing or listening to folk music? The Tortilla Factory is the place to go on Tuesday nights. In conjunction with the Reston-Herndon Folk Club, the Tortilla Factory hosts local folk and country artists for their open mic night at 7:30 p.m. Also, once a month the club showcases one of its own members in a solo performance. For more about the club and open mic nights, visit www.restonherndonfolkclub.com for details.
<ro>Music From Around the World
<lst>Shahi Kabob
724 Pine St., Herndon.
703-796-0110.
<bt>Shahi Kabob has a different spin to open mic nights as they present a multi-cultural open mic on Fridays. Venture out to Shahi Kabob and be amazed by the wealth of international culture and talented musicians present in the area.
<ro>Pickin' Out a Tune
<lst>Frying Pan Country Store
709 West Ox Road.
703-435-3710.
<bt>Acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos — if it has strings it can be picked. The Frying Pan Country Store holds an acoustic jam session on the first and third Sunday of each month from 1-4 p.m. Gather around with other musicians and play a tune or just tap your toes. Acoustic instruments only.
<ro>All that Jazz
<lst>Ice House Cafe
760 Elden St., Herndon.
703-437-4500
Market Street Bar & Grill
1800 President's St., Reston.
703-709-1234.
<bt>Nothing adds to the atmosphere of dining like a little live jazz for mood music. Two restaurants in the area offer regular live jazz music in vibrant parts of the community. The Ice House Cafe is located in the historic district of downtown Herndon and showcases a variety of local jazz talent on Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Visit www.icehousecafe.com for more. Market Street Bar & Grill is the home of jazz musician Mykle Lyons. His group performs Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit reston.hyatt.com for more.
<ro>Party at Wolf Trap
<lst>Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1624 Trap Road, Vienna
703-255-1900.
<bt>Made up of 130 acres of hills and forests, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is truly dedicated to the arts. With special acting performances from May through September, along with singing performances, this national park is home to many musicians. Wolf Trap's smaller theaters feature year-round performances, including singing groups, orchestras, bands, musicals and dance groups.
<ro>Lounge at Jammin' Java
<lst>227 Maple Ave., Vienna
703-255-1566
<bt>What started off as a simple coffee shop slowly budded into a hot music venue, drawing music lovers from all over the metropolitan area. Jammin' Java features live entertainment ranging from rock to soul. All types of music are welcomed. On Mondays, customers are given the opportunity to perform "stand-up style." Open mic night starts at 8 p.m. Shows of all genres start at 8 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays, shows start at 7 p.m. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
<hdr30>Dance
<ro>Doing The Two-Step
<lst>Monthly Country-Western Dance
Reston Community Center, Hunter's Woods.
703-476-4500.
<bt>The Reston Community Center's monthly Country-Western Dance features dances like the line-dance, two-step, hustle and swing and can be quickly mastered by anyone regardless of skill level. Dances take place monthly in RCC's Hunters Woods Community Room from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments are provided. Admission is $5 per person. The dances are for people age 18 or older. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
<ro>Dance Under the Stars
<lst>Annual "Dance Under the Stars"
Reston Town Center,
11921 Freedom Drive, Reston.
<bt>Dance the night away under the twinkling stars at the Town Center. This elegant affair features music that ranges from salsa, to swing, ballroom and classical. Desserts are offered buffet style with non-alcoholic drinks. Feel free to put on your best, as this special dance only comes around once a year. Black tie optional. Price is $10. This annual event takes place in mid-June. Visit www.reston.org.
<ro>Tutus and Toe Shoes
<lst>Reston Institute for the Arts
2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
703-430-8768
<bt>The Reston Institute for the Arts is the premier dance studio in the Reston area. They have been conducting dance classes since 1983, and they teach over 10 different types of dance, including some unusual ones such as modern jazz and urban tap. They also have vocal and acting classes. Their classes are for all ages, range from beginning to advance, and most classes meet once a week. The cost is dependent on the number of classes you attend and costs range from $100 to $160 per class, and costume fees are separate. In addition to classes, RIA also has two in-house companies, the Reston Youth Dancers and the Reston Jazz Ensemble. The classes meet in two locations: RCC Hunter Woods and the RCP Rehearsal Hall. For registration and more information, visit their web site at www.restondance.org.
<ro>Swing Your Partner
<lst>Swing Dance with Tom and Debra
Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel
13869 Park Center Road, Herndon.
<bt>On Friday nights, from 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg host swing dancing accompanied by live bands. Don't know the steps? No problem — this ongoing event offers beginner lessons before the dance, from 8:30-9 p.m. The cost for participating is $15. Visit www.gottaswing.com.
<hdr30>Movies
<ro>Movies From Around The World
<lst>Independent & International Films
The Center Stage,
2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
<bt>A big barrel of popcorn and a summer blockbuster can be a fun escape, but sometimes it's more rewarding to broaden your horizons by watching independent and international films. The Center Stage, Reston Community Center's performing stage, offers a film series that takes audiences around the world and uncovers new subject material. Films are screened at 7:30 p.m. on scheduled Sundays. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com/film.htm for a complete listing.
<ro>Meet Me At the Movies
<lst>Reston Town Center Multiplex Cinemas.
<bt>On the fourth Wednesday of each month, residents 55 and older are invited to check out what's playing at the Town Center Muliplex for Free. Doors open at 9:15 a.m., movie starts at 10 a.m. Refreshments are provided and door prizes are distributed prior to the movie. Call 703-435-6577.
<ro>Dive-In Movies
<lst>Reston Association Pools.
<bt>Grab your favorite floating device and relax as our pools are transformed into theaters. Presented at seven community pools between mid-June and early August, all ages are welcome to kick back, indulge in some cold drinks and popcorn and watch their favorite flics. For times and locations, visit www.reston.org.
<ro>Movies in the Park
<lst>North Hills Pavilion,
1325 North Village Road, Reston.
<bt>Pack a dinner and a picnic blanket and check out a movie under the stars. Movies are shown on designated days between June and August. All ages welcomed, children must be accompanied by and adult. For times and movie titles, visit www.reston.org.
<ro>Free Summer Movies
<lst>Worldgate Centre
Centreville Road, Herndon.
703-318-9290.
<bt>Phoenix Theatres WorldGate 9 offers free summer movies — G and PG rated films — at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday in July and August. Doors open at 9 a.m. Seating is limited to auditorium capacity.
<hdr30>The Great Outdoors
<ro>Floating on a Boat
<lst>Lake Anne Boat Rental
Lake Anne Village Center, Reston.
703-464-5559.
<bt>For just $6 per hour you can get a different view of Reston's oldest village center. Boat rentals are available from June 1-Sept. 3 at the dock of Lake Anne. Local fitness center, Body By Geoff, are the caretakers of the various canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddle boats and rent the vessels from their store, located in the Lake Anne Village Center. Visit www.restonmuseum.org for boat rental hours.
<ro>Where the Wild Things Are
<lst>The Reston Zoo
1228 Hunter Mill Road, Reston.
703-757-6222.
<bt>Llamas, Zebras, Monkeys — The Reston Zoo is like an African Safari condensed into thirty-acres. Operating for more than 25 years, the zoo offers a "Zoofari", a wagon ride through the world of these wild inhabitants, as well as various opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals. Check out the reptile house or even get a close look at the alligators. The Reston Zoo is open early March through the end of November. For hours and ticket prices visit www.restonzoo.com
<ro>Into the Woods
<lst>Walker Nature Education Center
11450 Glade Drive, Reston.
703-435-6530
<bt>Did you know that Reston has 1,300 acres of open space? Winding throughout the area's four man-made lakes, along streams and around natural watershed areas are 55 miles of paths, open for hiking and exploring surrounding nature. A good starting point is the RA's Walker Nature Education Center, which has maps and suggested paths for the adventurous. Visit www.reston.org.
<ro>For The Birds
<lst>Summer Bird Walks with the Reston Association.
<bt>Venture out into the woods of Reston and you might come across some spectacular fowl. Sponsored by the Reston Association, the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and The Bird Feeder Store, these free seasonal walks take place on designated Sundays beginning early May and running through September. Walks are led by local bird experts and explore areas like the Twin Branches Nature Trail, Beaver Swamp, Bright Bond and Glade Stream Valley. You might even get lucky and spot a Bald Eagle. Visit www.reston.org.
<ro>Circumnavigate Lake Thoreau
<lst>Lake Thoreau
www.restonpaths.com.
<bt>For exercise and fun, follow markers along the 2.7-mile trek on the paved pathways around Lake Thoreau. Neighbors, runners and dog walkers have long enjoyed walking the circle around the lake, taking in beautiful lake views and catching a glimpse of Canada geese, ducks or other wildlife. Pick up the path at the South Lakes Shopping Center and then afterwards stop in for a beverage or a bite to eat at one of several restaurants.