Merriweather Post Pavilion
Bringing music and nature together
Sir Richard Branson greets the crowd at the 2009 Virgin Mobile Freefest at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The event will return to Merriweather this year.
Concert dates/times are forthcoming.
“You know the saying ‘NIMBY,’ or ‘Not in my backyard?’” asks Audrey Schaefer, spokesperson for Merriweather Post Pavilion. “In Columbia, the saying is ‘YIMBY’ – ‘Yes in my backyard!’ because residents are actually excited to have Merriweather so close by,” Schaefer continues with a laugh.
From rock to jazz to country to classical music, Merriweather Post Pavilion boasts an eclectic concert lineup drawing over a quarter of a million people from around the nation annually. “We get an awful lot of visitors from MD, VA, DC and PA,” Schaefer explains, “but being so close to BWI and Amtrak, our events become a destination – a vacation – for many people.”
Diverse concerts aren’t the only things Merriweather prides itself on: The Pavilion is also in the midst of a “green” initiative. A few years ago, singer-songwriter and environmentalist Jack Johnson offered several suggestions to make the outdoor amphitheatre more environmentally-friendly, and Merriweather’s staff took his advice to heart. They installed solar panels that power the house lights and sound and are now using LCD lighting, which is connected to the ceiling, stage, outdoor walkways and trees. Not only will this significantly reduce energy-usage, but it will also be the first music venue in the country to connect environmentalism and art.
Steve Sattler, director of CA’s Communications and Marketing Service Bureau, applauds Merriweather Post Pavilion’s recent efforts, saying: “CA is committed to enhancing the Columbia community, and we appreciate the vitality that Merriweather brings to the area.” He adds: “Once CA’s downtown development plans get underway, we are excited that Symphony Woods Park will serve as a gateway to the Pavilion, which is really an extension of the Park’s natural beauty.”
Merriweather Post Pavilion is more than just a concert venue. Says Schaefer, “One of the main questions we ask ourselves every year is: ‘How can we wow people in addition to the music?” With delicious, world-wide cuisine selections, a Rock and Roll Pinball arcade, fanciful sculptures and much more, Merriweather Post Pavilion is, indeed, “wow-ing” people nationwide. Whether you’re a resident, a music or art lover, a nature-enthusiast, an environmentalist, or all of the above, Merriweather Post Pavilion is a beloved gem in the Columbia community.
So, if you’re interested in taking a mini-vacation this summer, visit Merriweather Post Pavilion and escape from reality…for a few hours at least!
To purchase Merriweather tickets, log on to MerriweatherMusic.com or Ticketfly.com, or visit the Merriweather box-office, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, or CA’s Membership Service Center, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia.
Watch the “Amenities” segment of CA’s Columbia Matters TV Show to learn about Merriweather Post Pavilion’s 2010 events
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