

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: UVA Concert Band: "Folk Traditions: The American Story"
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 17 Apr, 2026 at 06:00 pm (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: The University of Virginia Department of Music presents “Folk Traditions: The American Story,” an evening celebrating the rich heritage of American folk music, performed by the UVA Concert Band on Friday, April 17 at 6:00 PM at the University of Virginia Amphitheater. This event is free and open to the public

This dynamic program traces more than 250 years of American musical history, exploring the evolution of folk traditions from their origins in the British Isles through colonial America and into the vibrant, diverse styles that define the nation’s musical landscape today. From early bluegrass influences to a wide range of cultural traditions, the concert highlights the sounds and stories that have shaped American identity.

The performance will feature special guest vocalist Ian Kelly, alongside acclaimed Virginian bluegrass musicians Godfrey Grier (banjo) and Anna Hennessy (fiddle). Together with the UVA Concert Band, these guest artists will bring a vibrant and authentic voice to the program’s exploration of folk traditions.

Blending historical perspective with live performance, “Folk Traditions: The American Story” offers an engaging musical journey through the songs and styles that continue to connect communities across generations.

Drew Koch conducting concert band 2025
Andrew Koch serves as Associate Director of Bands at the University of Virginia. He joined the faculty in June 2005, when the Cavalier Marching Band was less than a year old, and has since been involved in all aspects of the band program.

The Concert Band’s membership is composed of dedicated students from across the University’s schools and departments. Students value the opportunity to rehearse and perform a wide variety of repertoire as an outlet for creativity and expression. Past programs have included standard wind band literature, popular music, and concertos featuring guest artists.

The University of Virginia Amphitheater—also known as the McIntire Amphitheatre—is a neoclassical outdoor venue situated between Minor and Garrett Halls. Designed by Fiske Kimball and completed in 1921, it was funded by philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire for the University’s delayed centennial and has since served as a center for concerts, speeches, and commencement exercises.  The McIntire Amphitheatre is located on McCormick Road on the University of Virginia's Central Grounds in Charlottesville, VA. While it is an open-air venue nestled between Garrett Hall and the Lower Lawn, directions for digital mapping often use 93 Amphitheater Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903.  Paid Parking is available at the Central Grounds Parking Garage and the C1 parking lot (behind the amphitheater). The amphitheater is also served by UVA busses and the Charlottesville Free Trolly.

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, and picnics to enjoy this relaxed, open-air performance. 

In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the Hunter Smith Band Building which is located at 180 Culbreth Rd, Charlottesville VA
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/charlottesville/uva-concert-band-folk-traditions-the-american-story/200029936994400
- **Event Categories**: music, entertainment, concerts, art, live-music, literary-art, nonprofit, food-drinks
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 75

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Charlottesville
- **state**: VA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Uva Ampitheater
- **lat**: 38.0337651093
- **long**: -78.5054588879
- **full address**: Uva Ampitheater, Charlottesville, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: UVA Concert Band: &quot;Folk Traditions: The American Story&quot;
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/79d66e24711ad56f9e0f7570f190b5d9c8181fb027131b47fb783791917e7a96-rimg-w1200-h675-dcf8dabe-gmir?v=1776083459

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is UVA Concert Band: "Folk Traditions: The American Story" being held?
  - **A:** UVA Concert Band: &quot;Folk Traditions: The American Story&quot; takes place on Fri, 17 Apr, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Fri, 17 Apr, 2026 at 06:00 pm at Uva Ampitheater, Charlottesville, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing UVA Concert Band: "Folk Traditions: The American Story"?
  - **A:** UVA Concert Band: &quot;Folk Traditions: The American Story&quot; is organized by UVA Music Department.
- **Q**: What has been the experience of attendees at UVA Music Department's events?
  - **A:** Attendees have given UVA Music Department a rating of 5/5 based on reviews from early attendees on AllEvents. UVA Music Department has a verified profile on AllEvents where you can read reviews and explore their upcoming events.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** UVA Concert Band: &quot;Folk Traditions: The American Story&quot; is ideal for live music fans, concert-goers, and anyone who enjoys unforgettable performances from their favorite artists in an electric live atmosphere. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Charlottesville, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 70+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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                "name": "UVA Music Department",
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                "description": "The Department of Music is the center of musical life at the University of Virginia, offering countless opportunities in performance, composition, and academic study.  Our programs are open equally to music majors and non-majors, and our graduate program welcomes students from diverse musical and academic backgrounds.  Each year we present over 200 public events, from student recitals to faculty ensemble performances to concerts and lectures by world-famous guests.  And every semester our courses enroll over 1000 students from all over the university, some who plan professional careers in music, others who combine their musical interests with studies in other areas.\n\nThe department’s fifty faculty are nationally and internationally renowned for their expertise, and include some of the most popular teachers at the university.  They have received many prestigious grants and awards, performed around the world with celebrated artists, and produced numerous successful compositions, recordings, books, and articles.  Their course offerings include more than fifteen performing ensembles, private lessons in all the major instruments and voice, and classes in composition, music technology, classical music, film music, world music, jazz, folk music, and popular music of many kinds.\n\nThe department has two splendid facilities.  Located on the university’s central Lawn, Old Cabell Hall houses one of the finest historic auditoriums in the United States along with rehearsal and practice spaces, classrooms, faculty offices, a digital music studio, and the largest music library in Virginia.  The spectacular Hunter Smith Band Building is located next to the Art and Drama departments on the university’s Arts Grounds and features state-of-the-art rehearsal and practice spaces for the department’s band program and more."
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