Once the rain clouds cleared last Thursday evening, the Barretones took the stage at Lake Anne Plaza to kick off the annual Take a Break concert series. Children and adults alike danced and bobbed their heads along to relaxing and upbeat Bluegrass tunes, showcasing vocal harmonies and a variety of instruments including a banjo, bass, and mandolin. Members of the crowd sat in lawn chairs, stood on the pier overlooking Lake Anne, ate dinner on the patios of surrounding restaurants, or simply enjoyed the music while passing by on evening strolls.

Free outdoor concerts are held every Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. through Aug. 28. These concerts are sponsored by the Reston Community Center.

This concert series features diverse artists playing genres ranging from bluegrass to jazz to retro rat pack. While many of these artists are local performers, some have international acclaim like bebop jazz performer Chris Vadala who has won two Grammys, two Emmys, and one Golden Globe Award. The Chris Vadala Quartet will be playing at Lake Anne Plaza this Thursday night, June 19.